#bostonballet

We spoke with soloist Florimond Lorieux about joining a new company, his Boston Ballet Nutcracker debut, and what it’s like moving from Paris to Boston.

Are you excited about dancing in Mikko’s The Nutcracker for the first time?

I am very excited about dancing for the first time in Mikko’s The Nutcracker. His version is so beautiful. I have already watched it many times on screen to work on it and I must say that this production is amazing. Sets and costumes are gorgeous and you feel all the spirit of Christmas during the whole ballet.

I have already danced The Nutcracker with the Paris Opera Ballet, but I can feel that here in America The Nutcracker is quite a holiday traditional rendez-vous. I can’t wait to be a part of it!  

What roles are you learning?

I will dance the Pastorale which is well-known as a French style dance during the divertissement in the second act. I will also perform the Prince/Cavalier, which excites me so much. I start rehearsing the role this week.

What do you want audiences to feel or take away when they come to see you perform?

Many children will come and see The Nutcracker. For most of them it will be the first time they can enjoy the magic of a ballet. For a few of them it might be the beginning of a new passion. And I want to dance for them.

Will your family be joining you from France?

My mum will come, and I am so happy that she can see me on the Boston Opera House stage. I can’t wait to help her discover what I already know of the city.

How do you like Boston so far?

To me, Boston has all the positive aspects of a European and American city. I have felt very good here since the very first day I arrived to audition.

How has it been joining the Boston Ballet?

After spending the last 20 years with the Paris Opera Ballet (school included), joining a new company has been easier than I expected, thanks to the warm welcome of dancers and artistic staff.

Catch him on stage at the Boston Opera House, Nov 25-Dec 31. http://bit.ly/2eYiy0G

What sparked your passion for dance?

I performed on stage at a young age and it sparked my passion for dance. I think I’m a natural performer, I don’t get nervous at all. I feel really at ease on stage and enjoy performing for the audience.        

What was it like attending the Princess Grace Awards Gala in October?

WOW, it was a once in a lifetime moment I will never forget!! It almost felt like a dream. What a huge honor to receive this award. The moment we stepped into the Cipriani, I felt like I was a celebrity. We were surrounded by the media, cameras flashing everywhere, it made me feel like I was at the Oscars! Everything was so well organized and went according to schedule from the moment we arrived. It was an extravagant night filled with all the glitz and royal attractions. The Serene Highness Princess Charlene and Prince Albert were so nice and welcoming to the winners.

Was it exciting to be surrounded by successful artists and other aspiring dancers?

It was very exciting to be surrounded by so many influential artists and aspiring dancers who share the same passion I have for dance. It’s an honor to get to be grouped with all these artists that I look up to! I thought I was going to feel out of place being the youngest winner, but that wasn’t the case. Everyone was so down to earth and friendly.

How will the Princess Grace Award help you reach your goal of becoming a principal dancer?  

Winning this prestigious award just proves that hard work pays off. I will continue working hard and striving to be the best dancer I can be, in hopes of becoming a principal dancer at Boston Ballet one day!

You’ve gotten the opportunity to dance in many Boston Ballet productions, including The Nutcracker, Third Symphony of Gustav Mahler, and Swan Lake. What has been your favorite performance experience so far and why?

If I had to choose, I would say The Nutcracker is my all-time favorite! I love the whole production from the music to the exquisite costumes and choreography. My goal is to perform as one of the Russian dancers—that’s my favorite section! I love their athleticism, showmanship, and charm!

How has Boston Ballet School helped you grow as a dancer, and what else do you hope to achieve here?

I’ve attended other schools for variety dance training and they are great schools, but Boston Ballet School has provided me with superior training I need for a professional career in ballet. I aspire to become a principal dancer, and Boston Ballet School will help me achieve that goal.

What is unique about your Boston Ballet School training?  

Apart from the superior training and remarkable teachers, I love the camaraderie my fellow dancers and I have for each other. We are supportive and have each other’s backs. That’s so important in and out of class, and unique to Boston Ballet School.  

