Boston Ballet - Behind the Scenes

Leonid Yakobson’s Rodin is inspired by the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Watch what happens when Boston Ballet and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston collaborate to transform Rodin’s "Eternal Springtime" into living, breathing art.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Leonid Yakobson’s Rodin is inspired by the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Watch what happens when Boston Ballet and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston collaborate to transform Rodin’s "Eternal Springtime" into living, breathing art.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Kathleen Breen Combes shares her perspective on performing the starring role in ELA, Rhapsody in Blue. Discover what it’s like for her to work with fellow Principal Dancer Paulo Arrais’ on an empowering new work that celebrates female strength.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Kathleen Breen Combes shares her perspective on performing the starring role in ELA, Rhapsody in Blue. Discover what it’s like for her to work with fellow Principal Dancer Paulo Arrais’ on an empowering new work that celebrates female strength.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Former San Francisco Ballet principal dancer Joan Boada is one of the few who have performed Leonid Yakobson’s Vestris, a demanding solo originally created for Mikhail Baryshnikov. Now as a stager, Boada shares his expertise with Boston Ballet dancers eager for the challenge of mastering and sharing the work with new audiences.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Former San Francisco Ballet principal dancer Joan Boada is one of the few who have performed Leonid Yakobson’s Vestris, a demanding solo originally created for Mikhail Baryshnikov. Now as a stager, Boada shares his expertise with Boston Ballet dancers eager for the challenge of mastering and sharing the work with new audiences.

Video by Ernesto Galan

George Balanchine’s cleverly-crafted comedy Coppélia features a mad inventor, his oh-so-lifelike mechanical doll, the young man who fancies her...and his resourceful fiancé who saves the day. When foolish fantasies come to life, the stage is set for amorous perplexities and plenty of laugh-out-loud humor.

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

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 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

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

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

Get an exciting, on stage look at BB@home: ChoreograpHER, a program dedicated to emerging female choreographers from Boston Ballet Company dancers and emceed by celebrated visual artist Shantell Martin. Preview the six original works by Principal Dancer Lia Cirio, Second Soloist Hannah Bettes, and Artists Jessica Burrows, Lauren Flower, Sage Humphries, and Haley Schwan.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Catch a thrilling on-stage preview of Rhapsody. This dynamic program includes an emotional trio of short works by Soviet-era choreographer Leonid Yakobson, a brilliant masterpiece by George Balanchine, and a thought-provoking world premiere by Principal Dancer Paulo Arrais.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Catch a thrilling on-stage preview of Rhapsody. This dynamic program includes an emotional trio of short works by Soviet-era choreographer Leonid Yakobson, a brilliant masterpiece by George Balanchine, and a thought-provoking world premiere by Principal Dancer Paulo Arrais.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Step into the enchanted world of Cinderella, where a fairy godmother sets true love’s destiny in motion with the flick of her wand. Watch Cinderella’s wish come true as she is magically transformed from rags to (twinkly tutu) riches.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Step into the enchanted world of Cinderella, where a fairy godmother sets true love’s destiny in motion with the flick of her wand. Watch Cinderella’s wish come true as she is magically transformed from rags to (twinkly tutu) riches.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Playful moves in the studio translate to good vibrations on stage. Set to a smooth and sultry soundtrack by Khalid, this delightful duet performed by Soloist Roddy Doble and Second Soloist Chyrstyn Fentroy is sure to make you smile.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Playful moves in the studio translate to good vibrations on stage. Set to a smooth and sultry soundtrack by Khalid, this delightful duet performed by Soloist Roddy Doble and Second Soloist Chyrstyn Fentroy is sure to make you smile.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Principal Dancer Lia Cirio shares how her personal experiences have shaped her first choreographic endeavor Sta(i)r(e)s. Take a peek into her rehearsals and see why she feels empowered to be a part of the all-female ChoreograpHER program.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Principal Dancer Lia Cirio shares how her personal experiences have shaped her first choreographic endeavor Sta(i)r(e)s. Take a peek into her rehearsals and see why she feels empowered to be a part of the all-female ChoreograpHER program.

