Going abroad.

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Sascha Radetsky, one of American Ballet Theatre's audience favorites, is headed to the Dutch National Ballet as a principal dancer. Born in California, Radetsky studied at the schools of the Bolshoi, Kirov, New York City Ballet, and ABT. His training is reflected in his precise technique, which features lofty ballon and dazzling turns. A film role in Center Stage earned him heartthrob status, which his striking looks and buff physique have done nothing to diminish. Reflecting on his move, he said, "I was with ABT for almost 13 years, and although I thoroughly enjoyed my time in that unique and wonderful company, I felt it was time to challenge myself in new ways." He says, "It is certainly a bittersweet departure, bur I'm looking forward to this exciting European adventure."

Radetsky deftly handled both romantic ballets and contemporary work, notably in Rabbit and Rogue (as Rabbit), Twyla Tharp's recent premiere for ABT, where he was a soloist. At DNB he will learn traditional, neoclassical, and contemporary repertory, including Balanchine, Robbins, Tharp, and renowned European choreographers. "They commission several new ballets each year, always encouraging the evolution of the art form," he said. "I'm excited to take on different types of movement, and I'm especially eager to tackle some of the quintessential male classical roles." He will spend the majority of the year in Holland and when not guesting elsewhere, will be in New York. He said his wife, ABT soloist Stella Abrera, "completely supports this decision, and thankfully, our schedules will permit us to spend a considerable amount of time together." But the rest of New York will miss Radetsky's sparkling presence.