Boston Ballet Announces February BB@home Programs

Boston Ballet proudly presents two BB@home programs in February at Boston Ballet's South End headquarters (19 Clarendon Street) in an intimate, black box theater setting. On February 15 and 16 at 7:30 pm, audiences will get an exclusive preview of the Parts In Suite program which will be performed March 9-April 7 at the Boston Opera House. Prior to that, Boston Ballet II (BBII), the Second Company of Boston Ballet, will present an array of works on February 1 and 2 at 7:30 pm.

"Our BB@home programs are wonderful opportunities for people to get up close and personal with the art and artists of Boston Ballet," said Boston Ballet's Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen. "I look forward to showcasing the talent of our dancers, choreographers, and educators at our Boston Ballet headquarters."

BB@home: Preview of Parts In Suite (February 15 and 16 at 7:30 pm)

Before Parts In Suite opens at the Boston Opera House on March 9, audiences can get an intimate peek at works by three choreographic powerhouses: William Forsythe, Justin Peck, and Jorma Elo. Forsythe's Pas/Parts 2016 features an ensemble of 14 dancers performing to an electronic score by frequent Forsythe collaborator Thom Willems. It is a Boston Ballet premiere and marks the second year of Boston Ballet's partnership with the world-renowned choreographer. Justin Peck is a soloist and the resident choreographer with New York City Ballet. His In Creases is a Boston Ballet premiere, the first of Peck's work performed by the Company. Jorma Elo has been Boston Ballet's Resident Choreographer since 2005. His Bach Cello Suites made its world premiere in May 2015 and includes a solo cellist performing on stage. The program will also include informal talks with Boston Ballet's artistic staff.

BB@home with Boston Ballet II (February 1 and 2 at 7:30 pm)

Boston Ballet II will perform four works including Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon's The American set to music by Antonín Dvo?ák and the pas de deux from George Balanchine's Stars and Stripes set to music by John Philip Sousa. The American is the first Wheeldon ballet in Boston Ballet II's repertoire. The program continues with Trazom (Mozart spelled backwards, which is how the composer signed many of his letters to his sister), choreographed by Yury Yanowsky, former principal dancer with Boston Ballet. Trazom premiered in May 2014 as part of Boston Ballet School's Next Generation performance during Boston Ballet's 50th anniversary year. Lastly, Peter Stark, associate director of Boston Ballet II and head of Boston Ballet School's men's program, choreographed Gopak, after the traditional, energetic Ukrainian male dance.

The program will also include informal talks with Michele Gifford, stager for Wheeldon's The American; choreographer Yury Yanowsky; and Miranda Weese, Boston Ballet's children's ballet master, former principal dancer with New York City Ballet, and a major interpreter of Balanchine's Stars and Stripes.

BB@home is approximately 1 hour with no intermission. Tickets are $55. For more information, visit bostonballet.org or call 617.695.6955.

All BB@home performances take place at 19 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116:

Since 1963, Boston Ballet's internationally acclaimed performances of classical, neo-classical, and contemporary ballets, combined with a dedication to world-class dance education and community initiative programs, have made the institution a leader in its field, with a 54-year history of promoting excellence and access to dance.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen and Executive Director Meredith Max Hodges, the Company maintains a diverse repertoire, ranging from full-length ballets to new works by some of today's finest choreographers. Boston Ballet's Second Company, Boston Ballet II, is comprised of dancers who gain experience by performing with the Company and independently, presenting special programs to audiences throughout the Northeast.

Boston Ballet School, the official school of Boston Ballet, has a long-standing dedication to providing exceptional dance education and ballet training to students across three studios in Boston, Newton, and the North Shore. Led by Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen and Director Margaret Tracey, the School reaches more than 5,000 students (toddler to adult) each year through its four core programs: Children's Program, Classical Ballet Program, Adult Dance Program, and Pre-Professional Program.

Boston Ballet's Department of Education and Community Initiatives (ECI) provides programming, events, and activities that connect the community to dance. ECI reaches more than 4,000 individuals in Boston, North Shore, and the surrounding communities each year through Citydance, ECI on Location, Adaptive Dance, and other community programs.

For more information, please visit bostonballet.org.

Photo Credit: Rosalie O'Connor

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