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Winter Experience 2027

Chisako Oga with Chyrstyn Mariah Fentroy and Sage Humphries by Siobhan Beasley

February 18–28, 2027

“…gets better every time I see it”

Dance Magazine

SUBSCRIBE

Crystal Pite’s Emergence
Jorma Elo’s Brake the Eyes
William Forsythe’s Herman Schmerman

This contemporary program brings together three striking ballets that explore musicality, structure, and the exhilaration of movement in distinct and compelling ways. Together, these works create an engaging contemporary dance experience, brought to life by the exceptional artistry and precision of Boston Ballet.

Emergence

Artists of The Ballet in Crystal Pite’s Emergence by Karolina Kuras, courtesy of The National Ballet of Canada

Crystal Pite’s Emergence is a mesmerizing exploration of how individuals come together to form something greater than themselves. Inspired by patterns found in nature, the 30-minute ballet unfolds as a powerful ensemble work, with dancers moving in precise, rhythmic formations that ripple, swarm, and transform across the stage.

Driven by Belton’s pulsing score and a striking visual design, the choreography builds intensity through repetition, unison, and sudden shifts, creating a sense of momentum that is both hypnotic and energizing. Experiencing Emergence live allows audiences to feel the collective energy of the dancers as it evolves in real time—a shared moment of connection that highlights the beauty of collaboration, community, and the innate instinct to move together.

Brake the Eyes

Lia Cirio and Sabi Varga in Jorma Elo’s Brake the Eyes by Gene Schiavone

Jorma Elo’s Brake the Eyes is a thrilling, fast-paced ballet that showcases the razor-sharp musicality and daring athleticism of Boston Ballet’s dancers. Set to a Mozart score infused with soundscapes, the choreography moves at exhilarating speed—full of sudden shifts, intricate footwork, and playful surprises that keep audiences leaning forward in their seats.

Created by longtime Boston Ballet Resident Choreographer Jorma Elo, the ballet reflects his deep creative partnership with the Company and his talent for crafting works that feel both cutting-edge and tailor-made for these dancers. Brake the Eyes offers an electrifying live experience—bold, virtuosic, and unmistakably Boston Ballet.

“It was dance on two levels: the slightly scary subconscious, and the more extroverted presentation to the world.”
–The New York Times

Herman Schmerman

Taylor Naturkas and Shimon Ito in Herman Schmerman Duet. Choreography by William Forsythe. Photo by Alexander Iziliaev courtesy of Miami City Ballet.

William Forsythe, known for his revolutionary and influential approach to choreography, redefined classical ballet and expanded its boundaries, earning him recognition as one of the most visionary choreographers of his time. Herman Schmerman is a bold, high-energy ballet that turns classical technique on its head. Audiences can expect lightning-fast footwork, daring extensions, and unexpected twists as dancers push their bodies to thrilling extremes with wit and confidence.

Set to an eclectic Willems score and infused with playful attitude, the ballet is both technically jaw-dropping and irresistibly fun to watch. Herman Schmerman showcases dancers at their most fearless and inventive, offering audiences an exhilarating live experience that feels spontaneous, contemporary, and full of surprises.

PERFORMANCE CALENDAR

Thursday, February 18, 7:30 pm
Friday, February 19, 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 20, 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 21, 1:30 pm
Thursday, February 25, 7:30 pm
Friday, February 26, 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 27, 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 28, 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.

With Appreciation

This production of Jorma Elo’s Brake the Eyes is generously supported by the Sylvia T. Pope Artistic Fund.

This production of William Forsythe’s Herman Schmerman has been made possible by Lisa and Tom Blumenthal.

Boston Ballet expresses its deepest gratitude to Lisa and Tom Blumenthal for their extraordinary support of William Forsythe and his relationship with Boston Ballet.

This production of Crystal Pite’s Emergence has been made possible by a generous Sponsorship Circle, including Lisa and Tom Blumenthal. Additional support provided by the Jill and Mitchell Roberts Family Production Fund, the Krupp Endowment for Contemporary Dance, and the Magovčević-Liebisch Family Production Fund.

THE DETAILS (in program order)

 

Brake The Eyes

Choreography

Jorma Elo

Music

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Costume Design

Charles Heightchew

Lighting Design

Mark Stanley

World Premiere

March 1, 2007, Boston Ballet, Boch Center Wang Theater, Boston, Massachusetts

Herman Schmerman

Choreography

William Forsythe

Music

Thom Willems*

Costume Design

Gianni Versace, William Forsythe

Lighting Design

Tanja Rühl

Staging

Noah Gelber

World Premiere

May 28, 1992, The Diamond Project I, New York City Ballet, New York State Theater, New York (quintet)

26th September, 1992; Ballet Frankfurt, Opera House, Frankfurt, Germany (full version)

Boston Ballet Premiere

May 7, 2026, Citizens Opera House, Boston, Massachusetts

Emergence

Choreography

Crystal Pite

Music

Owen Belton

Set Design

Jay Gower Taylor

Costume Design

Linda Chow

Lighting Design

Alan Brodie

Staging

Eric Beauchesne

World Premiere

March 4, 2009, National Ballet of Canada, Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts, Toronto, Canada

Boston Ballet Premiere

February 18, 2027, Citizens Opera House, Boston, Massachusetts

*By arrangement with Boosey and Hawkes, Inc., publisher and copyright owner

Winter Experience February 18–28, 2027