Many threads focus on things that are wrong with the current state of the ballet world in fundraising, marketing, executive management... <P>I know there are many success stories out there too, which would make great platforms for discussion. Could people share successes, however small or large, that they have witnessed?<P>Examples - the rise of SFB over the last 10 years, small cities that have thriving companies (like Winnipeg), why Houston and NYCB are the only companies that have managed to build sizeable endowments, how Darcey and Sylvie have become household names in Europe and sell out houses. <P>Please share any ideas you have!<p>[This message has been edited by gigi (edited April 10, 2002).]

This is a great topic.<P>I think SFB as a success strory is excellent. It was a matter of the Board deciding they wanted a world class company and then putting the right people in place to make that happen, and then stepping back and letting the pros do their job while offering the fund-raising support necessary.<P>I think every great success story has a great Board of Directors/Trustees behind it.

Many thanks gigi for this idea. Having discussed it with a couple of colleagues, we think it would be better placed in our "Managing Dance" forum with a clear signpost from "Issues". <P>Hope this is OK with you.<p>[This message has been edited by Stuart Sweeney (edited April 10, 2002).]