BOSTON, MA - Boston Ballet Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen today announced the programming for the Company's first-ever tour to New York's Lincoln Center, June 25-29, 2014. This tour will mark the final performances of the Company's 50th season, which launched at London's Coliseum Theatre in July, 2013. Nominated by The Critics' Circle National Dance Awards for "Outstanding Company", Boston Ballet is internationally recognized for a commitment to classical, neo-classical and contemporary choreography. The Company consists of 56 dancers representing a total of 19 nationalities and will present six dynamic performances accompanied by the Boston Ballet Orchestra. Boston Ballet's programs showcase a century of ground-breaking choreography and the impressive range of this world-class institution as well as two New York premieres - Alexander Ekman's Cacti and a new work by José Martinez. Tickets go on sale January 31, 2014 at tickets.davidhkochtheater.com or by calling 212.496.0600.
"This tour will be the grand finale to our 50th season," said Nissinen. "Many of the pieces we're presenting are new to the United States, some of which have not been performed outside of Boston. I'm thrilled we're able to present today's Boston Ballet to New York City."
Program 1 (William Forsythe's The Second Detail, José Martinez's New Work, and Alexander Ekman's Cacti),will be presented on Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30 PM, Thursday, June 26 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, June 29 at 1:00 PM. Program 1 features the work of three choreographers that are redefining the art of contemporary dance. A powerful display of athleticism and spunk, William Forsythe's The Second Detail has become one of Boston Ballet's signature works. Critics have described The Second Detail as "one of [Forsythe's] most vintage, pleasurable dissections of ballet grammar." No stranger to rethinking classicism, former Étoile of Paris Opera Ballet, José Martinez presents a new work that will premiere with Boston Ballet in February 2014 at the Boston Opera House. The program will close with Alexander Ekman's Cacti, an invigorating ballet that uses unique objects, sounds, and movements to challenge common perceptions of contemporary dance. The piece was nominated for "Best New Modern Choreography" by the UK Dance Critics Foundation.
Program 2 (Vaslav Nijinsky's Afternoon of a Faun, George Balanchine's Symphony in Three Movements, Jorma Elo's Plan to B and Jiří Kylián's Bella Figura), will be presented Friday, June 27 at 8:00 PM, Saturday, June 28 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Program 2 consists of four extraordinary works that have affected audiences on an international scale, spanning from neo-classical to cutting-edge contemporary. Vaslav Nijinsky's Afternoon of a Faun was considered the first modern ballet when it premiered in 1912 as part of the Ballet Russes. Though originally met with controversy for its erotic undertones, today it is famed as one of the world's most innovative works. George Balanchine's renowned Symphony in Three Movements is a neo-classical masterpiece. In addition to Balanchine's inestimable influence on the growth of the art form and the creation of professional ballet companies in America, he was instrumental in the founding of Boston Ballet. Balanchine became Artistic Advisor to the Company in 1963, gifting more than 17 ballets as a gesture of support. Boston Ballet will also perform Jorma Elo's invigorating Plan to B, a dynamic and signature work by the current Resident Choreographer that received enthusiastic praise from London audiences and critics alike in 2013. Jiří Kylián's Bella Figura will complete the program, a Boston Ballet trademark since the company first presented it to North America in 2011. In 2013, The Guardian wrote, "It's the journey these dancers take through Kylián's choreography that supplies the drama behind the beautiful image." An emotional masterpiece, audiences have called Bella Figura a beautiful and artistic experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Boston Ballet's internationally acclaimed performances of classical, neo-classical, and contemporary ballets, combined with a dedication to world class dance education and community outreach programs have made the institution a leader in its field, with a 50 year history of promoting excellence and access to dance. The Company launched its 50th season overseas with six critically acclaimed performances at The London Coliseum. Upon the return to the U.S., Boston Ballet kicked off the season at home with the first-ever Night of Stars on Boston Common - a free performance for the Boston community. The historic evening atrracted over 55,000 audience members to the largest stage ever built on Boston Common. The monumental season will conclude with a national tour to Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center and New York's David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.
Led by Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen, the Company has grown to become a force in the dance world locally, nationally and internationally. Boston Ballet continues this dynamic momentum into its 50th season while honoring its historic roots, the legacy of founder E. Virginia Williams, artistic advisor George Balanchine, and the leadership of artistic directors Violette Verdy, Bruce Marks and Anna Marie Holmes.
The programming for Boston Ballet's sensational 2013-2014 season defines the Company's distinctive style and rich diversity, showcasing its artistic and technical range; from traditional classics like Ashton's Cinderella, Clerc's La Bayadére, Lander's Études, to Balanchine's dazzling Jewels and Resident Choreographer's C. to C. (Close to Chuck). In addition the Company will introduce new voices in dance to the United States, with works by Alexander Ekman (Cacti), Petr Zuska (D.M.J. 1953-1977), and a world premiere by José Martinez.
Boston Ballet School, the official school of Boston Ballet, has a long-standing dedication to excellence and access. The School reaches more than 10,000 students (toddler to adult) each year through Boston Ballet School classes, the Summer Dance Workshop, Pre-professional Summer Dance Program and the Pre-Professional Training held at three studio locations in Boston, Newton, and Marblehead.
Boston Ballet's nationally-acclaimed education programs include Citydance, Taking Steps, and Adaptive Dance. The programs are offered in partnership with the Boston Public Schools and in communities throughout the city and region.
New York Tour
June 25, 26, and 29
(Program 1)
Willem Forsythe's The Second Detail -José Martinez World Premiere - Alexander Ekman's Cacti
June 27 and 28 (Program 2)
George Balanchine's Symphony in Three Movements - Vaslav Nijinsky's Afternoon of a Faun
Jorma Elo's Plan to B - Jiří Kylián's Bella Figura
212.496.0600
tickets.davidhkochtheater.com
