BOSTON, October 13, 2021 / PRNewswire-PRWeb / – Boston Ballet (“The Company”) today announced the launch of UNITED, a free online content center hosted by the art director Mikko Nissinen which features immersive dance films, unexpected collaborations from around the world, and virtual reality (VR) performances. With ÜNI, the Boston Ballet paves the way to uncharted territory and asks, “How can we bring dance to everyone and break down barriers through the invitation to movement?” Boston Ballet will refresh content on ÜNI seasonally to engage regularly with new audiences and make ballet fairer and more accessible than ever. All you need to enjoy a world-class ballet is a smart device and a Wi-Fi connection.
The virtual nature of ÜNI is not simply a passive experience of watching a filmed stage performance, but rather a dynamic way of presenting dance through exciting new mediums. The ÜNI performances were choreographed specifically for a digital platform and filmed in a way that brought the audience into the performance in an unexpected and unique style. ÜNI broadens the appeal of ballet for those who were previously not engaged in the art form or intimidated by the term “ballet” by removing barriers that have prevented a larger audience from participating, such as cost and cost. ‘site.
In selecting choreographers, collaborators and artists to participate in the development of ÜNI, the Boston Ballet has focused on showcasing the work of under-represented voices in the dance world. ÜNI was born from the idea that dance should be inclusive, welcoming and accessible to all, and the diversity of partners who brought this project to life is an extension of this vision.
“Dancing is a reaction to so much in life – we cannot separate ourselves from the dance,” said Mikko Nissinen. “The creation of ÜNI is synonymous with the start of a new era in the art of performance, encouraging all to enjoy the captivating artistic expression of some of the best choreographers and performers in the dance world. We are delighted to providing ballet enthusiasts and newcomers with the next iteration of dance. “
ÜNI offers VR performances where viewers are immersed in a multisensory experience, allowing them to connect more with the performances. Choreographed to evoke thoughts, emotions and perspectives, audience members who choose to experience ÜNI through virtual reality headsets will find themselves at the center of the Boston Ballet’s performances.
Meredith (Max) Hodges, Executive Director of The Boston Ballet, added, “The ambition and artistic creation of Boston Ballet knows no bounds. Virtual artistic creation is a muscle our company has built over the past year and the launch of ÜNI is the culmination of that effort. Our reputation for daring, The Choreography That Pushes The Limits has brought us to a point where we are ready to evolve the way we consume ballet and offer it to the public in a more inclusive and accessible environment. “
Feature performance on ÜNI includes:
The Human Voice | Dutch choreographer Nanine Linning’s La Voix Humaine explores human emotions as well as aspects of cultural history and social criticism
Enlarge | Filmed for a 360-degree view, the dancers surround you in impressive and daring movements, choreographed by Ken osola
Petal | Choreographed by Helene pickett, Petal’s intimate virtual reality performance invites you with vibrant colors and thrilling choreography
To discover the entire ÜNI online platform, Click here.
The Boston Ballet has collaborated with Denise korn, NI Design Director and Strategic Advisor, and the Gensler Boston brand team to develop the ÜNI brand identity and ÜNI website design.
About the Boston Ballet
Since 1963, the Boston Ballet’s internationally renowned performances of classical, neoclassical and contemporary ballets, combined with a dedication to world-class dance education and community initiatives, have made the institution a leader in its domain, with a 58-year history of promoting excellence and access to dance. Under the direction of the artistic director Mikko Nissinen and executive director Meredith (Max) Hodges, the Company maintains a diverse repertoire, ranging from complete ballets to new works by some of today’s top choreographers. The Boston Ballet’s second company, the Boston Ballet II, is made up of dancers who gain experience performing with the company and independently, presenting special programs to audiences in the Northeast.
Boston Ballet School, the official school of Boston Ballet, has long been committed to providing an exceptional education in dance and ballet training to students at two studios in Boston and Newton. The school reaches over 5,000 students (from toddlers to adults) each year through its five core programs: pre-professional program, classical ballet program, children’s program, adapted dance program and dance program for adults. Boston Ballet’s educational and community initiatives offer programs, events and activities that connect the community with dance. Community programs reach over 4,000 people in Boston and the surrounding communities each year through Citydance, ECI on Location, workshops and trainings. For more information, please visit bostonballet.org.
About Gensler
Gensler is a global architecture, design and planning firm with 49 locations across Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Founded in 1965, the firm serves more than 3,500 active clients in virtually every industry. Gensler’s designers strive to make the places where people live, work and play more inspiring, resilient and impactful. http://www.gensler.com
Media contact
Chelsea higgins, BIGfish Communications for Boston Ballet, +1 617-713-3800, bostonballet@bigfishpr.com
SOURCE Boston Ballet