Learn more about Boston Ballet School’s offerings: http://bit.ly/2ei9buX

From a dancing bear to the most beautiful snow scene, don’t miss out on the magic this holiday season. If you need some convincing, here’s the top ten reasons you should join us this year!

Reason #1: Because who doesn’t love it when The Nutcracker Bear leaps across the stage. 

Reason #2: Watching the Doll break it down, robot-style.

Reason #3: The only time you will see (and enjoy?) a mice party on stage!

Reason #4: Feeling like a child again, gasping as the tree magically grows on stage.

Reason # 5: Seeing snowflakes come to life…

Reason #6: Being able to travel the world in one night. 

Reason #7: Being part of more than 200 Boston Ballet School students’ dream come true…

Reason #8: The only place you’ll see flowers in bloom in the cold winter season.

Reason #9:  Falling in love with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her charming prince…

Reason #10: Because it’s been a long, long year and you deserve a magical night out with your family and friends. 

Join us at the Boston Opera House, Nov 25-Dec 31. http://bit.ly/1LQ4gwN

Summertime is here and our dancers are keeping busy. From a gala performance in Italy to visiting family in Brazil, find out where they are in the world and what they’re up to. Get the inside scoop below:

PAULO ARRAIS: “I will be home in Brazil and then will be traveling to Hamburg and Paris to see friends, and finally to Spain to visit my mother.”

HANNAH BETTES: “I will be busy this summer! Fellow Company dancer Brett Fukuda and I will be traveling through Europe. Some of the places we’ll go to are Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, Zadar, Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, Geneva, Zurich, Paris, Nice, Rome, Las Palmas, and then Lisbon!”

RACHELE BURIASSI: “I will be in Treviso, Italy performing at a gala with former Boston Ballet Principal Dancer Yury Yanowsky. Afterwards, I will take classes at Teatro dell’ Opera di Roma. I will then be visiting Stuttgart Ballet and returning back to Boston in August!”

PAUL CRAIG: “Earlier in the summer I traveled to Pennsylvania Ballet to see a friend retire. Then I traveled home to Manistee, MI. The last two weeks of July, I’ll be in Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod with Cirio Collective.”

LAUREN HERFINDAHL: “I was in Hawaii for some relaxing vacation time. I will be heading to Madrid to participate in the Art Of program that fellow Company member Boris Richir helps run.”

MISA KURANAGA: “I will be in Japan this summer doing a video shoot for Bvlgari’s Aurora Awards. Bvlgari is giving an award to inspirational women in Japan this year and I am one of the ten nominees, and the only dancer. I will be traveling to Vail International Dance Festival end of July and then going to Cuba and Finland in August.”

ALEXANDER MARYINOWSKI: “I will be dancing in Paris and Spain and then visiting family in Greece.”

MATTHEW SLATTERY: “I will be dancing and visiting family in Australia!”

ADDIE TAPP: “I’m flying to Copenhagen to meet Hannah and visiting close friends who dance with Royal Danish Ballet. I will then be flying home to Glenwood Springs in Colorado for the rest of June. ”

The 2015-16 season has come to an end and it’s been an amazing journey! Thank you for sharing your love of dance with us. Here’s a look back at the performances and what you had to say about them…

“The most stunning evening I’ve ever spent in 40 years of attending almost every Boston Ballet performance.” - Judy K.  

“An amazing performance, the control & strength of the dancers is unreal. The music beautiful- I was moved to tears at the end. I can’t imagine how this can be topped. A once in a lifetime performance and a visual journey for the eyes and auditory treat for the ears. Bravo Boston Ballet!!!” - Kara L.  

“ I came from Toronto to see this North American premier. This work is a masterpiece of breath-taking beauty by John Neumeier. I was left in tears at the end….and there were many others around me who were just as moved as I. The dancers of Boston Ballet danced with their hearts and souls…they were truly magnificent. For those who are lucky enough to be in Boston or in striking distance to see a performance of this great work.. try to go. It is a very moving and special ballet.” - Linda A.  

“At the performance last night, absolutely amazing scenery and costumes, talented dancers and beautiful theater. It was a fabulous night!” - Roxanne L. 

