Get ready to pirouette into the latest in ballet brilliance—from pointe-perfect
performances, dazzling transformations, and reimagined holiday magic!
First, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo celebrates 50 years of blending humor with classical ballet, redefining boundaries and bringing joy to audiences worldwide. Next, get the behind the scenes look into how New York City Ballet’s Principal dancer, Tiler Peck, gets ready to dance as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker including hair, makeup, and more. Lastly, experience the enchantment of Oklahoma City Ballet's reimagined Nutcracker, brought to life by Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye. Featuring fresh choreography, diverse casting, and modern themes, this captivating production debuts this December.
You know what comes next, keep on scrolling for more stories!
Ballet Arizona will present the U.S. premiere of Frida, a powerful ballet exploring the life, art, and enduring spirit of Frida Kahlo, choreographed by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, at Symphony Hall in Phoenix from February 13–16, 2025. Featuring an evocative score by Peter Salem, striking sets by Dieuweke van Reij, and costumes crafted by global artisans, Frida offers an immersive experience celebrating one of the 20th century’s most iconic artists.
Dayton Ballet’s Artistic Director, Brandon Ragland, is debuting his own reimagined choreography for The Nutcracker from December 13–22 at the Schuster Center. This fresh
production, featuring updated choreography, Art Nouveau-inspired designs, and a culturally mindful approach, aims to honor the classic while tying it uniquely to Dayton’s history and community.
Gillian Murphy, Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre since 2002, will conclude her remarkable 29-year career with a farewell performance as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake in July 2025 at the Metropolitan Opera House. Known for her versatility, artistry, and technical excellence, Murphy has had an illustrious career, creating iconic roles, performing globally, and inspiring the ballet world with her enduring contributions.
Ballet’s enduring association with pastel pink highlights the art form’s historical lack of diversity, with Black dancers often underrepresented and facing cultural and structural barriers. While initiatives like Tony Williams’ “Urban Nutcracker” and Boston Ballet’s inclusive programs are
making strides to increase accessibility and representation, much work remains to create a more
equitable and diverse ballet culture.
This article from the New York Times celebrates 2024's most impactful dance performances, from Alexei Ratmansky's Solitude, a moving tribute to Ukrainian war victims, to innovative works by Twyla Tharp, Ayodele Casel, and Oona Doherty. European ballet companies also shone, blending classical mastery with contemporary artistry, showcasing the enduring power of dance to inspire and reflect our times.
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, a queer, mostly male comic ballet company known for performing en travesti and on pointe, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Renowned for blending humor with classical artistry, the Trocks have overcome decades of challenges, from the AIDS epidemic to financial struggles, earning global acclaim and reshaping ballet’s boundaries
while continuing to bring joy and inclusivity to audiences worldwide.
Oklahoma City Ballet’s artistic director, Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, has reimagined The Nutcracker with new choreography, sets, and costumes, drawing inspiration from classic children’s tales to refresh the holiday favorite for its December 14–23 debut. Emphasizing inclusivity and creativity, the production introduces twists like a diverse cast, a broader adventure for Clara and her siblings, and updated Act II divertissements themed around holiday treats.
If You’re Around This Weekend
Immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season with the New York City Ballet's enchanting performance of The Nutcracker. Don’t miss this timeless classic, with showtimes on Friday, December 13, at 8:00 PM; Saturday, December 14, at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM; and Sunday, December 15, at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Make it a weekend to remember and celebrate the holiday spirit in style!
If You Feel Like Watching
New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck shares an inside look at her preparation as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. Before performing the iconic third movement of the pas de deux, Tiler completes her full stage makeup, carefully places the crown atop her intricate bun, steps into her dazzling tutu, and readies her pointe shoes for her moment on stage.
If You Feel Like Listening
Kit Holder, Artistic Coordinator of Birmingham Royal Ballet 2, shares insights into the company's daily life, performance opportunities, and career planning support, emphasizing how dancers are prepared for the demands of a professional ballet career. Drawing on his psychology background, he highlights how empathy and understanding inform his leadership style, fostering a nurturing yet rigorous environment for the next generation of artists.
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