Job cuts
The first savings measures are appearing. Former artistic director Gil Roman’s secretary was fired. The position of infrastructure director will be eliminated. The dance instructor and pianist lose their jobs, but will continue to work for the company upon request.
Giancarlo Sergi admits to job cuts: “It’s about making sure we have resources that match the company’s needs.” Béjart Ballet Lausanne no longer has a private sponsor. EFG Bank withdrew in 2022 and no new contracts have been signed, although the director says steps are underway.
The 2021 affair leaves its mark
Last February, artistic director Gil Roman was fired for an “inappropriate and intolerable” incident at the Paris Opera. In May 2021, the foundation board announced that it had fired Michel Gascard, the long-time director of the Rudra Béjart School-Atelier, and his wife, Valérie Lacaze. In October of the same year, an audit revealed “a series of dysfunctions in human resources and communication.”
Following this audit, several sponsors left Béjart Ballet Lausanne. Experts had recommended salary increases for dancers. On their advice, positions of general manager and human resources manager were created. The charges then increased by around 600,000 francs. Everything indicates that revenues have declined in recent years. International tours were fewer and less well paid.
