Full of passion, anger, and struggle, the alluring music and human storytelling of Carmen is timeless. Reimagined over centuries through theater, film, opera and dance, the story revolves around a powerful but tragic female heroine. Jorma Elo’s version, set to the iconic score by Rodion Shchedrin after Georges Bizet, is a whirlwind of dance as technically ravaging as it is emotionally.

One of the most cherished and recognizable classical moments in dance history, Petipa’s Kingdom of the Shades features 28 dancers in unison, entering the stage in synchronized lines. A moment of sheer beauty, it is as mesmerizing to watch as it is difficult to perform. The opening sequence is followed by a classical pas de deux (dance for two) between lovers. The ballet is a perfect example of how Boston Ballet is preserving the absolute best of ballet’s legacy while leaving behind the outdated and problematic storytelling of the ballet. Kingdom of the Shades is originally from Act III of La Bayadère. Learn why we have chosen not to perform the full ballet HERE.