Video by Ernesto Galan

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

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

Second Soloist Hannah Bettes challenged herself to be vulnerable in choreographing her first work In Search of Lost Time. Get an exclusive look in the studio and see how her creative process is influenced by the collaborative relationship between dancer and choreographer.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Second Soloist Hannah Bettes challenged herself to be vulnerable in choreographing her first work In Search of Lost Time. Get an exclusive look in the studio and see how her creative process is influenced by the collaborative relationship between dancer and choreographer.

Video by Ernesto Galan

William Forsythe shared a preview of his newest work with BB@home audiences in an intimate black box setting. Take a peek at one of the pieces he has newly created for Full on Forsythe. The full program includes the world premiere of Playlist (EP) and the American premiere of Blake Works I set to a contemporary playlist of artists from James Blake to Barry White to Khalid.

Video by Ernesto Galan

William Forsythe shared a preview of his newest work with BB@home audiences in an intimate black box setting. Take a peek at one of the pieces he has newly created for Full on Forsythe. The full program includes the world premiere of Playlist (EP) and the American premiere of Blake Works I set to a contemporary playlist of artists from James Blake to Barry White to Khalid.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Artist Jessica Burrows was inspired by the dancers of Boston Ballet to choreograph Variations, a work that celebrates their individuality. Go behind the scenes as she discusses her creative process and what she hopes people will take away from the BB@home ChoreograpHER program.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Artist Jessica Burrows was inspired by the dancers of Boston Ballet to choreograph Variations, a work that celebrates their individuality. Go behind the scenes as she discusses her creative process and what she hopes people will take away from the BB@home ChoreograpHER program.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Preview Artist Lauren Flower’s new work Momentous, a snapshot of the most meaningful moments in one’s life. Discover why it’s so exhilarating and inspiring for her to channel her creative energy into an all-female program, BB@home: ChoreograpHER.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Preview Artist Lauren Flower’s new work Momentous, a snapshot of the most meaningful moments in one’s life. Discover why it’s so exhilarating and inspiring for her to channel her creative energy into an all-female program, BB@home: ChoreograpHER.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Artist Sage Humphries steps into the role of choreographer for the first time as part of the BB@home: ChoreograpHER program. Discover the inspiration behind her new work exploring faith and the universal struggle of purpose.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Artist Sage Humphries steps into the role of choreographer for the first time as part of the BB@home: ChoreograpHER program. Discover the inspiration behind her new work exploring faith and the universal struggle of purpose.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Artist Haley Schwan shares how the inspiration behind her new work Just goes hand in hand with the BB@home: ChoreograpHER initiative. Discover why she feels Boston Ballet is moving the art form forward by celebrating and supporting emerging female artmakers.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Artist Haley Schwan shares how the inspiration behind her new work Just goes hand in hand with the BB@home: ChoreograpHER initiative. Discover why she feels Boston Ballet is moving the art form forward by celebrating and supporting emerging female artmakers.

Video by Ernesto Galan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step inside the studio as the Company men rehearse an excerpt of Playlist (EP) that’s so fresh and fun, it’ll have you dancing along. Featuring William Forsythe’s daring choreography set to a soundtrack pulled straight from today’s pop, R&B, and soul charts, ballet never sounded better.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Step inside the studio as the Company men rehearse an excerpt of Playlist (EP) that’s so fresh and fun, it’ll have you dancing along. Featuring William Forsythe’s daring choreography set to a soundtrack pulled straight from today’s pop, R&B, and soul charts, ballet never sounded better.

Video by Ernesto Galan

From dueling divas to sisters in arms—Russian choreographer Leonid Yakobson challenged stereotypes about prima ballerinas with his lyrical Pas de Quatre. Hear from the dancers what it takes to perform this signature work where the beauty is in the teamwork.

