Vika Kapitonova & Lasha Khozashvili in green leotards image taken at the Cyclorama. Photo by Brooke Trisolini

Behind the Scenes

Chyrstyn Fentroy in a cream dress taken at the Cyclorama by Rachel Neville Photography

Behind the Scenes

Dancer Insight: Mallory Mehaffey on Balanchine's Serenade

Get an inside look at George Balanchine's Serenade​

Dancer Insight: Mallory Mehaffey on Balanchine's Serenade

George Balanchine's Serenade was the first ballet he created in America and as such, is a milestone in the history of dance. Hear from Artist Mallory Mehaffey on her favorite moments of the ballet, plus discover what makes Serenade so special for both the dancers and audience.

Video by Ernesto Galan


Mallory Mehaffey's position funded by an anonymous donor

George Balanchine's Serenade was the first ballet he created in America and as such, is a milestone in the history of dance. Hear from Artist Mallory Mehaffey on her favorite moments of the ballet, plus discover what makes Serenade so special for both the dancers and audience.

Video by Ernesto Galan


Mallory Mehaffey's position funded by an anonymous donor

Dancer Insight: Patrick Yocum on Artifact Suite

Get a dancer’s perspective on the exhilarating pas de deux in William Forsythe's Artifact Suite. 

Dancer Insight: Patrick Yocum on Artifact Suite

Go behind the scenes with Principal Dancer Patrick Yocum for an inside look at what it's like to perform the intricate and fast-paced pas de deux in William Forsythe's Artifact Suite—a prime example of the choreographer's signature style.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Go behind the scenes with Principal Dancer Patrick Yocum for an inside look at what it's like to perform the intricate and fast-paced pas de deux in William Forsythe's Artifact Suite—a prime example of the choreographer's signature style.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Spotlight: Helen Pickett's Petal

Get a first look at Helen Pickett's sensual and stunning choreography.

Spotlight: Helen Pickett's Petal

Inspired by the vibrant color and softness of a Gerbera daisy, Helen Pickett's Petal blooms with vitality.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Inspired by the vibrant color and softness of a Gerbera daisy, Helen Pickett's Petal blooms with vitality.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Dancer Insight: Lia Cirio on Jorma Elo's Carmen

Get a behind the scenes look as Principal Dancer Lia Cirio rehearses Jorma Elo’s reimagined Carmen. 

Dancer Insight: Lia Cirio on Jorma Elo's Carmen

Principal Dancer Lia Cirio originated the role of Mikaela in Jorma Elo's Carmen when it premiered in 2006. Now, she shares her what it's like to learn the fiery role of Carmen for the first time.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Principal Dancer Lia Cirio originated the role of Mikaela in Jorma Elo's Carmen when it premiered in 2006. Now, she shares her what it's like to learn the fiery role of Carmen for the first time.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Dancer Insight: Mallory Mehaffey on Serenade

Go behind the scenes of George Balanchine's most seminal and celebrated work. 

Dancer Insight: Mallory Mehaffey on Serenade

Strong female energy takes center stage in Serenade, the first ballet George Balanchine created after founding the School of American Ballet. Step into the studio with Artist Mallory Mehaffey and discover why she considers the corps roles to be a true honor and gift to perform.   

Video by Ernesto Galan

Strong female energy takes center stage in Serenade, the first ballet George Balanchine created after founding the School of American Ballet. Step into the studio with Artist Mallory Mehaffey and discover why she considers the corps roles to be a true honor and gift to perform.   

Video by Ernesto Galan

Inside Look: Helen Pickett on Petal and Tsukiyo

Discover the role of Boston Ballet in Helen Pickett’s artistic journey.

Inside Look: Helen Pickett on Petal and Tsukiyo

Take a peek into rehearsals with Helen Pickett, who got her choreographic start at Boston Ballet nearly 15 years ago. Now her sensual Tsukiyo returns to the stage where it premiered and her breathtaking Petal comes to Boston for the first time. 

