CLEVELAND, Ohio– Michael Krasnyansky, president and CEO of Cleveland Ballet, has resigned just one week after the organization’s Board of Directors commissioned an independent investigation into “serious workplace allegations” at the non-profit dance company.
The board had suspended Krasnyansky and his wife, Artistic Director Gladisa Guadalupe, pending results of the investigation.
Neither the board nor the ballet company has specified the nature of the allegations.
When reached by phone Krasnyansky said: “I will have no comments.”
The board issued a statement late Tuesday saying it will “fix anything that emerges from the independent investigation that diminishes our unwavering commitment to maintain a safe, productive, diverse, inclusive, professional, collegial, and secure work environment for all our artists and staff.”
As the investigation continues, Howard Bender – formerly vice president of development — is serving as interim president and CEO. A native Clevelander, Bender is experienced in classical music and performing arts management. He has been an operatic tenor on four continents, including four seasons at the Metropolitan Opera, and recently served as executive director of Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra.
Meanwhile, Cynthia Graham – formerly director of repertoire — is serving in the role of interim artistic director. Northeast Ohio audiences have seen Graham dancing principal roles with the previous iteration of the Cleveland Ballet. She has been a guest instructor at schools and ballet companies here and throughout Ohio, Texas, Georgia, Pennsylvania and New York.
She will work with the artistic and administrative staff to continue rehearsals and final preparations for “The Nutcracker.” The performance is scheduled for 11 shows at Connor Palace at Playhouse Square Dec. 14-23.