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Jewels

November 6–16, 2025

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Daniel R. Durrett, Alexandria Heath, and Chisako Oga by Ernesto Galan

Jewels

November 6–16, 2025

“If there’s a better 20th-century ballet than Jewels, I haven’t seen it.”

—The Boston Globe

George Balanchine’s Jewels showcases three distinct styles of neoclassical ballet in one brilliant evening. Choreographed in 1967, it was inspired by Balanchine’s visit to Claude Arpels’ jewelry showroom in New York City. The costumes were designed by legendary New York City Ballet costume designer Madame Barbara Karinska and showed the essence of each jewel. Each ballet reflects a chapter of Balanchine’s career: Diamonds honors his early years at the Mariinsky Ballet in Russia, Emeralds nods to his time with the Ballets Russes in France, and Rubies celebrates his lasting impact on American ballet with New York City Ballet.

Lia Cirio and Lasha Khozashvili in George Balanchine’s Emeralds ©The George Balanchine Trust by Rosalie O’Connor

Emeralds

Early in his career, Balanchine worked in France at the Ballets Russes. Emeralds is the French-inspired section of Jewels, and features music by the French composer Gabriel Fauré. When he was making Emeralds, Balanchine thought of ballets that were choreographed in an earlier time during the Romantic era, like Giselle. He was inspired by those ballets and by his ideas of France, saying Emeralds represents “an evocation of France—the France of elegance, comfort, dress, perfume.”

Daniel R. Durrett and Chisako Oga by Brooke Trisolini

Rubies

In Rubies, Balanchine highlights the American influence on his style. He had arrived in America after working in France, and was interested in Broadway, jazz, and the modern city style of New York. All of these qualities are shown in Rubies. It’s full of energy, with a fast, fresh feeling. The dancers wear shorter skirts and their legs go higher. A close collaborator of Balanchine, Igor Stravinsky, composed the music, which has many twists as shown in the choreography with movement like flexed feet, angular shapes, and running.

Roman Rykine and Larissa Ponomarenko in Balanchine’s Diamonds ©The George Balanchine Trust by Gene Schiavone

Diamonds

The evening concludes with Diamonds, Balanchine’s tribute to the grand style of Russian Ballet. Set to music by Tchaikovsky, this ballet is full of rich and classic imperialist style. Balanchine was born and grew up in Russia, and this section was influenced by the Mariinsky (formerly named Kirov) Ballet and its school, where he trained. There is a large number of dancers, and they move with a regal quality. The formations are very symmetrical and classical. The costumes are white, as if in a Russian palace or a winter sky. Diamonds is a lush and glamorous conclusion to this evening filled with stunning and challenging performances from Boston Ballet’s dancers.

George Balanchine by Tanaquil LeClercq ©The George Balanchine Trust

George Balanchine

“What are you waiting for? What are you saving for? Now is all there is.”
―George Balanchine

George Balanchine was one of the 20th century’s most prolific choreographers. He created more than 400 works throughout his career and is celebrated widely for his signature neoclassical style that transformed the ballet world. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Balanchine came to the United States in 1933, established the School of American Ballet and ultimately New York City Ballet, where he was Ballet Master and Principal Choreographer. Balanchine also played a vital role in establishing Boston Ballet, serving as artistic advisor to the Company in the early 1960s.

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PERFORMANCE CALENDAR

Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 pm
Friday, November 7 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 9 at 1:30 pm
Wednesday, November 12 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 pm
Friday, November 14 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 15 at 1:30 and 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 16 at 1:30 pm

For important information about attending performances, CHECK OUT OUR FAQs.

Please Note: The music in some ballets may be loud depending on where you are sitting and your own comfort level. Please plan accordingly.

Dalay Parrondo, Isaac Akiba, and Rie Ichikawa in George Balanchine's Emeralds ©The George Balanchine Trust

Photo by Rosalie O'Connor

Misa Kuranaga and Jeffrey Cirio in George Balanchine's Rubies ©The George Balanchine Trust

Photo by Rosalie O'Connor

Kathleen Breen Combes in George Balanchine's Diamonds ©The George Balanchine Trust

Photo by Rosalie O'Connor

THE DETAILS (in program order)

Emeralds

Choreography

George Balanchine©The George Balanchine Trust

Music

Gabriel Fauré
Pelleas et Mellisande
Shylock

Costume Design

Barbara Karinska

Lighting Design

Brandon Stirling Baker

Staging

Sandra Jennings Eshima

Rubies

Choreography

George Balanchine©The George Balanchine Trust

Music

Igor Stravinsky
Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra

Costume Design

Barbara Karinska

Lighting Design

Brandon Stirling Baker

Staging

Sandra Jennings Eshima

Diamonds

Choreography

George Balanchine©The George Balanchine Trust

Music

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 3, Op. 29, D major

Costume Design

Barbara Karinska

Lighting Design

Brandon Stirling Baker

Staging

Sandra Jennings Eshima

World Premiere of Jewels

April 13, 1967, New York State Theater, New York City Ballet

Boston Ballet Premiere of Jewels

February 26, 2009, Boch Center Wang Theater, Boston

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 Street Theatre and then hurries off to the Silberhaus’ Christmas party with his gifts.

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Cracking the Code on The Nutcracker’s Grand Pas de Deux

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Daniel Durrett as the Nutcracker Prince

Hear from Second Soloist Daniel Durrett on what it means to him to perform the role of The Nutcracker Prince in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker.

“Honestly, I never saw myself in a leading Prince type role. After my Snow King debut on Dec 12, 2022 I finally realized that those kinds of roles are achievable. When Mikko told me about the Nutcracker Prince, I was in complete shock and knew that I had a lot of work to do. Grateful to have made my debut Dec 7, 2023 as the Nutcracker Prince, and I’m looking forward to more wonderful opportunities to keep pushing and growing as a black artist.” – Second Soloist, Daniel Durrett

Chyrstyn Fentroy and Patrick Yocum on The Nutcracker’s Snow Scene

Principal Dancers Chyrstyn Fentroy and Patrick Yocum share why they love to perform Snow Queen and King in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker. Discover how this snowy scene brings so much warmth to the stage.

Viktorina Kapitonova on performing Sugar Plum Fairy

Principal Dancer Viktorina Kapitonova shares how she hopes everyone will believe in magic when they watch her twinkle on stage as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Mikko Nissinen’s THE NUTCRACKER.

Lia Cirio and Seo Hye Han on Dew Drop

Hear from Principal Dancers Lia Cirio and Seo Hye Han on performing Dew Drop in Mikko Nissinen’s THE NUTCRACKER. From the glistening tutu to the ethereal music, hear about their favorite parts of performing this role with the support of their beautiful flowers.

Jeffrey Cirio on performing the Nutcracker Prince

Principal Dancer Jeffrey Cirio shares why performing the role of the Nutcracker Prince in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker is so special to him.  

John Lam and Paul Craig on Drosselmeier

Principal Dancers John Lam and Paul Craig share their take on Drosselmeier, Clara’s beloved uncle. Hear how performing this role brings the magic of THE NUTCRACKER alive.

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

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

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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Spotlight: Nutcracker Prince vs. Mouse King

Go behind the scenes as the Nutcracker Prince and Mouse King get ready for the season’s biggest showdown.

Frozen Snowflakes

Watch Boston Ballet’s dancers in this sneak peek of The Nutcracker’s Snow Scene with a little extra sparkle and magic thrown in.

Two Dancers, 14 Roles

Principal Dancer Paul Craig and Second Soloist Diana Albrecht demonstrate a whirlwind of costume changes in The Nutcracker.

Jewels November 6–16, 2025
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