Boston Ballet - Behind the Scenes

Featured Performances

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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In the studio: William Forsythe's Pas/Parts 2018

Get an exclusive first look at Pas/Parts 2018

Spotlight: Jerome Robbins' Fancy Free

Get an exciting sneak peek at Fancy Free, and sail into the spirited tale of three young sailors on shore leave.

Enjoy a playful preview of Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free as three young, spirited sailors get ready to take shore leave in the city. Watch as they set sail on a rollicking adventure with just 24 hours to have some fun (and maybe get into a little trouble).

Video by Ernesto Galan

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents Fancy Free

Watch the trailer for Fancy Free.

Onstage: Boston Ballet presents Cinderella

Watch the trailer for Cinderella.

Dancer Insight: Chyrstyn Fentroy in Pas/Parts 2018

What does it take to achieve perfection in partnering?

Go behind the scenes with Second Soloist Chyrstyn Fentroy as she describes what it takes to prepare for Pas/Parts 2018. Watch her and Soloist Roddy Doble rehearse their intricate partnering in this complicated piece by choreographer William Forsythe.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Inside Look: Leonid Yakobson's Pas de Quatre

Yakobson biographer Janice Ross illuminates the history of the delicate and beautiful Pas de Quatre.

A conversation with the choreographer

William Forsythe talks through his creative process in the studio.

Dancer Insight: Paul Craig in Fancy Free

Discover why Principal Dancer Paul Craig finds Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free so much fun to dance.

Principal Dancer Paul Craig shares how much he enjoys performing Fancy Free, a carefree and high-spirited work centered around three young sailors on shore leave in New York City. See why Jerome Robbins’ jazzily-paced and theatrical choreography has him feeling footloose and fancy free.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Behind the Scenes

Coppélia

A romantic comedy of foolish fantasies and mistaken identities.

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Behind the Scenes

Cinderella

A fairytale classic that sparkles with heart and humor.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

The Life of Work

As a maker, a question I am frequently asked about my work is “Where does it come from?”

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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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On stage: Kylián/Wings of Wax

“...visually provocative and outright entertaining.”

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...

Onstage: Boston Ballet presents Parts In Suite

Watch the trailer for 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

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents Classic Balanchine

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

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.

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

Spotlight: George Balanchine's Chaconne

Preview a pas de deux that floats on air...

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents The Sleeping Beauty

Get your exclusive first look at The Sleeping Beauty, back by popular demand for just five performances this May.

Spotlight: August Bournonville’s La Sylphide

Get a sneak preview of La Sylphide—an enchanted tale of a mysterious sprite, her smitten suitor, and a vengeful sorceress.

Spotlight: 2018-2019 Season

Color your world with dance and discover the season’s vibrant lineup.

Inside Look: The Characters of The Concert

Meet a cast of quirky concert goers…

Set to Chopin’s well-loved piano music, Jerome Robbins’ The Concert (Or, The Perils of Everybody) portrays a cast of quirky concert goers. From the self-important business man to the young dancer lost in the music, meet an array of exuberant characters in this one-of-a-kind comedic ballet.
Video by Ernesto Galan

The Making of a World Premiere

Finnish landscapes + a national anthem + the full Company = Elo’s world premiere

Tatiana's letter

Boston Ballet Principal Dancers Petra Conti and Eris Nezha bring Tatiana's letter from Puskin's Onegin to life.

Boston Ballet Principal Dancers Petra Conti and Eris Nezha bring Tatiana's letter to life in this hautingly beautiful production trailer for John Cranko's heartbreaking ballet Onegin, based on Alexander Puskin's poetic novel Eugune Onegin.
Video by Ian Travis Bernard

Feb 22, 2016

BB@home: Focus on Forsythe

See the creative process of choreographer William Forsythe

Alexander Ekman’s Cacti

Witty, clever, and full of surprises…

Onstage: Bournonville’s Flower Festival in Genzano

Preview a Bournonville ballet that blossoms on stage.

Watch Soloists Ji Young Chae and Derek Dunn in the playful pas de deux from Flower Festival in Genzano. See it and other rare gems from Choreographer August Bournonville performed alongside his elegant and ethereal La Sylphide.
Video by Ernsto Galan

Onstage: Jorma Elo's Bach Cello Suites

Watch as the dancers are transformed into instruments of movement.

