This petition is from The Metropolitan Opera Dance Department and includes members of the chorus, administration and directorship roles; it is written as an expression of solidarity after the recent and sudden offer of Joseph Fritz's suggested retirement.

We are proud of the Met's heritage of sustaining dance as an integral part of the great opera productions. No other opera house has the caliber of our in-house dance company as does the Metropolitan Opera, and it happened by the lineage of strong leaders throughout the years.

The suggestion of early retirement and departure of our long-standing leader, Joe Fritz, comes with great shock and disappointment. The departure of a leader who has the understanding of the workings of the house needs to be taken with great seriousness. Joe's ability to guide and communicate with stage hands, directors, chorus and musicians in a calm and even-tempered manner is a pivotal piece of the production puzzle. He is integral in both the rehearsal and performance process. The departure of this director is the loss of knowledge of choreography, personnel, union challenges, and structure.

In these times of financial uncertainty we need the vast experience and integrity that he brings to the entire Metropolitan Opera organization. Anything less creates a waste of time and resource/money by its lack of efficiency.

Because we cannot imagine the catastrophe of Joe's absence, we petition for Joe to remain in the position as long as he wishes, and that his position in the house be preserved.