In anticipation of Boston Ballet’s upcoming production of John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet, we took a moment with principal Kathleen Breen Combes to learn about her relationship with husband, and fellow Boston Ballet principal dancer, Yury Yanowsky.
Boston Ballet: How did you and Yury first meet?
Kathleen Breen Combes: Well... we first met when I was 12 (and Yury was a bit older). He had just won the silver medal in Jackson and I asked to take a picture with him! I always joke he knew from then that I was the one and he waited for me! But, we really met here at Boston Ballet in 2003.
How has your relationship developed over the years?
All relationships grow and develop, Ours certainly has! Each year keeps getting better.
What do you two like to do together? Favorite date spots?
Well, we pretty much do everything together! But when we are outside of work we are real homebodies. We watch movies with our 2 dogs. But we also love to go out to eat with friends and try new restaurants.
How did Yury propose?
It was during the run of The Nutcracker, right before Christmas, on one of our Mondays off. I had been Christmas shopping all day and as soon as I walked in the door he proposed!
Tell us about your wedding!
We got married on the island Lanzarote in the Canary Islands in Spain. We had gone on vacation there 3 years before we got married and fell in love with it. We always hypothetically talked about getting married there, so when the time came it was our first choice! We had about 100 people, it was amazing so many people came so far for us! We were so happy. It was the best day for us. I couldn't have hoped or dreamed for more!
What was your first dance song at your wedding?
Dave Mathews "You and Me"
What are some of the memorable times you have performed together?
We've gotten to dance quite a bit together. Jorma Elo’s Carmen was a blast. It was my first really big role and getting to dance with Yury was amazing. I think George Balanchine’s Diamonds was really the most special for us. We had just gotten engaged and had one of those rare great onstage performances where everything just felt right.
How is rehearsing and performing with Yury different than with other partners?
Rehearsals can be tough! There isn't that wall of "oh I shouldn't say that" - we know each other too well! But performing is fantastic, there is trust, chemistry and love.
What does the story of Romeo and Juliet mean to you?
Its such an amazing love story and although it's tragic, its beautiful. Love is such a strong emotion and everyone can relate to it. Getting to dance Juliet is a dream, I look forward to rehearsing it every day because there are so many levels of emotions and so many different ways to portray them.
What is the craziest thing you have ever done for love?
Believe in it!
Learn more about Kathleen Breen Combes and Yury Yanowsky in their profile videos.
Kathleen Breen Combes and Yury Yanowsky in Carmen/Illusions by Rosalie O'Connor. Party photo by Eric Antoniou.
