While ballet companies around the world are gently winding down the 2025/26 season, on Monday morning the Bayerisches Staatsballett dropped what can only be called a bombshell on balletomanes everywhere. On 13 July the theatre published the following post on its official Instagram: "Julian MacKay and the Bayerisches Staatsballett are parting ways with immediate effect. The Principal Dancer is leaving the Munich company today, 13 July 2026. We would like to thank Mr. MacKay

On April 17, 2026, the Paris Opera announced the death of Jacqueline Rayet, one of the most brilliant and versatile stars of French ballet of the second half of the 20th century. She died at the age of 93.