10 things to know about Jorma Elo

6. Elo’s choreography is known for taking the constructs of classical ballet and carefully, but courageously, deconstructing them for his unique style of movement, which emphasizes the dynamics of dance and athleticism.

7. Elo and Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen first met in ballet class at the Finnish National Ballet School around the ages of 12 and 13.

8. In 2015, he was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland for his artistic contributions, one of the country’s highest honors.

9. At 15, the same age he started taking ballet classes regularly, Elo first saw Herbert Ross’ film, The Turning Point, which became a driver for his obsession with dance.

10. Many of Elo’s ballets have legacies so poignant that his works are often revived and reconstructed, sometimes 10–15 years after their premiere, which provides a unique opportunity to evolve his work for new generations of dancers. Most recently, Elo’s Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring) returned to the stage for the first time since 2009 in March 2026.