“I went! It was the best shows I’ve seen in years! It was awesome..have to go!!” - Fiorella B. 

“Saw this last night and it was one of the Best Productions I’ve seen in a long time !! The sets, lighting, and most especially the Dancing were All Superb !! Bravo !!” - Beme C.

“I wanted to shout out "Amazing performance last night Boston Ballet!” Loved,Loved, Loved it!!!“ - Mary D.  

"What an excellent show. Wifey and I enjoyed it immensely and plan to come to other great performances by the Boston Ballet.” - Zack S.  

“Thank you for putting on such an amazing show!! The dancers relayed the emotions so well, it was breathtaking!” - Maddie U.  

“I was blessed to see the performance today - exquisite doesn’t even come close! The story, the staging, the costumes - all of the amazing aesthetics on which the technically gorgeous and emotionally brillant dancers performed! Thank you Boston Ballet! Beautifully done!” - Laura P.

“We attended last weekend, and the Ballet was FABULOUS!! - incredible execution of choreography; lead dancers were magnificent!; costumes were glorious, etc. etc. Don’t miss this, Ballet lovers. Will subscribe for next year based on this performance.” - Rosemary M. 

“What a wonderful combinations of work in tonight’s show! The opening Balanchine piece was danced beautifully and is another example of his genius! The grand sets and costumes in the Massine work were a feast of color and fun!! Well done all around.” - Bradley A.  

“Awesome performance! We are so fortunate to have such great dancers in Boston” - Sandra M.

"Loved all four pieces. Wish I could see it again a again. Bravo Boston Ballet.” - Carlos N.

"Such a lively, engaging performance! So proud to be a Bostonian and to have a company such as Boston Ballet!” - Kelly G.  

"I became a huge fan last evening! Brilliant athletes great music so fun!” - Jon K.

"Got the goosebumps! This was by far the best performance I have ever seen. Congratulations!” - Rachel K.  

"My husband and I went to see Boston Ballet Swan Lake on Saturday as my birthday gift. It was amazingly beautiful that I Didn’t even blink my eyes much till a realized my eyes were getting dry. I couldn’t differentiate between dancers because they all danced like one. Thank you very much for your hard work to make your tickets worth the money (AND THEY WERE!!). I even tried the Swan arm move at home because it was so beautifully executed. I highly recommend watching it.” - Tse R.  

"Such a thrill! I went yesterday and it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen and the orchestra was fabulous!” - Stacey S.  

"Visiting from out of town and decided to watch this company with friends who love modern ballet. We were all blown away. Breathtaking choreography and well executed performances. Truly unforgettable highlight of my trip.” - Eduardo D. 

“[My friend] and I were FLOORED by this performance. The Boston Ballet is one of my favorite places to be.” - Marie C.

“Just came home from my first Boston Ballet performance in 39 years! They have grown into a great company! Bravi tutti!” - John G.

Did you see these awesome costumes in Karole Armitage’s world premiere Bitches Brew? They were designed by costume designer Peter Speliopoulos, but brought to life by our very own Costume Shop Dyer/Painter Shane Maxwell who hand-dyed and painted 64 customized tights for this ferocious new work. Take a look at his creation process!

“First, we met with the designers to figure out the best way to make their vision a reality. We looked over illustrations, fabric swatches, and color samples. From there, I ran extensive dye and painting tests, resulting in over 25 painted fabric samples. 15 of these samples were approved, one for each dancer on stage.”

From left to right: Boston Ballet Company dancer Patrick Yocum, choreographer Karole Armitage, Costume Shop Head Draper Kenneth Busbin, and Boston Ballet Company dancer Ji-Young Chae.

“We ordered white tights, which were custom made to each dancers specific measurements. The designer wanted to create an ombre effect – grey fading into psychedelic color below the knee. I had to fit the tights on each dancer, marking just below the knee as a reference point for the dye and paint process.” 

“Once the tights were marked, I hung them up on a dye rack that I made. The first step was to dye the tights grey above the mark below the knee.”