Video by Ernesto Galan

From dueling divas to sisters in arms—Russian choreographer Leonid Yakobson challenged stereotypes about prima ballerinas with his lyrical Pas de Quatre. Hear from the dancers what it takes to perform this signature work where the beauty is in the teamwork.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Step back in time and experience the energy of NYC during World War II. Principal Dancer Kathleen Breen Combes discusses the historical background of Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free and shares her perspective on portraying these characters through a 21^st century lens.

Video by Ernesto Galan

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

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

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

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

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

Go behind the scenes as the dancers rehearse Glass Pieces, Jerome Robbins’ late-career masterpiece capturing the heart and energy of metropolitan life. Experience the electrifying, urban momentum and intricate, shifting patterns of the large ensemble set to the hypnotic rhythms of Philip Glass's score.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Dr. Coppélius, the local toymaker, spends his days building fanciful inventions–but his very favorite is a new oh-so-lifelike doll he’s named Coppélia. Some may say this latest masterpiece is a tad too realistic. When the line between fantasy and reality becomes blurred, the stage is set for comical misunderstandings.

Video by Ernesto Galan

When Frantz spies the beautiful Coppélia blowing kisses from her balcony, he's instantly smitten. But there's more to Coppélia than meets the eye. See what happens when the local town bumpkin falls head over heels for a mad inventor's oh-so-lifelike masterpiece.

Video by Ernesto Galan

When Frantz spies the beautiful Coppélia blowing kisses from her balcony, he's instantly smitten. But there's more to Coppélia than meets the eye. See what happens when the local town bumpkin falls head over heels for a mad inventor's oh-so-lifelike masterpiece.

Video by Ernesto Galan

In Sir Frederick Ashton's Cinderella, the high-maintenance stepsisters are brought to life by two male dancers. Go behind the scenes with Principal Dancer John Lam and Soloist Roddy Doble as they get ready to steal the spotlight with their well-heeled humor.

Video by Ernesto Galan

In Sir Frederick Ashton's Cinderella, the high-maintenance stepsisters are brought to life by two male dancers. Go behind the scenes with Principal Dancer John Lam and Soloist Roddy Doble as they get ready to steal the spotlight with their well-heeled humor.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Khalid's "Location" gives the perfect backdrop for a flirtatious and feisty pas de deux featuring Soloist Roddy Doble and Second Soloist Chyrstyn Fentroy. Catch this and the rest of Playlist (EP) onstage as part of the Full on Forsythe program.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Khalid's "Location" gives the perfect backdrop for a flirtatious and feisty pas de deux featuring Soloist Roddy Doble and Second Soloist Chyrstyn Fentroy. Catch this and the rest of Playlist (EP) onstage as part of the Full on Forsythe program.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Principal Dancers Derek Dunn and Lia Cirio and Soloist Patric Palkens share their experience celebrating the centennial of American icon Jerome Robbins by discussing three of his exuberant works. Discover the realistic characters and urban-charged choreography that connect his Fancy Free, Interplay, and Glass Pieces.

Video by Ernesto Galan

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

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.

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

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

Watch as Principal Dancers Lia Cirio and Paulo Arrais perform the entrancing pas de deux in Jerome Robbins’ Glass Pieces. Discover their process of working with Bart Cook, the ballet’s stager and original partner in the movement, and hear what makes it daunting and yet immensely rewarding to dance.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Watch as Principal Dancers Lia Cirio and Paulo Arrais perform the entrancing pas de deux in Jerome Robbins’ Glass Pieces. Discover their process of working with Bart Cook, the ballet’s stager and original partner in the movement, and hear what makes it daunting and yet immensely rewarding to dance.

Video by Ernesto Galan

It’s the much-anticipated night of the Royal Ball, and only Cinderella has been left behind. When her fairy godmother magically appears, will her wish to join the festivities be granted after all? Join Cinderella on an enchanted journey to find true love’s destiny...before the clock strikes midnight.

