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Ever wonder what it takes to create a world premiere? Join us over the next few months to learn about the creation of two eagerly anticipated world premieres by “punk ballerina” Karole Armitage and former Boston Ballet Principal Dancer Yury Yanowsky. See their world premieres come to life in Mirrors,May 6-26, 2016, at the Boston Opera House.

Step 1: What is the inspiration?

The source of inspiration for Yury Yanowsky’s world premiere is an unexpected one. During a gathering in his home country of Spain with his family and wife, Principal Dancer Kathleen Breen Combes, the conversation of old pregnancy customs came about as Kathleen is now 6 months pregnant. When they were talking about the old tradition of women using corsets to reshape their bodies, Yury’s mother jokingly brought out her corset for Kathleen to try, and Yury playfully twirled her around. As Yury grabbed onto the corset, a light bulb went off. “Wouldn’t this be an interesting way to dance?” The corset allowed for a greater range of motion that could not normally be obtained with traditional partnering techniques. A concept was born.

Karole Armitage’s world premiere is choreographed to Miles Davis’ legendary score, Bitches Brew, which was recorded right after the first year of Woodstock. It was a groundbreaking work where Miles set out to create the freshest sounds imaginable. At the same time, Karole was down the street from their recording studio, studying at School of American Ballet. The thought of her classical training as a ballerina during the time that this radical piece was being created inspired her to bring the psychedelic flavors of this jazz piece and the classical flavors of ballet together. Karole shares, “I asked myself, how far can I push the boundaries to make it look new while preserving the fundamentals?”

Step 2: Costume

Erica Cornejo by Sabi Varga

After being inspired by partnering in corsets, Yury Yanowsky borrowed his mother’s medical corset and tied some straps to it as a way to move the partner around. Yury then approached our Manager of Costume and Wardrobe, Charles Heightchew, to bring this idea to fruition. Charles knew immediately that the costumes needed to be very fitted and strong to ensure the safety and comfort of the dancers. Focusing on the functionality of the costume, Charles stayed away from decorative designs and chose a minimalist look. The Costume Shop made a total of 14 corsets customized to each female dancer.

With the psychedelic flavors of Miles Davis’ "Bitches Brew” in mind, Karole Armitage worked with fashion designer Peter Speliopoulos to design costumes that would further enhance the music and dance. Peter wanted the graphics of the costumes to exalt the body so he chose a gun metal, lycra material. At the same time he threw in vibrant colors to show an incredible contradiction. “Miles played the electric trumpet throughout the album - it was a sound you’ve never heard before. The costumes were designed to convey just that.”

Step 3: Music

Lucas Vidal by Steve Dzialowski

Yury Yanowsky is working with his cousin, Lucas Vidal, on the musical score for his world premiere. Vidal is a Spanish composer and two time Goya Awards winner. When studying at Berklee College of Music, he became the youngest student ever to compose and record the score to a feature film with a full orchestra. Born and raised in Madrid, Vidal began pursuing a career as a film composer at age 16. Since then, he has composed musical scores for more than a dozen films, and is best known for his work on Fast & Furious (2013), The Raven (2012), and Sleep Tight (2011). Boston Ballet and Vidal first worked together when he was a first year at Berklee, collaborating for the Company’s “Raw Dance” series. In 2010, he came back and composed a score for another world premiere by Yanowsky, Li3 (Lithium). Joining forces again this year, Vidal says “Yury’s work is very inspiring to me. When I was studying at Berklee I would go to all of his performances with Boston Ballet as well as the rehearsals. I got into his style and he educated me on the philosophy behind every movement.” Vidal describes the score for this world premiere as “minimalist but very emotional,” with a wide range of sound from dark melancholia to hopeless romanticism. “It is a true collaboration between Yury and I. He would send me reference pieces he liked and I would send him some ideas I thought could work. It is our best collaboration yet.”

Charlie Parker, Tommy Potter, Miles Davis, Duke Jordan, and Max Roach (Gottlieb 06851)

“This score ["Bitches Brew”] is really on par with the greatest music of Stravinsky.“- Karole Armitage.

This groundbreaking album by Miles Davis was released in 1970. Through this album, Davis experimented with electric instruments and rejected traditional jazz rhythms in favor of a looser, rock-influenced improvisational style.  Davis was determined to create the freshest sounds imaginable. Since its creation, "Bitches Brew” has gained recognition as one of jazz’s greatest albums, as well as a major influence on rock and funk musicians. For Karole, this score is really the meaning of her work. There is no narrative, it is just about the musical exploration. She says, “I like a piece of music that has an arc. I want to go on a journey and learn something at the end.” 

See them onstage - Mirrors, May 6-28. http://bit.ly/1KbERGy

In honor of National Mentoring Month, we asked some of Boston Ballet’s mentors and mentees about their experiences and how this relationship has impacted their lives.

