The Joffrey Ballet closes out the season with a program loaded with classic romance called “Spring Desire.” whose focus is the world premiere of Incantations, a new work by Val Caniparoli. The most contemporary piece on the bill, Incantations fuses classic ballet movement with a touch of modern dance. Russian composer Alexandre Rabinovitch-Barakovsky’s score sets a whimsical mood, as dancers spiral (literally) over each other. The set and lighting play a big part in this piece with the spiral theme heavily in place. Cyllindrical wire fixtures hang over the stage while costuming is kept simple in nude colors with curious henna tattoos on the backs of the male dancers. Lucy Carter’s (whose work we saw in Infra) prominent and deliberate lighting design is noteworthy in itself for adding to the work rather than simply performing a function. more ›

This week the Joffrey veers away from its traditional root of ballet with an all-contemporary program they're calling Winter Fire, comprised of three pieces from choreographers that are shaping the future of dance. We had a chance to chat with Wayne McGregor, whose work is featured in the program. more ›

Leaders of several local arts organizations announced preliminary details of "The Soviet Experience," a fourteen-month-long multidisciplinary festival beginning in October, 2010, and continuing through December, 2011. Eleven different institutions will present works by visual artists, choreographers, composers, and dramatists who lived under the stifling Politburo. more ›

We realize we’ve already presented you with two kick-ass options for tonight, but if you’re not in the mood for eclectic-music-in-the-rain or guy-with-a-guitar-in-a-bar, allow us to add another suggestion. Innervation Dance Cooperative’s Everyman, a ballet set to Led Zeppelin music, opens tonight at the Vittum Theater. more ›

Joffrey Ballet co-founder Gerald Arpino died yesterday from complications involving prostate cancer at the age of 85. As Artistic Director of the company from Robert Joffrey’s death in 1988 until the succession of Ashley Wheater in 2007, Arpino’s guidance and utter commitment were pivotal in helping Joffrey to become what is now an esteemed international ballet company. Taken a stroll down State Street lately? The huge signage for Joffrey Ballet’s new permanent home glows blue, three stories above the corner of State and Randolph. Pedestrians can even look up and see dancers rehearsing at the barre, a symbolic testament to the company’s growing relationship with the city. More importantly, the high-profile location is a major sign that Joffrey Ballet is finally enjoying prosperity as a dance company, which hasn’t always been the case. more ›

Happy First Day of Autumn! Fall makes us think of many things, with the most predominant being Halloween. We get easily excited about seasonal themes and events, so we made this list as much for our benefit as for yours, dear Readers. We might actually go to … all of these. more ›

This month, you don’t have to be among the well-heeled to afford a ticket to the ballet. Quality ballet performances can be pretty gosh-durn expensive; don’t miss these chances to experience one of the most beautiful forms of dance for a relative steal. more ›

For anyone due for a romantic date, looking to entertain a young niece, or in the mood for something beautiful, American Ballet Theater is in town performing Sleeping Beauty – scored by Tchaikovsky and danced by some of the best classical dancers in the entire world. more ›