Video by Ernesto Galan

It’s the much-anticipated night of the Royal Ball, and only Cinderella has been left behind. When her fairy godmother magically appears, will her wish to join the festivities be granted after all? Join Cinderella on an enchanted journey to find true love’s destiny...before the clock strikes midnight.

Video by Ernesto Galan

As everyone is buzzing in preparation for the Royal Ball, the Costume Shop "fairies" are busy behind the scenes bedazzling a very special pair of pointe shoes. Get a detailed look at the custom creation of Cinderella's glass slippers, sparkling at the heart of this beloved fairy tale.

Video by Ernesto Galan

As everyone is buzzing in preparation for the Royal Ball, the Costume Shop "fairies" are busy behind the scenes bedazzling a very special pair of pointe shoes. Get a detailed look at the custom creation of Cinderella's glass slippers, sparkling at the heart of this beloved fairy tale.

Video by Ernesto Galan

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

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

Principal Dancer Ashley Ellis shares the story of Coppélia. Mistaken identities, an adventure inside a toy maker's workshop, and the inevitable happily ever after are animated by Balanchine's brilliant choreography and Delibes' joyful score. This lighthearted ballet is fun for audiences of all ages.

Video by Ernesto Galan

Principal Dancer Ashley Ellis shares the story of Coppélia. Mistaken identities, an adventure inside a toy maker's workshop, and the inevitable happily ever after are animated by Balanchine's brilliant choreography and Delibes' joyful score. This lighthearted ballet is fun for audiences of all ages.

Video by Ernesto Galan

In Sir Frederick Ashton’s stunning production, Cinderella’s entrance to the Royal Ball is a majestic fairytale moment. Discover the secret behind how she gracefully descends the grand staircase en pointe without ever looking down.

Video by Ernesto Galan

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

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

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Featured Performances

Giselle

Mikko Nissinen

The Nutcracker

rEVOLUTION

Behind the Scenes

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Cinderella

Behind the Scenes

Switching Roles from Dancer to Choreographer

Behind the Scenes

Rhapsody: Music that Moves

Spotlight: Leonid Yakobson’s Rodin

Dancer Insight: Kathleen Breen Combes on ELA, Rhapsody in Blue

Inside Look: Vestris with Stager Joan Boada

Spotlight: George Balanchine's Coppélia

Behind the Scenes

Becoming The Nutcracker Bear

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What to Listen For: Genius at Play

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Hit Play: The Music and Movement of Blake Works I

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Coppélia and The Nutcracker: Classical Ballet’s Dynamic Duo

Behind the Scenes

Coppélia

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Dressing the part: Costumes in Coppélia

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Telling the Cinderella Story

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Inside Look: Making Cinderella Sparkle

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Who was Leonid Yakobson?

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Human Geologies

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Obsidian Tear Outfitted

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What to listen for: Obsidian Tear

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Romeo & Juliet

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Deconstructing the Costumes in Romeo & Juliet

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The Sleeping Beauty

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Balanchine and Boston Ballet—a lasting legacy

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A Conversation on Chaconne

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La Sylphide

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Inside Look: The Sleeping Beauty’s nymph costumes

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Dancer Insight: Improvisation in Artifact

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Dancer Insight: Working with William Forsythe

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The Life of Work

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Top Ten Reasons to Subscribe

On stage: Kylián/Wings of Wax

On stage: Boston Ballet Presents Robbins/The Concert

Onstage: Boston Ballet presents Cinderella

Onstage: Boston Ballet presents Parts In Suite

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents Classic Balanchine

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents La Sylphide

Onstage: Boston Ballet Presents Genius at Play

Onstage: BB@home: ChoreograpHER

On stage: Full on Forsythe

On stage: Boston Ballet presents Rhapsody

Spotlight: Paulo Arrais' ELA, Rhapsody in Blue

Spotlight: Sir Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella