"You know you have to work harder; a lot more is left up to you, and it's more challenging. It makes you want to be better, since you feel a certain amount of trust is being put in you."
Mydtskov also remarked that Frank Andersen, the Royal Danish Ballet's artistic director since 1985, seems to be giving the current crop of dancers more freedom, trying to ensure their contentment so they will be less eager to depart.
In the case of Alexander Kolpin, the 22-year-old Danish dancer who has emerged along with Hubbe as an exceptionally talented and personable performer, Andersen has encouraged and facilitated outside engagements.
Kolpin, who also makes his debut as Gennaro in "Napoli" this month, is making several guest appearances with the Basel Ballet, and in March he will perform leading roles in "Etudes" and "Napoli" with the Boston Ballet.
Even those in self-imposed exile acknowledge their fondness for the Royal Danish Ballet and admiration for its stature.
"It's a wonderful company, a wonderful place to grow up, and I'm very thankful that I was there," remarks Christensen. And Peter Bo Bendixen, 22, now in his second season with John Neumeier's Hamburg Ballet after being featured in many Bournonville parts as well as the title role of the 1985 "Hamlet" that Neumeier set on the Danes, says it has always been his intention to return to Copenhagen:
"I love the company, but I feel it's very important for everyone to go out and try other things--and then bring something valuable back home."