Video by Ernesto Galan

Take a peek into rehearsals with Helen Pickett, who got her choreographic start at Boston Ballet nearly 15 years ago. Now her sensual Tsukiyo returns to the stage where it premiered and her breathtaking Petal comes to Boston for the first time. 

Video by Ernesto Galan

Behind the Scenes

Get to know Brandon Stirling Baker, Lighting Director

Brandon Stirling Baker is an acclaimed lighting designer who has worked for ballet, opera, and theatre companies around the world.

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Behind the Scenes

Get to Know Helen Pickett

Helen Pickett has been professionally choreographing for 14 years. She also has strong ties to Boston Ballet, where she got her choreographic start.

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Behind the Scenes

Transforming the Narrative of Carmen

Follow the trajectory of Carmen throughout the centuries, and discover how Resident Choreographer Jorma Elo devised his rendition for Boston Ballet.

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Behind the Scenes

Who Is Jorma Elo

Get to know Boston Ballet’s resident choreographer, Jorma Elo.

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Behind the Scenes

32 Fouettés, 32 Thoughts

Swan Lake is known for its soaring score, spellbinding story, captivating costumes, and one of the most infamous moments in ballet—32 breathtaking fouettés.  

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Behind the Scenes

The Story of Swan Lake

Explore the story of Swan Lake, a dark and mystical tale of enchantment, deception, and the power of true love.

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Behind the Scenes

10 Things to Know About Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake

Discover the hidden details behind Mikko Nissinen’s riveting production of Swan Lake.

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Behind the Scenes

Updating The Nutcracker and Swan Lake for Boston Audiences

Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen shares his process behind updating two beloved ballets.

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Behind the Scenes

Get to Know Stephen Galloway

Stephen Galloway: Dancer. Costume Designer. Creative Movement Director…and now Choreographer for Boston Ballet.

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Behind the Scenes

Who is Jiří Kylián?

Get to know Jiří Kylián, the man behind several audience favorites including Bella Figura, Petite Mort, and Wings of Wax.

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Behind the Scenes

A Balancing Act: Boston Ballet Dancers on Being Mothers

Company dancers Ashley Ellis, Viktorina Kapitonova, and Ekaterine Chubinidze share how they balance motherhood and professional dance careers.

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Behind the Scenes

Making of a World Premiere: Costumes that Rock

Go behind the scenes as Stephen Galloway collaborates with Boston Ballet’s Costume Shop on fashion-forward designs for his rocking world premiere.

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Behind the Scenes

How Forsythe Started a rEVOLUTION

Dive into the historical significance of William Forsythe’s electrifying global sensation In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated.

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Behind the Scenes

Balanchine’s rEVOLUTIONary Modernism

Explore the unprecedented impact of George Balanchine’s Agon on the world of dance.

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Behind the Scenes

Celebrating the Legacy of Jerome Robbins

Assistant Artistic Director Russell Kaiser reflects on working with Jerome Robbins and performing his Glass Pieces with New York City Ballet.

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Behind the Scenes

Inside Look: The Making of a Tutu

Light, beautiful, and wonderfully ethereal, the tutu is a timeless symbol of classical ballet that has evolved over the years but remains an integral part of the art form.

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Behind the Scenes

Read the full story: The Nutcracker

It is Christmas Eve in a small town in Germany, in the 1820s. In the town square, the mysterious Drosselmeier presents a performance in his Children’s Theatre and then hurries off to the Silberhaus’ Christmas party with his gifts.

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Behind the Scenes

The Rich Legacy of Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Uncover the chronicles of Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition that has captured the hearts of audiences for over five decades.

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Behind the Scenes

Time to Shine: Dancer Debuts in The Nutcracker

Company dancers Tigran Mkrtchyan, Chisako Oga, and Lily Price share their debut experiences in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker.

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Behind the Scenes

Holiday Traditions with The Nutcracker

Audience members share how they celebrate the holiday season with The Nutcracker.

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Behind the Scenes

Ten Things to Know about Mikko Nissinen's The Nutcracker

How well do you know Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker? Get the inside scoop on New England’s most beloved holiday tradition.

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Behind the Scenes

The Making of Mother Ginger

From studio to stage, bringing Mother Ginger to life is a feat as large as her skirt.

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Behind the Scenes

Empowering Women through the ChoreograpHER Initiative

Six female Company dancers are sharing stories and having their voices heard by creating new works for BB@home: ChoreograpHER

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Behind the Scenes

Giselle Synopsis

This is the story of Giselle, a lovely peasant girl with a weak heart and a passion for dancing. 

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Behind the Scenes

Larissa Ponomarenko’s Journey with Giselle

Larissa Ponomarenko reflects on her relationship with Giselle, from dancing the iconic role to staging it for Boston Ballet.

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Behind the Scenes

History of Boston Ballet’s Giselle

Discover the enduring legacy of Boston Ballet’s Giselle, one of the most beloved cornerstones of classical ballet.

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Behind the Scenes

The Captivating Costumes of Giselle

Go behind the scenes of the Costume Shop and Wardrobe department to learn more about the hauntingly beautiful costumes of Giselle.

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Behind the Scenes

Balanchine and Boston Ballet—a lasting legacy

George Balanchine, "father of American ballet," has been with Boston Ballet every (en pointe) step of the way. From birth to today, his mark is indelible.

 
 

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Behind the Scenes

10 Things to Know About Christopher Wheeldon

Meet the creative mind behind some of today’s most exciting ballets and Broadway shows, and even the Olympic Games. 

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Behind the Scenes

Who is Jerome Robbins?

Get to know this extraordinarily prolific creator, whose work crisscrossed the realms of ballet, Broadway, film, and television.

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Behind the Scenes

Who is William Forsythe?

William Forsythe’s influence extends far beyond the dance realm. Here are 10 things to know about the world-renowned choreographer.


 

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Behind the Scenes

Artist and Athlete: The Health and Wellness of Dancers

Discover what it takes physically and mentally for dancers to thrive as both artists and athletes.

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Behind the Scenes

Becoming The Nutcracker Bear

Go behind the scenes and get your paws on the secrets behind Boston’s most beloved Bear.

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Behind the Scenes

New Company Artist Patric Palkens’ Holiday Homecoming

New England native Patric Palkens tells us about his first Nutcracker experience and what you can expect from him this holiday season.

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Behind the Scenes

What to Listen For: Genius at Play

Get your toes tapping to the tunes of Genius at Play and explore the music Jerome Robbins selected for Fancy Free, Interplay, and Glass Pieces.

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Behind the Scenes

Hit Play: The Music and Movement of Blake Works I

Four Company dancers share what it’s like to dance to the unique soundtrack of Blake Works I and rehearse with Bill Forsythe.

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Behind the Scenes

Coppélia and The Nutcracker: Classical Ballet’s Dynamic Duo

From magical characters to high-spirited music, you’ll be surprised by how much these beloved ballets have in common.

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Behind the Scenes

Coppélia

A romantic comedy of foolish fantasies and mistaken identities.

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Behind the Scenes

Dressing the part: Costumes in Coppélia

Before the magic of Coppélia can unfold on stage, a bit of magic must happen in the Costume Shop.

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Behind the Scenes

The Kids of Coppélia

For Boston Ballet School students, performing in Coppélia alongside Company dancers is a dream-come-true experience.

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Behind the Scenes

Cinderella

A fairytale classic that sparkles with heart and humor.

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Behind the Scenes

Telling the Cinderella Story

The magical fairy tale we know and love has taken many forms around the world and across the ages.

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Behind the Scenes

Inside Look: Making Cinderella Sparkle

Take a peek inside the Costume Shop as the team works their fairy godmother magic on the costumes of Cinderella.

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Behind the Scenes

Switching Roles from Dancer to Choreographer

Principal Dancer Paulo Arrais shares his process behind creating his first work for the main stage.

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Behind the Scenes

Rhapsody: Music that Moves

With scores by composers from Gershwin to Tchaikovsky, Bellini to Debussy, find out how this music moves the stunning choreography of Rhapsody.

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Behind the Scenes

Who was Leonid Yakobson?

Discover the courageous choreographer whose revolutionary works just barely survived Soviet-era censorship.

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Behind the Scenes

Human Geologies

“For many years I’ve been fascinated by this particular goddess,” the composer Esa-Pekka Salonen says of Nyx, the eponymous inspiration for his symphonic poem.

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Behind the Scenes

Esa-Pekka Salonen: Meet the Obsidian Tear Composer

Get to know world-renowned composer Esa-Pekka Salonen whose powerful compositions, Lachen verlernt and Nyx, inspired Wayne McGregor’s newest ballet.

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Behind the Scenes

Obsidian Tear Outfitted

Obsidian Tear is the first ballet to be styled instead of costumed—ever.

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Behind the Scenes

What to listen for: Obsidian Tear

Dive into the music that brings Obsidian Tear to life with guest conductor Daniel Stewart and find out what to listen for when the curtain rises on this musically-rich program.

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Behind the Scenes

Romeo & Juliet

“In fair Verona, where we lay our scene…A pair of star-cross'd lovers…”

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Behind the Scenes

Deconstructing the Costumes in Romeo & Juliet

The costumes for Romeo & Juliet are as timeless as the tale...

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Behind the Scenes

Five Ways John Cranko’s Legacy Lives On

This celebrated choreographer quickly made a name for himself and left a lasting impression on the dance world during his relatively short career.

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Behind the Scenes

The Sleeping Beauty

King Florestan and his Queen have invited all the Fairies to the christening of the infant Princess Aurora.

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Behind the Scenes

A Conversation on Chaconne

Stager Diana White and Principal Dancer Patrick Yocum share what it’s like to be part of the great legacy of dancing Balanchine’s Chaconne. 

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Behind the Scenes

La Sylphide

A romantic tale of unattainable love set in the Scottish Highlands.

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Behind the Scenes

Who is Bournonville

August Bournonville’s charming and distinctive style is on full display in La Sylphide, this spring at the Boston Opera House.

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Behind the Scenes

Sorella Englund: Defining Character

The former soloist with the Royal Danish Ballet and expert on Bournonville ballets now teaches others how to bring characters to life in La Sylphide

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Behind the Scenes

Inside Look: The Sleeping Beauty’s nymph costumes

Creating The Sleeping Beauty’s woodland nymph costumes

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Behind the Scenes

Dancer Insight: Improvisation in Artifact

What’s it like to improvise throughout an entire ballet with up to 25 dancers following your lead? Find out from Soloist Rachele Buriassi. 

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Behind the Scenes

Dancer Insight: Working with William Forsythe

We got the inside scoop from Company dancers Misa Kuranaga and Patrick Yocum on what it is like to work with the renowned choreographer William Forsythe.

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Behind the Scenes

Top Ten Reasons to Subscribe

Get your tickets today for this vibrant season line up. Save money and unlock exclusive perks with a subscription.

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Behind the Scenes

ChoreograpHER at Boston Ballet School

We talked to Margaret Tracey, Director of Boston Ballet School, about the Choreographic Project.

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Behind the Scenes

Capturing the Essence of Ballet Students

Boston Ballet School is committed to inclusivity and promoting dance education for a wide range of students of all abilities.

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Behind the Scenes

Faculty Feature: Margaret Tracey

Get to know Margaret Tracey, Director of Boston Ballet School and former principal dancer with New York City Ballet.

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Behind the Scenes

The 1950s

As a young woman E. Virginia Williams faced limited opportunities in pursuing a dance career, she chose instead to focus on teaching and training dancers. 

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Behind the Scenes

The 1960s

The 1960's saw the birth of Boston's first professional ballet company.