Eve Rounds, Trustee Emerita for Boston Ballet (Mentor) & Andrea Juarez, student at Mount Ida College; Boston Arts Academy and Citydance alumni. (Mentee)

How were you connected?

Eve: Dance is an important part of our relationship as we met when Andrea was a dance major at Boston Arts Academy. I am also a trustee there.  

Andrea:I went to Boston Arts Academy and was a Dance major. My teachers encouraged me to take classes at Boston Ballet, which is where I met my mentor, Eve. After we met, Eve decided to help me by getting me to dance in Johnson, Vermont on a full scholarship.

Why is having a mentee/mentor important to you? 

Eve: I want to share my life lessons and experiences with another student, and guide them towards success. 

Andrea:Having a mentor like Eve opened my eyes to the dance world. She took me into her nest, ruffled my feathers, and allowed me to soar and grow into the independent woman I am today.

What sorts of things do you do with your mentee/mentor?

Eve: We take ballet class together and we discuss issues and ideas around college and summer programs. 

Andrea:We get together and talk about my future with dance, as well as outside of dance. These talks have given me options and possibilities that could alter my life in ways I did not imagine.

How has your mentee/mentor impacted your life? 

Eve: Andrea has shown me what determination and hard work can achieve. She is very respectful and grateful for the support she receives from me, which I truly appreciate. She has helped fellow students who were struggling, showing leadership and empathy.

Andrea:Eve takes on everything with determination and sincerity all at the same time. I am impressed with this balance and strive to live that way as well. By maintaining a positive attitude, I never lose hope in the goals I have set for myself.  I appreciate all of her efforts in helping me to succeed.

Describe your mentee/mentor in 3 words:

Eve: Gracious, thoughtful, generous. 

Andrea: Elegant, attentive, generous.

Toni Geheb, Senior Public Relations Manager (Mentor) & Adam Ouellet, Part-Time Public Relations Assistant (Mentee)

How were you connected? 

Toni: Adam and I started working together when he was hired as a Summer 2015 Public Relations and Social Media Intern. He joined my team at a time of transition in our department, so his ability to learn fast and agility to do whatever was needed was much appreciated. Adam was my lifesaver!

Adam: I began working at Boston Ballet this past summer as a Public Relations Intern. I’m a senior at Holy Cross, studying music and history, and I applied to the internship with Boston Ballet through my college’s Summer Internship Program. Toni was my supervisor throughout my internship experience and now I’m her part-time Public Relations Assistant. 

Why is having a mentee/mentor important to you?

Toni: Mentorship is an essential tool of professional development, both for the mentee and mentor. I have been grateful to have a number of amazing mentors in my professional career and acknowledge the difference it has made in my own personal growth. As a result, it is now my duty to give back, pass on the knowledge that has been given to me, and train and mentor the next generation of arts administrators to the best of my ability.

Adam:While I began my summer internship at Boston Ballet with previous experience working for a small arts nonprofit, making the leap from a small organization to a world-class dance company was a big step. Having a kind, patient, and inspiring mentor like Toni was reassuring. Toni made me feel like an important member of the PR team and now that I’m a part-time employee of the ballet, she still continues to impart her wisdom.

How do you use the arts in your relationship?  Is this an important part of what you do together? 

Toni:Our mutual passion for the arts is the core of our work—it’s what drives us every day! 

Adam: Toni and I share a passion for the arts — especially since we both have prior experience in the performing arts. When I started my internship, I informed Toni that I aspired for a career in arts administration. Throughout my internship, she made sure I was working on projects that catered to my specific interests. As Public Relations Assistant, I’m continuing to hone my skill set for a future career in the arts. 

How has your mentee/mentor impacted your life?

Toni:Investing in a mentee’s future brings tremendous joy and fulfillment to my life. Adam’s enthusiasm to learn, dedication to professional development, and eagerness to contribute to the team is a friendly reminder for myself to take a deep breathe, illuminate the youthful joy and drive that lives within me, and push forward even on the toughest days. Arts marketing can be a grueling profession, but the pride I feel when I have minimal edits to a press release he has drafted, or I hear him on the phone with a journalist, reminds me that I am making an impact in an individual’s life and our industry. It brings even more meaning to the work I do every day.

Adam:Toni’s mentorship has not only given me the confidence to pursue my career, but her guidance has helped inspire other qualities — hard work, attention to detail, and compassion — that will be useful throughout my professional life. Toni doesn’t just assign tasks and make sure I’m on track, but she makes sure I’m working to fulfill my long-term goals — I believe that’s what makes the difference between a good mentor and a greatone.

Describe your mentee/mentor in 3 words:

Toni: Driven, energetic, fearless.

Adam:Passionate, insightful, understanding.

We are grateful to our partner Mass Mentoring Partnership for their work in empowering youth-adult relationships to meet the needs of communities across Massachusetts. For more information visit www.massmentors.org.