Inside Look: Becoming Juliet

Discover what it’s like for Principal Dancer Seo Hye Han to dance one of ballet’s most coveted roles.

The Sleeping Beauty

This beloved fairy tale celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the power of a kiss.

Spotlight: Get Ready for Fancy Free

Ahoy! Did you hear? The sailors of Fancy Free are on their way!

Inside Look: The Art of Gesture

A closer look at how our dancers speak without saying anything at all.

Discover how dancers communicate the complex characters and rich narrative of Romeo & Juliet through mime. Watch Shakespeare’s masterpiece, the greatest—and most dangerous—love story ever told, come to life without saying a word.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Inside Look: Interpreting the movement in La Sylphide

Discover the meaning behind the movement in La Sylphide as Principal Dancers Misa Kuranaga and Junxiong Zhao demonstrate pantomime.

Artifact 2017: Where did Part III come from?

Forsythe spoke to the audience in a post-show talk and explained the meaning of Part III.

In the Studio: Robbins/The Concert

Rehearsals are underway for the 2016-2017 season finale…

This powerful triple bill program features George Balanchine’s brilliant and celebrated Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Jerome Robbins’ comedic masterpiece The Concert (Or, The Perils of Everybody) and Creatures of Egmont, a world premiere by resident choreographer Jorma Elo.
Video by Ernesto Galan

Inside Look: Becoming Carabosse

What does it take to become the wicked and fierce Carabosse?

The Sleeping Beauty’s beloved and dramatic plot would not be complete without the vengeful villainess Carabosse. From rehearsals, to make-up, to costume, to stage, watch former Principal Dancer Erica Cornejo transform into Carabosse for her final performances with Boston Ballet.
Video by Ernesto Galan

On stage: Jorma Elo’s Bach Cello Suites

“…worth a second and third look.” –Jeffrey Gantz, The Boston Globe

Resident Choreographer Jorma Elo’s acclaimed Bach Cello Suites saw its world premiere in April 2015. The Boston Globe raved that it is a work that’s “worth a second and third look.” Watch highlights from this “fluid and personal” ballet (Keith Powers, Patriot Ledger).
Video by Ernesto Galan

Artifact 2017: Why are they arguing about sticks?

Forsythe answers the question of why the Woman in Historical Dress argues with Man with Megaphone.

In the studio: Kylián/Wings of Wax

Rehearsals are underway for Kylián/Wings of Wax…

From a charming Balanchine classic, to Kylián’s breathtaking Wings of Wax, to Ekman’s delightful Cacti—this program has everything you need to feel inspired this spring. Here’s a peek at our dancers rehearsing this trio of heart-racing ballets.
Video by Ernesto Galan

From the Wings: Romeo & Juliet

Get a dancer’s perspective of Romeo & Juliet.

Studio to stage: John Cranko’s Romeo & Juliet

Follow a pair of star-crossed lovers from studio to stage.

Spotlight: William Forsythe's Artifact

It's finally here…

In the studio: Rehearsal of Donizetti Variations

A charming classic from Mr. B

Happy, joyous, light-hearted, and just in time for spring—George Balanchine’s Donizetti Variations has all the elements we need to welcome in the season. Watch Company dancers Misa Kuranaga and Junxiong Zhao rehearse this charming Balanchine work and get Assistant Artistic Director Russell Kaiser's unique perspective on what makes this ballet extra special.
Video by: Ernesto Galan

Justin Peck’s In Creases

A work that “immediately seize(s) attention.” (The New York Times)

We are excited to be presenting, for the first time in the 2017-2018 season, a Justin Peck ballet: In Creases. This ballet was the first work Peck created for New York City Ballet. Since then, the 30-year-old NYCB resident choreographer/soloist has been turning heads in the dance world. Here’s a sneak peek.

Inside Look: The Story of Sleeping Beauty

A baby princess, six gift-bearing fairies, a wicked spell, and the power of true love’s kiss…

Dancer Insight: Onstage in Artifact 2017 with Kathleen Breen Combes

Experience Artifact 2017 through the eyes of Principal Dancer Kathleen Breen Combes.

Get to Know Justin Peck

A first look at Justin Peck’s In Creases

Spotlight: John Cranko’s Romeo & Juliet

Preview the greatest love story ever told.

