Boston Ballet
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. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111, bostonballet.org.
Boston Ballet
The 50th season launched with a bang—including a bang-up London tour that deserved every "favourable" review it received. The company then gave Boston a free "Night of Stars" gala on the Common. At the Opera House, it looked equally at home in the classical Cinderella, George Balanchine’s neoclassical Jewels, and Jirí Kylián’s quirky Bella Figura. Capping off the season this past June with a traveling tour to Washington and New York, the Boston Ballet is solidly placed as one of the top five companies in the U.S. bostonballet.org.
Boston Ballet Ball
MICHAEL BLANCHARD If you’re on the gala circuit, you know that the similar guest lists can make it feel like one big night on repeat. But this year, with a vivacious crowd (perhaps thanks to first-time co-chairs Charles Carignan and Michael Cerruti), the Boston Ballet Ball stood out—particularly for its stunning preview of Full on Forsythe, by legendary choreographer William Forsythe, a whole month ahead of its opening at the Opera House. How’s that for a night to remember? bostonballet.org.
Boston Ballet
The city's preeminent dance organization dazzled audiences this past year with Ivan Lika's thrilling Le Corsaire, while also embarking on a new five-year partnership with internationally renowned choreographer William Forsythe. The company's dancers always impress, whether performing Forsythe's ode to ballet, Artifact, or bringing beloved stories to life: Thanks to popular demand, The Sleeping Beauty will return for a weeklong run in 2018, along with Romeo & Juliet and Classic Balanchine. Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111, bostonballet.org.
Boston Ballet
Brooke Trisolini/Courtesy of Boston Ballet It’s impossible to make a Zoom gala as exciting as the real deal, but Boston Ballet’s virtual ball, dubbed “The Next Step,” came pretty darn close. The breezy evening’s highlights, as always, were two world premieres: a live performance from Boston Ballet’s South End studio and a recorded performance at the Liberty Hotel. And lest they go hungry (and thirsty) while watching, guests received gift boxes containing splits of champagne, crackers, cheese and charcuterie, and a mezze selection — not to mention auction paddles that helped the organization raise more than $1.5 million that night. 19 Clarendon St., South End, MA 02116, bostonballet.org.
Boston Ballet School
COURTESY PHOTO Students in the classical ballet program have the chance to perform in the Nutcracker, but the school isn’t just for future Claras: Its inclusive approach involves classes for all ages (even toddlers!) and abilities. 19 Clarendon St., Boston, MA bostonballet.org.
Laura Young, who retired from dancing last May after 25 years with the Boston Ballet
Always graceful, always strong. Young was the tantrum-proof center of the Boston Ballet. She will remain as director of the Boston Ballet II and the Summer Dance Program.
The Boston Ballet's <em>Don Quixote</em>
The most polished production of the season.
The Metropolitan Center's Roof Collapsing
As a result the Boston Ballet discovered the Colonial.
The Colonial Theater
The Boston Ballet has found the right place this time. 106 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Margaret Karg
If she's good enough for the women's Olympic swim team and the Boston Ballet, she can probably fix your Mac back. 26 Brighton Street, Suite 300, Belmont, MA .
Nicole Eldridge
The 12-year-old who played Clara in the Boston Ballet's annual The Nutcracker gave a lyrical and unaffected performance. The best since Edra Toth.
Cathryn Moskow
If she's good enough for the aching legs and feet of the Boston Ballet, Moskow can surely handle the knot in your shoulders from hunching over a computer keyboard.
The Discovery Series
Nationally acclaimed, this collaboration of the Dance Umbrella and the Boston Ballet brought the provocative works of three New York choreographers—Susan Marshall, Kenneth Rinker, and Jim Self—to the Shubert Theatre.