Boston Ballet Reveals SPRING EXPERIENCE Program
Performances will run May 7-17.
Boston Ballet will present Spring Experience, a compelling mixed-repertory program that highlights the Company's versatility and artistic depth through three distinct works by celebrated choreographers Jerome Robbins, William Forsythe, and Boston Ballet Principal Dancer Lia Cirio. Spring Experience runs May 7–17 at the Citizens Opera House.
“I am thrilled to present this program with such contrasting and artistically challenging works. It is an honor to present the Boston Ballet premieres of Jerome Robbins' masterwork Dances at a Gathering and William Forsythe's Herman Schmerman. These works paired with Boston Ballet's own Lia Cirio's After showcases three very different choreographic voices—each offering its own perspective on music, movement, and human connection. It is exciting to see our dancers move between these works with such depth and versatility,” said Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen.
Dances at a Gathering
Considered one of Jerome Robbins' most celebrated works, Dances at a Gathering is admired for its natural, human style and its intimate relationship with music. Set to a selection of piano pieces by Frédéric Chopin, the ballet brings together 10 dancers in a series of solos, duets, and ensembles that evoke the spontaneity of friends coming together and celebrates the beauty of connection. Dances at a Gathering premiered in 1969 at the New York City Ballet, marking Robbins' return to the company after a 13-year absence.
Jerome Robbins (1918–1998) is world-renowned for his work as a choreographer of more than 60 ballets as well as his work as a director and choreographer in theater, movies, and television. His Broadway shows include On the Town, Billion Dollar Baby, High Button Shoes, West Side Story, The King and I, Gypsy, Peter Pan, Miss Liberty, Call Me Madam, and Fiddler on the Roof. His last Broadway production in 1989, Jerome Robbins' Broadway, won six Tony Awards including best musical and best director.
Herman Schmerman
William Forsythe's Herman Schmerman embodies his signature style—vivacious and technically difficult dancing paired with wit and playfulness. Herman Schmerman was created in 1992 and is set to a dynamic electronic score by his longtime collaborator Thom Willems. The piece challenges traditional ballet structures while highlighting the extraordinary athleticism and musicality of its dancers. Featuring vibrant yellow costumes designed by Versace, Herman Schmerman offers audiences the chance to experience the exhilarating innovation that made Forsythe a central figure in modern dance history.
William Forsythe has been active in the field of choreography for over 50 years. His work is acknowledged for reorienting the practice of ballet from its identification with classical repertoire to a dynamic 21st century art form. Forsythe danced with the Joffrey Ballet and later the Stuttgart Ballet, where he was appointed Resident Choreographer in 1976. In 1984, he began a 20-year tenure as director of the Ballet Frankfurt after which he founded and directed The Forsythe Company until 2015. Forsythe's deep interest in the fundamental principles of organization of choreography has led him to produce a wide range of projects including Installations, Films, and web-based knowledge creation. While his work for the stage resides in the repertoire of ensembles worldwide, his installations are presented internationally in exhibitions and museums. Forsythe has been the recipient of numerous awards which include the Golden Lion of the Venice Biennale and Der FAUST German Theatre Award, both for lifetime achievement. In November 2024, he was awarded the Kyoto Prize.
After
Boston Ballet Principal Dancer Lia Cirio's After returns after its premiere in 2024. Cirio's ballet showcases neoclassical pointe work, her own personal style, and her ability to highlight the unique talent of her fellow dancers. Set to Lera Auerbach's dystopic 24 Preludes for violin and piano selection, After is Cirio's second world premiere for Boston Ballet and is both personal and haunting. With a live pianist and violinist, dancers move in and out of delicate formations in pale gray costumes in front of a custom life-size sculpture by John Farrell. The ballet comes together as a stunning portrayal of life's delicate nature.
Lia Cirio was invited by Mikko Nissinen to join Boston Ballet II in 2003. She was promoted to artist of the Company in 2004, to second soloist in 2006, and to soloist in 2007. From 2008 to 2009, Cirio performed with Trey McIntyre Project throughout the United States and globally. She returned to Boston Ballet for the 2009–2010 season and was promoted to principal dancer in 2010. In 2018, Cirio made her choreographic debut with Sta(i)r(e)s during BB@home: ChoreograpHER. In 2019, she choreographed Lenore for the second ChoreograpHER installment, as well as …the peppermint wind for Boston Ballet School's Next Generation. She choreographed Chesire for Ballet Academy East in New York City and Sabali for Festival Ballet Rhode Island. In 2022, Cirio made her Boston Ballet mainstage choreographic debut and premiered Chaptered in Fragments for the ChoreograpHER program, followed by After in 2024.
All nine performances of Spring Experience will take place at the Citizens Opera House (539 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111).
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