What to Look For: Balanchine’s Prodigal Son

Ballet Master Anthony Randazzo shares what to look for in George Balanchine’s acclaimed story ballet.

Discover what to look for in George Balanchine’s Prodigal Son. Ballet Master Anthony Randazzo talks through the tale of sin and redemption, and shares the ways in which the movement draws from classical ballet.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Dancer Insight: Alex Maryianowski on La Sylphide

Artist Alex Maryianowski shares how things take a dangerous turn for the hero of La Sylphide.

Artist Alex Maryianowski shares the tragic tale of La Sylphide, whose hero James leaves everything behind to pursue the elusive woodland fairy of his dreams. Watch what happens when his mysterious fantasy becomes a dangerous reality.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Inside Look: Setting the Stage for Romeo & Juliet

Get an exclusive first look at fair Verona, where we lay our scene.

In the Studio: Artifact Men's Rehearsal

Step inside our studio for a sneak peek at our Company men rehearsing Artifact.

On stage: Lia Cirio in Kylián’s Wings of Wax

Join Principal Dancer Lia Cirio onstage…

From the wings: The Sleeping Beauty

Get a unique, behind-the-scenes look at The Sleeping Beauty from the wings…

Inside Look: Who is "The Ballerina"?

The funniest and wittiest ballet ever made…

Inside Look: Sword fighting in Romeo & Juliet

Get (dangerously) close to the action.

Making a masterpiece

Choreographer William Forsythe discusses the inspiration and evolution of his masterpiece Artifact with Mikko Nissinen.

Sit in on a conversation between artistic director Mikko Nissinen and choreographer William Forsythe about the making of Artifact, as they discuss everything from its inspiration to the most recent evolution with Boston Ballet dancers.
Video by: Ernesto Galan

Studio to stage: George Balanchine's Chaconne

Principal Dancers Misa Kuranaga and Patrick Yocum’s breathtaking partnering is a match made in heaven. Go behind the scenes of the ethereal Chaconne, from studio to stage.

Inside Look: The Story of La Sylphide

Enter an enchanted forest, where a love struck hero pursues an elusive sylph, and a vengeful sorceress threatens to destroy them.

Fall under the spell of La Sylphide. Follow along as a young man is entranced by a woodland fairy and leaves behind everything he knows to pursue her. With delicate and ethereal choreography, their courtship plays out in a magical forest, but dangerous magic conspires to tear them apart.
Video by Ernesto Galan

Inside Look: Meet Madge in La Sylphide

Get to know the vengeful sorceress, an outsider who’s been treated badly one too many times and now seeks dangerous revenge.

Former Royal Danish Ballet Soloist Sorella Englund has won accolades portraying the vengeful sorceress Madge in La Sylphide. Now she works with Boston Ballet dancers to explore this complex character to the fullest. Discover the intriguing story of Madge, and watch what happens when Artist María Álvarez steps into the role.

"As for Madge…Álvarez was practically heroic. Angular in movement, astonishing in energy, her eyes flashing malevolent glee, Álvarez acted as if Madge deserved to be the title character. In Thursday’s performance, she just about did.” –The Boston Globe

Video by Ernesto Galan

Dancer Insight: Balanchine’s Prodigal Son

Soloist Derek Dunn and Principal Dancer Lia Cirio share what it’s like to dance Balanchine’s dramatic biblical parable.

Soloist Derek Dunn and Principal Dancer Lia Cirio share insights into their characters in Balanchine’s Prodigal Son. Explore the relationship between the foolhardy son and the seductive siren who leads him into destitution in Classic Balanchine.
Video by Ernesto Galan
Image by Matthew Slattery

Mikko Nissinen on Artifact

Boston Ballet Artistic Director, Mikko Nissinen, discusses Artifact.

Inside look: Tweet the Story of Romeo & Juliet

Romeo & Juliet in 140 characters or less.

Inside Look: Meet the Sleeping Beauty Fairies

Discover the fairies and their gifts…

From the gift of song to the blessing of beauty, Princess Aurora is bestowed with a special gift from each of her fairy godmothers. Each fairy performs a unique variation as the gift is given. Get to know them and see if you can find them onstage.
Video by Ernesto Galan

What to Look For: Lia Cirio in Elo’s Bach Cello Suites

The principal dancer shares her perspective on the delicate relationship she is creating on stage.