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Behind the Scenes

The 1970s

Highlights of the 1970's included Margot Fonteyn, Natalia Makarova, touring with Rudolf Nureyev, a rock ballet, and The Sleeping Beauty.

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Behind the Scenes

The 1980s

Boston Ballet leapt onto the world stage in the 1980's with tours to across the globe, from China to London.

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Behind the Scenes

The 1990s

A historic Swan Lake, a new building, and the creation of the Citydance program were among the milestone moments of the 1990s.

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Behind the Scenes

The 2000s

Boston Ballet began the new millennium with new faces and even more new works. 

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Behind the Scenes

E. Virginia Williams: The Woman Who Started Boston Ballet

E. Virginia Williams founded Boston Ballet in 1963, making it the first professional ballet company in New England. Get to know the driven dreamer who started it all.

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Behind the Scenes

A Historic Debut in Paris

Boston Ballet received an overwhelming response from audiences and critics for their Paris debut in April 2019.

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Behind the Scenes

Bringing Ballet to Boston Calling

Boston Ballet dancer Sage Humphries shares her excitement about creating a new work for Boston Calling Music Festival.

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A Day in the Life: Corina Gill

Follow Second Soloist Corina Gill and see what it takes to train as a Boston Ballet dancer.

A Day in the Life: Corina Gill

Follow Second Soloist Corina Gill and see what it takes to train as a Boston Ballet dancer.
#SupportBB
Video by Ian Travis Bernard

Oct 25, 2015

Follow Second Soloist Corina Gill and see what it takes to train as a Boston Ballet dancer.
#SupportBB
Video by Ian Travis Bernard

On Stage: The Nutcracker

See the magic on stage and make memories with the ones you love

On Stage: The Nutcracker

An annual holiday tradition The Nutcracker captures the imagination and transports you to a world of magic.
Video by Ernesto Galan

An annual holiday tradition The Nutcracker captures the imagination and transports you to a world of magic.
Video by Ernesto Galan

Paulo Arrais

Meet Principal Dancer Paulo Arrais
 

Paulo Arrais

Boston Ballet Principal Dancer Paulo Arrais talks about what ballet and dancing in Boston means to him.
Video by Ernesto Galan
 

Boston Ballet Principal Dancer Paulo Arrais talks about what ballet and dancing in Boston means to him.
Video by Ernesto Galan
 

The 2017-2018 Season

A season of works by the world's most acclaimed choreographers past and present.  

The 2017-2018 Season

Thrill to works by the world's most acclaimed choreographers past and present.  
Video by: Ernesto Galan
(Footage courtesy of Boston Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet)

Thrill to works by the world's most acclaimed choreographers past and present.  
Video by: Ernesto Galan
(Footage courtesy of Boston Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet)

On stage: Kylián/Wings of Wax

“...visually provocative and outright entertaining.”

On stage: Kylián/Wings of Wax

The Improper Bostonian describes Kylián/Wings of Wax as “...visually provocative and outright entertaining.” Watch the trailer and see what all the buzz is about. Join us at the Boston Opera House, now through Apr 2. Video by Ernesto Galan

The Improper Bostonian describes Kylián/Wings of Wax as “...visually provocative and outright entertaining.” Watch the trailer and see what all the buzz is about. Join us at the Boston Opera House, now through Apr 2. Video by Ernesto Galan

On stage: Boston Ballet Presents Robbins/The Concert

Catch a glimpse of opening night 2017...

On stage: Boston Ballet Presents Robbins/The Concert

Watch this video to catch a glimpse of opening night of the 2016-2017 season finale Robbins/The Concert. 
Video by Ernesto Galan 

Watch this video to catch a glimpse of opening night of the 2016-2017 season finale Robbins/The Concert. 
Video by Ernesto Galan 

Onstage: Boston Ballet presents Parts In Suite

Watch the trailer for Parts In Suite. 

