Bayerisches Staatsballett's director has support in dispute with MacKay - Tanz magazine

Bayerische Staatsballett's artistic director seems to have some support from company dancers in the ongoing dispute with Julian MacKay, the German Tanzzeitschrift magazine said on 19th July 2026.

The Munich, Germany,-based company announced on 13th July that MacKay, then a Principal Dancer, would leave the company with immediate effect. American MacKay said he would take legal action two days later.

Tanz said in its Instagram post;

"The Bavarian State Ballet concludes its season today with the program "Waves and Circles," which we reviewed in April. The situation is different, however, regarding the dispute between the management and Principal dancer Julian MacKay—whose contract was terminated—as he has announced plans to take legal action. Seems as though on the other side there is also support for the ballet director even from other principals. Perhaps the summer break will take some of the pressure off the situation."

Bayerisches Staatsballett's Ballet Director is Laurent Hilaire. He has not made a standalone comment on the matter publicly.