In two weeks, the Boston Ballet began an epic series of 35 performances of “The Nutcracker” in 31 days. In May 2022, the company will close its 2021-2022 season with artistic director Mikko Nissinen’s second version of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s work with “Swan Lake”. Between the great classics of Nissinen, the Boston Ballet offers eight striking world premieres on the stage of the Boston Opera.
As Nissinen celebrates his 20th anniversary as head of his hometown institution and the company’s first in-person performances in over a year and a half, the legendary choreographer and curator walks us through every installment of the short story. season.
“The Nutcracker”, Nov. 26-Dec. 26
Nissinen admits that running is a marathon. But to make sure his dancers are healthy and ready, he started putting on the show months ago. “Yes, they can dance, but bodies can also break,” he said. “So we’re trying to make sure that the foundation is really solid so that we can not only do a good performance but also do a good performance and survive the whole race.” If you have never seen the Christmas war horse, it is as amazing and delicious as it is claimed.
Choreographer, from March 3 to 13
This year’s ChorerapHER program puts an exclamation point on the Boston Ballet’s multi-year initiative to support emerging female artists. The March edition brings together talents such as New York City Ballet principal dancer and choreographer Tiler Peck, neoclassical and contemporary visionary Claudia Schreier and visual artist Shantell Martin and her first foray into dance. “Although the ChoregrapHER project ends with this, our long-term commitment to female choreography does not,” said Nissinen.
DREAMstate, March 17-27
If you are looking for a wide range of sounds and styles, check out this program. From 20th century titan George Balanchine, “Chaconne” features 27 dancers moving on a selection from the 1762 opera “Orfeo ed Euridice”. Stephen Galloway, who has worked with the Rolling Stones, Vogue magazine and the American Ballet Theater, reveals the premiere of “DEVIL’S / eye”. Jiri Kylian’s “Bella Figura” completes the evening. “I call this one, ‘buckle up your seatbelt’,” Nissinen said with a laugh. “We go from the Rolling Stones to ‘Bella Figura’, which is probably the most beautiful work of art I have ever seen.”
MINDscape, May 5 to 15
“Every time William Forsythe makes a world premiere, it’s world news,” Nissinen said. “We are the luckiest company in the world for him to have chosen us as his new home port. Everyone would like to have it. Forsythe combines his new work “Blake Works II” with his accompaniment piece “Blake Works I”, both based on music by electronic pop artist James Blake. Boston Ballet resident choreographer Jorma Elo adds to the magic with his own premiere.
“Swan Lake”, from May 26 to June 5
Nissinen’s “Swan Lake” is a masterpiece intended for both ballet veterans and those new to the art form. Looking at the wide swing of the season, the art director is thrilled with “these two great bookends,” he said. “It starts with Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic and ends with the most famous classical ballet.”
For tickets and more information go to bostonballet.org.