Onstage: Boston Ballet presents Parts In Suite

Watch the trailer for Boston Ballet’s Parts In Suite, featuring works by three lauded choreographers. Justin Peck’s In Creases brings intricate geometries to life on stage, William Forsythe’s Pas/Parts 2018 is an invention on boundless energy and non-stop dance, and Jorma Elo’s Bach Cello Suites is at once spacious and intimate.  

Video by Ernesto Galan

Watch the trailer for Boston Ballet’s Parts In Suite, featuring works by three lauded choreographers. Justin Peck’s In Creases brings intricate geometries to life on stage, William Forsythe’s Pas/Parts 2018 is an invention on boundless energy and non-stop dance, and Jorma Elo’s Bach Cello Suites is at once spacious and intimate.  

Video by Ernesto Galan

Onstage: Boston Ballet presents Cinderella

Watch the trailer for Cinderella. 

Onstage: Boston Ballet presents Cinderella

The timeless story of a young woman overcoming hardship (and a lost slipper) to find her true love is sure to set your heart soaring.

Video by Ernesto Galan 

The timeless story of a young woman overcoming hardship (and a lost slipper) to find her true love is sure to set your heart soaring.

Video by Ernesto Galan 

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents Classic Balanchine

Watch the trailer for Classic Balanchine, featuring three highlights of George Balanchine’s storied and prolific career. 

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents Classic Balanchine

Watch the trailer for Classic Balanchine, and explore George Balanchine’s enduring legacy with three distinct career highlights. Drawing inspiration from biblical stories (Prodigal Son) to his personal relationship with great composers (Stravinsky Violin Concerto) to ballet’s origins in opera (Chaconne), each of his ballets conjures a unique and riveting world.

Video by Ernesto Galan 

Watch the trailer for Classic Balanchine, and explore George Balanchine’s enduring legacy with three distinct career highlights. Drawing inspiration from biblical stories (Prodigal Son) to his personal relationship with great composers (Stravinsky Violin Concerto) to ballet’s origins in opera (Chaconne), each of his ballets conjures a unique and riveting world.

Video by Ernesto Galan 

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents La Sylphide

Watch an exciting preview of Bournonville’s La Sylphide paired with highlights from his best-loved works. 

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents La Sylphide

Get an exciting, on-stage preview of August Bournonville’s romantic masterpiece La Sylphide paired with Bournonville Divertissements, a series of highlights from the choreographer’s many beloved but rarely performed works.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Get an exciting, on-stage preview of August Bournonville’s romantic masterpiece La Sylphide paired with Bournonville Divertissements, a series of highlights from the choreographer’s many beloved but rarely performed works.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents Genius at Play

Watch the trailer for Genius at Play, celebrating 100 years of ballet and Broadway legend Jerome Robbins.

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents Genius at Play

Catch a thrilling on-stage preview of Genius at Play. This playful program celebrates the centennial of legendary ballet and Broadway choreographer Jerome Robbins with three of his greatest hits: Fancy Free, Interplay, and Glass Pieces.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Catch a thrilling on-stage preview of Genius at Play. This playful program celebrates the centennial of legendary ballet and Broadway choreographer Jerome Robbins with three of his greatest hits: Fancy Free, Interplay, and Glass Pieces.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Mischa Santora

Meet Music Director Mischa Santora

Mischa Santora

Get to know Music Director Mischa Santora and discover how together with Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen, he plans to further Boston Ballet’s commitment to live music.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Get to know Music Director Mischa Santora and discover how together with Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen, he plans to further Boston Ballet’s commitment to live music.

Video by Ernesto Galan

On stage: Full on Forsythe

Preview a daring and joyful program that fuses classic ballet and pop music, by the ever-inventive choreographer William Forsythe. 

On stage: Full on Forsythe

Full on Forsythe features the newest works by William Forsythe, widely considered one of the most important choreographers working today. Get an exciting, on-stage look at the event that will have everyone talking.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Full on Forsythe features the newest works by William Forsythe, widely considered one of the most important choreographers working today. Get an exciting, on-stage look at the event that will have everyone talking.

Video by Ernesto Galan