InterContinental Boston and world-renowned Boston Ballet present for the first time never before seen photography by Boston Ballet soloist, Sabi Varga. Opening today, this exhibit entitled From the Wings features 17 images through the lens of Varga and captures unique dance moments from behind the scenes at Boston Ballet. In addition, select contemporary and traditional costumes will also be featured as part of the exhibit. InterContinental Boston is offering a ‘Behind the Scenes’ Boston Ballet package starting from only $379.00 that includes an exclusive tour of Boston Ballet’s state-of-the-art home in Boston’s South End that includes Boston Ballet’s rehearsal and training studios in addition to the Company’s extensive and magical costume shop. The exhibit will be on display at InterContinental Boston through May 2010.
Boston Ballet is one of the major ballet companies in the world maintaining an internationally renowned repertoire of classical, neo-classical and contemporary works. Stunning scenery, dazzling costumes and talented, acclaimed artists are all a part of what makes this dance company extraordinary. Photographer and Boston Ballet soloist Sabi Varga received his training at the Hungarian Dance Academy in Budapest, Hungary and was named “Best Young Dancer” at the International Rudolf Nureyev Competition in 1997. He joined Boston Ballet in 2002 as a member of the corps de ballet and was promoted to second soloist in 2004 then to soloist in 2006. Sabi honed his love of photography through his appreciation for the art form of dance. Through his eye and lens, Varga’s beautiful photography captures the many facets of Boston Ballet - from classical story ballets to modern masterpieces, and refined stage presence to quiet moments backstage.
“As a leading new contemporary hotel on Boston’s burgeoning waterfront, we are committed supporters of the arts and are thrilled to partner with Boston Ballet as this world-class dance company continues to present edgier and more modern performances,” says Tim Kirwan, general manager, InterContinental Boston. “The From the Wings exhibit brings an artistic dance and photography element to our expansive lobby showcasing not only the extraordinary photos by soloist Sabi Varga, but also Boston Ballet’s impressive dance repertoire.”
InterContinental Boston, a 424-room Four-Diamond luxury hotel which opened in November 200,6 is among the newest hotels located on Boston’s glistening waterfront. Since opening, the hotel has been committed to the arts and has hosted a variety of shows such as New England’s first-ever exhibit featuring sculptures, sketches, lithographs and bas reliefs by Academy Award-winning actor Anthony Quinn; an exhibit of works by internationally renowned Murano, Italy glass blowing Maestro Afro Celotto, and a photography/nautical exhibit featuring images by renowned sailing photographer Onne van der Wal whose photos have graced the cover of nearly every sailing publication around the globe.
The photos featured in the From the Wings exhibit capture Varga’s artistic perspective of Boston Ballet’s diverse repertoire such as the modern Jiří Kylián’s Black and White and George Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments both to be performed by the Company in May 2010, as well as classics of Boston Ballet’s repertoire such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Varga’s unique backstage and rehearsal imagery is also included. Costumes from Black and White and Coppélia, performances to be presented April 2010, will also be displayed as part of the exhibit.
“I am thrilled to showcase the many faces of Boston Ballet’s work on stage through this ground-breaking exhibition at the InterContinental Boston,” said Boston Ballet’s Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. “Sabi’s photography highlights the depth and range of Boston Ballet’s repertoire by capturing unique stage shots and intimate backstage moments. His work presents the grand theatre experience and deeply personal nature of Boston Ballet’s artistry.”
‘Behind the Scenes’ Boston Ballet Package
To celebrate the From the Wings exhibit, InterContinental Boston is offering a package that includes an exclusive private tour of Boston Ballet’s Sound End studios allowing guests to see first-hand what goes on behind the scenes of a world famous dance company. The package includes:
• Deluxe accommodations at the InterContinental Boston
• Private tour of Boston Ballet studios
• A signed Boston Ballet poster by Boston Ballet soloist Sabi Varga
• $50 gift certificate to Boston Ballet to be used towards the purchase of tickets, Boston Ballet School classes, merchandise or a charitable donation OR a 25-minute “Barefoot en Provence” organic honey/lavender infused foot treatment at SPA InterContinental
• Overnight parking
• Late check-out (2 p.m.)