“Once the grey ombre was dyed, the next step was to stretch all of the tights over mannequins so I could paint the bottom of the tights. After accurately mixing all the colors, I began the long painting process. After each pair of tights was painted, it had to dry for a minumum of 24 hours on the mannequin.”

“Any water based paint for textiles must be heat set to ensure the color will be permanent. Each pair of tights is carefully ironed for about 10 minutes. They are then put in the dryer for an additional 2 hours. Lastly, they go through a final wash and then they are ready to grace the stage!”

“Each dancer has 2 pairs of tights and we have 2 casts totaling 64 pairs of tights. This process took me 3 months to complete.”

Come see Shane’s artistry come to life on stage in Mirrors, now through May 28, at the Boston Opera House. http://bit.ly/1KbERGy

Set to Miles Davis’ “Bitches Brew,” Karole Armitage explores the meaning of life in her explosive world premiere. In her ballet, the lead dancer represents the seeker. “This person is trying to understand how the world functions and our role in this world,” says Karole. We sat down with Soloist Ji Young Chae to find out what it is like to dance this role. 

Tell us a little bit about this role and the dancing involved. 

Karole told me in the beginning that my role is one of mystery. I am trying to find the meaning of life through exploring the world. Sometimes the worlds change between dream and reality. It has been a great challenge because the movement has to be constantly changing. I can’t stay the same. Karole pushed me to keep bringing forth more energy. This is what I love about contemporary dance. I can be so free. 

What is your biggest challenge dancing in this work?

The two biggest challenges dancing in this work are my hair and the music. First of all, I’ve never had my hair down like this in any ballet. Usually it is in a high bun or French twist. It was a big deal for me to dance with my hair down. I could barely see most of the time. Plus, my hair is so black!

The music is so cool and jazzy; however, it is also tremendously difficult to dance to. There is no set rhythm and we can’t see each other backstage so no one is there to give us cues. We have to rely completely on our own count. The trumpet sections has high notes, so we have to count to ourselves right after the high notes. If we miss the trumpet, then we miss everything. We have to listen to the music over and over again to internalize it.

The costumes are so cool! 

Yes! I was so excited to wear the costumes—they are so unique. The colors represent different aspects of life. But my costume is a solid grey, so I have to really show the audience who I am. I have to really put my personality into every movement. 

What do you want the audience to take away?

The piece starts out with my solo. It is just me on stage. I want the audience to immediately feel a sense of mystery. I want them to think, “Who is she? What is she doing?” I want to spark their curiosity. The wonderful thing is that each person will take away something different from this work. It is up to their own imagination.

CatchBitches Brew at the Boston Opera House, now through May 28. http://bit.ly/1KbERGy

Our March program Kaleidoscope is a colorful fusion of works. With spring on our minds, we asked Paper Fashion’s Katie Rodgers to design a t-shirt inspired by these vibrant works. Needless to say we fell in love immediately! Learn about her journey as an artist and working on her “dream project.” 

Get this exclusive t-shirt at the Boston Ballet Shop today! http://bit.ly/1UHo6vX

What inspired you to become an artist? 

It had been something I loved doing. It just felt so natural for me to paint and think creatively for as early as I can remember. I never intended to be an artist/painter as a career, although I did still study a creative profession - Industrial Design. Over time, I kept coming back to painting and combining it with an admiration of dance and fashion. It became an obsessive hobby, and over time blossomed into a full-time career. It was all very organic, and my inspiration and passion led the way without me fully realizing it in the moment. 

What did you enjoy most about working on this project? 

This was a dream project of mine! For one, I am an enormous ballet fan. Most of my work is inspired by ballet, especially my “Shadow Dancers”. I also lived in Boston for about six years up until moving to New York City in 2013. It is a city I love very much and have so many great memories of walking through the gates to the Boston Opera House to see the Boston Ballet perform. 

Boston Ballet dancer Caralin Curcio modeling the t-shirt

Was dance ever part of your life?

I took ballet as a little girl, but quickly realized it was not my forté! Although, I think I only took classes so I could see the incredible costumes up close! 

Get your t-shirt today and join us for a Kaleidoscope of dance! http://bit.ly/1UHo6vX