City Ballet of Boston Presents “Tradition, Reimagined” at Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA

City Ballet of Boston (CBB) under the artistic direction of Tony Williams, presents “Tradition, Reimagined,” a celebration of ballet past and present. 

“Tradition, Reimagined” is a dynamic mixed bill performance that weaves together legacy and innovation. Featuring Isadora Duncan’s “Dances by Isadora,” Tony Williams’ “Ben’s Trumpet Suite,” and Lorraine Chapman’s new workshop-version of a stunning, all-female reimagining of “Swan Lake,” alongside additional choreography by Tony Williams, Gianni Di Marco, and Marcus Schulkind. “Tradition, Reimagined” illuminates the enduring strength and expressive depth of classical ballet as past and present meet on stage. 

Dances by Isadora pays tribute to the trailblazing American dancer and choreographer Isadora Duncan, widely regarded as the mother of modern dance. Her work — expressive, unstructured, and radically free — stands as one of the most influential forces in the history of Western dance. CBB’s presentation honors that legacy while placing it in conversation with the classical vocabulary of ballet. Set by Ellen O’Reilly-Jonas, charter member of the Boston Ballet and former colleague of Tony Williams. 

Ben’s Trumpet Suite, choreographed by CBB Artistic Director Tony Williams, is set to the evocative sounds of jazz trumpet and brings CBB’s signature blend of classical technique and contemporary storytelling to the stage. The work has become a beloved part of CBB’s repertoire and returns this season as a centerpiece of both programs.

I Loves You Porgy, a solo work choreographed by Tony Williams, offers an epilogue to George Gershwin's beloved opera Porgy and Bess. This piece invites us inside the heart of Bess, who has been taken to New York by Sportin' Life. She is lonely and sad. She hopes that one day her one true love, Porgy, will find her and take her back to Catfish Row. 

Swan Lake, reimagined in a bold new workshop production choreographed by Lorraine Chapman, presents the iconic classic as an all-female retelling — honoring the depth and drama of the original while bringing a fresh, contemporary perspective to one of ballet’s most enduring stories. 

The performances take place on April 4 at 2pm with a family friendly performance, and at 7pm with expanded repertoire. An open dress rehearsal on Friday, April 3, is pay-what-you-can with a casual reception following the rehearsal. All events take place at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA, 527 Tremont Street, Boston, MA.

Tickets start at $30 and are now on sale at BostonTheatreScene.com.

Program for April 4 at 2pm:
Joyeuse Marché, choreographed by Tony Williams
Lucky, choreographed by Tony Williams
Debussy Suite, choreographed by Tony Williams
Dances by Isadora, choreographed by Isadora Duncan
Quinteto in the Afternoon, choreographed by Gianni Di Marco
Ben’s Trumpet Suite, choreographed by Tony Williams

Program for April 4 at 7pm:
Joyeuse Marché, choreographed by Tony Williams
Ladies Night Out, choreographed by Marcus Schulkind
I Loves You Porgy, choreographed by Tony Williams
Swan Lake, choreographed by Lorraine Chapman
Debussy Suite, choreographed by Tony Williams
Dances by Isadora, choreographed by Isadora Duncan
Quinteto in the Afternoon, choreographed by Gianni Di Marco
Ben’s Trumpet Suite, choreographed by Tony Williams