InterContinental Boston’s ‘Behind the Scenes’ package starts at $379.00 and is based on double occupancy and is subject to availability and will be available through May 2010. To book, call the InterContinental Boston directly at 877-747-BOSTON and mention ‘Ballet’. The package is also bookable via the GDS: Apollo/Galileo - IC34449, Sabre - IC27993, Worldspan - ICBOSHA and Amadeus - ICBOSICA.
InterContinental Boston’s Concierge can coordinate tickets for guests interested in adding a Boston Ballet performance to the package. Tickets are not included in the package price. Upcoming performances include The Nutcracker running from November 27 - December 27, 2009; Coppélia running from April 8 - 18, 2010; Ultimate Balanchine running from May 6 - 16, 2010; and Black and White running from May 20 - 30, 2010.
Boston Ballet’s 2009-2010 season is at the historic Boston Opera House, which has become home of the Company’s annual performance schedule. Located in the heart of Boston’s Theatre District, The Boston Opera House opened in 1928 and has hosted everything from extravagant vaudeville to broadways shows. A recent $30 million revitalization brought the venue to its original opulence and has cemented The Boston Opera House's place in the culture of Boston.
About Boston Ballet
Since 1963, Boston Ballet has been one of the leading dance companies in the world on stage, in the studio and in the community. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen and Executive Director Barry Hughson, the Company maintains an internationally acclaimed repertoire and the largest ballet school in North America, Boston Ballet School.
Boston Ballet maintains a repertoire of classical, neo-classical and contemporary works, ranging from full-length story ballets to new works by some of today's finest choreographers. Boston Ballet's second company, Boston Ballet II, is comprised of pre-professional dancers who gain experience by performing with the Company and independently, presenting lecture-demonstrations and special programs to audiences throughout the Northeast.
Boston Ballet School, the official school of Boston Ballet, has a long-standing dedication to excellence and access and reaches more than 10,000 students ages 2-adult each year through Boston Ballet School classes, Summer Dance Workshop, Summer Dance Program, Citydance, Taking Steps, and Adaptive Dance. The wide array of dance programs are held at four studio locations in Boston, Newton, Norwell and Marblehead, as well as community centers and in Boston Public Schools.
2009-2010 Season Tickets - Subscriptions and tickets for the 2009-2010 season and tickets for The Nutcracker are on sale now. All 2009-2010 tickets may be purchased through Boston Ballet by phone at 617.695.6955 or in person at the box office at 19 Clarendon Street, Boston, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm, Sat, 11am-6pm (Sat hours Sept-May only), and performance days only on Sun, 11am-4pm (or 6pm for Nutcracker) . Subscriptions and all tickets will be available for sales online 24 hours a day at www.bostonballet.org. Prices for season ballets start at $25. Prices for The Nutcracker start at $35. Discounted group tickets (10 or more for season ballets and 20 or more for The Nutcracker) are available by calling Boston Ballet’s Group Sales at 617.456.6343. Contact the Boston Ballet Box Office at 617.695.6955 or visit www.bostonballet.org for details.
About the InterContinental Boston
InterContinental Boston, which opened in November 2006, is located on Boston’s historic waterfront in the heart of the city’s financial district and just ten minutes from Logan International Airport. This AAA Four Diamond luxury 424-room hotel is the first InterContinental hotel in Boston (and New England) and offers SPA InterContinental, a 6,600 sq. ft. spa and health club with indoor pool, signature restaurant – Miel “Brasserie Provençale,” a Provence-inspired brasserie; Sushi-Teq, a sushi and tequila bar with salsa dancing and RumBa, a rum and champagne bar. The hotel also offers 32,000 sq. ft. of meeting/function space, including the largest ballroom in downtown Boston. InterContinental Boston has been named one of ten “Best New Business Hotels of 2006” by Forbes.com, voted Best of Boston 2007 as “Best New Hotel” by Boston Magazine and was voted among the “2008 Best Business Hotels” in the world by Fortune and Wallpaper magazines. For more information on the hotel, visit www.intercontinentalboston.com and for reservations call 877-747-BOSTON.