Boston Ballet: Spring Experience

“It was absolutely magical. The talent, skill, emotion conveyed, choreography, music, costumes, lighting, stage, design, everything!” –Audience Member Jerome Robbins Dances at a Gathering William Forsythe Herman Schmerman Lia Cirio After The 2026 Spring Experience is made up of three contrasting works that showcase the versatility of Boston Ballet dancers and the varied styles of contemporary ballet storytelling. Dances at a Gathering A Boston premiere of Jerome Robbins’ elegant, signature ballet, Dances at a Gathering is about human relationships and emotions. Set to music by Chopin, played by a solo pianist on stage, the entire cast of 10 dancers each represent different personalities as they flow in and out of graceful interactions with one another. On creating sense of community: this ballet “should look like a group of friends together, just dancing,” says Robbins Rights Trust stager Jean-Pierre Frohlich. “Simple as that. And that’s what’s so beautiful about it.” Robbins said there’s no story; the dancers are merely being themselves—but they are also, as writer Deborah Jowitt put it, “members of a community that lives in Chopin’s music.” Jerome Robbins “A ballet is a ritual of exorcism: it is achieved through the magic of movement. Something about our existence is perceived and felt and translated by the choreographer with the help of the dancers. The rite is formed and conditioned within a strict technique and disciplined craft. It is heightened and made larger than life by music, light, color; it finally is submitted to the collective ceremony of theatre and comes to its fulfilment under the darkness of the house, infused with the attention of assembled individuals enrapt in watching a part of their existence revealed and identified and relived.” –Jerome Robbins Herman Schmerman William Forsythe, known for his revolutionary and influential approach to choreography, redefined classical ballet and expanded its boundaries, earning him recognition as one of the most visionary choreographers of his time. Herman Schmerman embodies his signature style—vivacious and technically difficult dancing paired with wit and playfulness. The ballet is set to “Just Ducky” by Thom Willems and is punctuated with dancers in vibrant yellow Versace costumes. “I first heard that phrase [‘Herman Schmerman’] used by Steve Martin in the film Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid. I think it’s a lovely title that means nothing. The ballet means nothing, too. It’s a piece about dancing that will be a lot of fun. It’s just…talented dancers dancing around—and that’s good, isn’t it?” –William Forsythe William Forsythe “I want people to look forward to ballet, not endure it.” –William Forsythe William Forsythe is an internationally renowned American choreographer known for his innovative approach to ballet. His work blends traditional technique with contemporary movement, pushing the boundaries of dance. Forsythe is credited with revolutionizing ballet, and has been hailed as “the most influential practitioner of the art form since Balanchine” (The&nbsp;New York Times). After Set to the Auerbach’s dystopic 24 Preludes for violin and piano selection, Lia Cirio’s second world premiere for Boston Ballet 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. “I am increasingly drawn to art and dance that challenge my thinking and move me through their interpretation of choreography and embodiment of music. I am deeply aware of Boston Ballet dancers’ immense talent, which I witness daily. It is a true honor to create with them, and I hope our collaboration brings out the best in us all. This piece, my second for the Boston Ballet main stage, reflects everything I’ve learned as a professional dancer.” –Lia Cirio Lia Cirio “While it is neo-classical in technique, it is also distinctly my own, infused with my quirks, thoughts, and inspirations. I was initially drawn to Auerbach’s preludes for their emotional dynamism, where so much is expressed in mere moments. My set, reminiscent of paper sculptures, embodies both vulnerability and strength, qualities that drive my choreography. Additionally, I am inspired by an end-of-the-world, dystopian atmosphere, adding another layer to this work.” –Lia Cirio Lia Cirio joined Boston Ballet II in 2003 and was promoted to the main company in 2004. She was made a principal dancer in 2010. In 2022, Cirio had her Boston Ballet mainstage choreographic debut and premiered Chaptered in Fragments for the ChoreograpHER program. Her second world premiere for Boston Ballet After premiered on October 24, 2024. Tickets available @ https://eventschaser.com/?s=Boston+Ballet%3A+Spring+Experience+

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S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

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S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

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S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

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Just added to Joyraft

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

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S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

Boston Ballet: Spring Experience

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