Cincinnati Ballet issued a terse statement today from the board of trustees that Jodie Gates, the company’s new artistic director as well as the artistic director of the Otto M. Budig Academy, has departed “to pursue other opportunities.” It is Cincinnati Ballet’s 60th anniversary season.

The Board has appointed rehearsal director Cervilio Miguel Amador as interim artistic director. Amador was previously a Cincinnati Ballet principal dancer who retired during the 2019-2020 Season after 16 years as a company artist. (He is seen above in Balanchine’s “Prodigal Son.” Photo by Peter Mueller.)

“It has been an honor to program the 60th Anniversary Season and I am proud of the work we have done together to ensure the artistic growth of the Company and the Academy,” said Jodie Gates, in a statement. “However, at this time I wish to focus on choreographic projects, staging, and teaching. I sincerely thank the Board of Trustees, the artistic and administrative staff, the patrons, and the extraordinary dancers for an enriching experience.”

Gates began her tenure on Aug. 1, 2022 — about 13 months ago. She succeeded Victoria Morgan, who held the position for 25 years. This anniversary season was to have been Gates’ first fully programmed season, a celebratory one that would have her personal stamp of new choreography and a new vision. But reportedly, she was absent on opening night of the “More Room to Play” — Kaplan New Works Festival without explanation to the public.

Board of Trustees Chair Joel Stone said it was a mutual decision.

“This mutual decision ensures that Cincinnati Ballet can continue its mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through world-class performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and engagement, as well as allow Jodie to pursue other professional opportunities,” said Stone, in a statement. “The entire Board of Trustees is grateful for Jodie’s artistic impact on the 2023-2024 Season and wish her the best in her future endeavors.”

In terms of a search for a new artistic director, the Board of Trustees said that the company will take some time to evaluate what is best for all Cincinnati Ballet stakeholders, and then make an informed decision on how to proceed long term.

The current leadership team includes interim artistic director Cervilio Miguel Amador, rehearsal director Dale Shields, and rehearsal director and second company –CB2 Director Yoshihisa Arai.

The season will continue as planned, the release said.