Sacrifice, Devotion, Power…and Ballet

Dancing with Shadows is the newest season of Legacy from Stak, taking an exclusive peak behind the curtain of the greatest dance company in history: New York City Ballet.

In the heart of New York, there lies a portal to another world. The iconic Lincoln Center is home to one of the world’s most prestigious dance companies – the New York City Ballet.

Cut to the other side of the world. In her family home in Galway, Ireland, journalist Nicky Anderson sits beside her mother, reminiscing about her younger years – twirling around in a frilly tutu, her five-year-old feet carrying only one dream: to be a ballerina.

For Nicky, a childhood love for ballet has become a lifelong fascination. But behind the beauty of the New York City Ballet lies a more complicated truth…

Dancing with Shadows, investigates the complicated history and culture of the New York City Ballet from behind the curtain. Throughout its 76-year history, the company has faced allegations of misuse of power, a major lawsuit, and an investigation into sexual, physical, and verbal assault by a former Ballet Master in Chief – scandals that have cast long shadows over its legacy.

This seven-part series is an insider account featuring firsthand stories from some of the most celebrated American dancers of all time, including Allegra Kent, Edward Villella, and an exclusive interview with former principal dancer, Chase Finlay. Their testimonies unveil what it truly takes to perform at the highest level – both on and off the stage.

We caught up with journalist and producer of the series Nicky Anderson, to get a deeper look into the making of the podcast and the incredible story behind it.

Nicky Anderson – journalist and producer of Dancing with Shadows

Hi Nicky! So firstly, what inspired you to explore this story of the New York City Ballet?

Having danced from a young age, I was always fascinated by how ballet companies operated and what life inside them was like. As I grew older and read more about New York City Ballet, I realised that many people’s experiences were vastly different from what I had imagined as a child. This contrast deepened my curiosity and made me want to explore this remarkable and complex institution further.

And why do you believe this story is particularly relevant today?

Unfortunately, we’re in a time where the misuse of power is always relevant. Ballet, too, remains deeply underreported. As athletes performing an art form, dancers exist in a space where coverage often blurs the lines, leaving many of their stories untold.

Can you share a favourite moment from the podcast-making process?

I think my favourite moment was meeting the legendary dancers Allegra Kent and Edward Villella – listening to them reminisce about each other while surrounded by photos of their younger selves. It was truly special.

As a longtime ballet lover, this podcast is deeply personal to you. How has working on this project shaped your perspective on ballet, and what changes or developments do you hope to see in its future?

After writing the final episode of this podcast, I returned to my first ballet class in seven years. It brought back so many memories and deepened my appreciation for the art form. More importantly, it reinforced how these conversations can drive meaningful change in the industry.

As a journalist, having the opportunity to share something I love with a wider audience – while holding power to account and pushing for progress – has been the journey of a lifetime.

Stak asked New York City Ballet for the right to reply, detailing the allegations that have arisen throughout the documentary. The response can be found here.

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