Stiefel bringing pals to Pacifica

When Ethan Stiefel takes over as artistic director of Irvine-based Ballet Pacifica in September, the American Ballet Theatre principal dancer will bring along some colleagues. Former ABT soloist John Gardner will serve as artistic associate, while his wife, ABT principal dancer Amanda McKerrow, will be ballet mistress, the company has announced.

Meanwhile, Gillian Finley, the director of the company-affiliated Ballet Conservatory, who has been serving as acting director of the company, has been notified that her position will be terminated at the end of August.