Nibbles and Bits

Frank Andersen, artistic director of the Royal Swedish Ballet, has announced that he will not renew his contract when it expires on June 30, but the move will not affect the troupe’s scheduled engagement June 15-20 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa.

Andersen, who could not be reached for comment, didn’t explain in a prepared statement why he would be leaving the troupe, which he joined four years ago after a nine-year stint heading the Royal Danish Ballet. The statement noted that he would be staging Danish choreographer August Bournonville’s 19th century ballets in 1999-2000 in China, Japan and Denmark.

The Royal Swedish Ballet will perform “Swan Lake” and mixed repertory during their local performance, part of the full company’s first American tour in 25 years.

Compiled by Ken Williams