Mikko Nissinen on William Forsythe

Boston Ballet Artistic Director, Mikko Nissinen, discusses what it means to work with premiere choreographer William Forsythe.

The Musicians of Alexander Ekman’s Cacti

A unique perspective on Ekman’s clever and witty Cacti

From the wings: August Bournonville's La Sylphide

See what the dangerous romance and bewitching magic of La Sylphide looks like from an irresistible onstage view.

Step behind the curtain of La Sylphide and fall under the spell of this dark and dangerous fairy tale. Get an entrancing look at the alluring fairy magic and enchanting romance from the dancers’ perspectives.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Artifact 2017: Who Are These Characters On Stage?

Forsythe introduces us to the Man with the Megaphone, the Woman in Historical Dress, and the Woman in Gray.

Spotlight: Parts In Suite Photo shoot

Catch an exciting behind-the-scenes glimpse of the photo shoot for Parts In Suite.

On stage: Forsythe Ballets

Highlights from three Forsythe works…

In the 2017-2018 season, we will add Pas/Parts 2018 to our ever-growing collection of William Forsythe ballets. Watch highlights from three Forsythe works: The Second Detail, The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude, and Artifact 2017.
Video by Ernesto Galan

In the studio: Justin Peck's In Creases

Watch the dancers get ready for In Creases, by young talent Justin Peck, a Company debut in the Parts In Suite program.

Watch the dancers rehearse the fast-paced and intricately patterned In Creases. Don’t miss your chance to see hot, young choreographer Justin Peck’s work alongside William Forsythe’s intriguing and imaginative Pas/Parts 2018 and Jorma Elo’s elegant Bach Cello Suites as part of the Parts In Suite program.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Tickets & Performances

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Featured Performances

Genius at Play

Mikko Nissinen

The Nutcracker

Full on Forsythe

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

What to Listen For: Genius at Play

In the studio: William Forsythe's Pas/Parts 2018

Spotlight: Jerome Robbins' Fancy Free

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents Fancy Free

Onstage: Boston Ballet presents Cinderella

Dancer Insight: Chyrstyn Fentroy in Pas/Parts 2018

Inside Look: Leonid Yakobson's Pas de Quatre

A conversation with the choreographer

Dancer Insight: Paul Craig in Fancy Free

Behind the Scenes

Coppélia

Behind the Scenes

Cinderella

Behind the Scenes

Human Geologies

Behind the Scenes

Obsidian Tear Outfitted

Behind the Scenes

What to listen for: Obsidian Tear

Behind the Scenes

Romeo & Juliet

Behind the Scenes

Deconstructing the Costumes in Romeo & Juliet

Behind the Scenes

The Sleeping Beauty

Behind the Scenes

Balanchine and Boston Ballet—a lasting legacy

Behind the Scenes

A Conversation on Chaconne

Behind the Scenes

La Sylphide

Behind the Scenes

Inside Look: The Sleeping Beauty’s nymph costumes

Behind the Scenes

Dancer Insight: Improvisation in Artifact

Behind the Scenes

Dancer Insight: Working with William Forsythe

Behind the Scenes

The Life of Work

Behind the Scenes

Top Ten Reasons to Subscribe

On stage: Kylián/Wings of Wax

On stage: Boston Ballet Presents Robbins/The Concert

Onstage: Boston Ballet presents Parts In Suite

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents Classic Balanchine

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents La Sylphide

Spotlight: George Balanchine's Chaconne

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents The Sleeping Beauty

Spotlight: August Bournonville’s La Sylphide

Spotlight: 2018-2019 Season

Inside Look: The Characters of The Concert

The Making of a World Premiere

Tatiana's letter

BB@home: Focus on Forsythe

Alexander Ekman’s Cacti

Onstage: Bournonville’s Flower Festival in Genzano

Onstage: Jorma Elo's Bach Cello Suites

Inside Look: Becoming Juliet

The Sleeping Beauty

Spotlight: Get Ready for Fancy Free

Inside Look: The Art of Gesture

Inside Look: Interpreting the movement in La Sylphide

Artifact 2017: Where did Part III come from?

In the Studio: Robbins/The Concert

Inside Look: Becoming Carabosse

On stage: Jorma Elo’s Bach Cello Suites

Artifact 2017: Why are they arguing about sticks?