Of crores of rupees (hundreds of thousands of pounds) being spent on wedding dancers alone.
Wild Beasts Smother "I discovered Wild Beasts on their second record, Two Dancers, but was completely absorbed in it for months.
He revitalised its repertory, with new works by himself and others; he encouraged a brilliant generation of dancers.
In 20 years' time, dancers may well find themselves explaining that the incredible Pina Bausch London 2012 season was what got them started.
Behind the scenes, the company was forging ahead: Antony Tudor continued as the most significant choreographer, Agnes de Mille and Jerome Robbins made some of the defining works of ballet Americana (Fall River Legend, Fancy Free), George Balanchine created his masterly Theme and Variations, and a generation of American-trained dancers, notably Nora Kaye and Alicia Alonso, emerged.
But in an open letter, published on the school's website, staff have criticised Gergiev's management of the ballet and pointed out that, although more than 130 of its students have been accepted as dancers by the company, the star shortage is created by the Mariinsky itself.
Yet while ABT must be congratulating themselves on the prime showcase they have acquired for their smart dancers, one gloriously gossip-worthy consequence of putting a trio of megastar choreographers in the same show has been the necessary juggling of three mega egos.
Often, actors and dancers aren't aware of what those habits are.
Even the Folies Bergere's burlesque dancers went on strike in Paris during the May 68 whirlwind.
It kicks off in at 2am on New Year's Day, seeing in the first light with a colourful (and very loud) parade, featuring dancers peacocking about in elaborate costumes, moving to the rhythm of goatskin drums, cowbells and whistles.
Maillot's personal drive, in tandem with the princess's support, has made Monaco an exceptional home for dancers, as well as a destination for audiences, who come from as far as Marseilles and Milan.
