Best of Boston

In its 53rd season, Boston Ballet has long since jetéd from unrivaled in New England to an internationally respected troupe. With veteran principal ballerinas such as Misa Kuranaga and Lia Cirio, who seem to be made of water, and brazen artistic director Mikko Nissinen, the company positively dazzles in both story and contemporary ballets. It’s aiming even higher next season, with the American premiere of William Forsythe’s Artifact and a revitalized Sleeping Beauty.