DREAMstate, Boston Ballet, Citizen Bank Opera House, through March 27. 617-695-6955 or bostonballet.com
It is not surprising that Boston Ballet artistic director Miko Nissinen compares the company's latest dance trio "DREAMstate" (in his playbill letter) to "a breath of fresh air, demonstrating the limitless possibilities of our art form." Quite simply, the title could be referring to works that capture a dreamlike sequence of thoughts during sleep or a daydream. In fact, the three ballets in question—George Balanchine's "Chaconne," Stephen Galloway's "DEVIL'S/eye" and Jiri Kylian's "Bella Figura"—relate to that title in a variety of ways. At the same time, the company—in solo, duo, multiple pairings, larger combinations and full ensemble on the Citizen Bank Opera House stage--demonstrates both its high caliber and its remarkable versatility in fulfilling the demands of each work.
The Boston Ballet Orchestra and its energetic music director Mischa Santora match that versatility in accompanying music as eclectic as classical, neo-classical and rock n' roll. First, though, the program begins with "Javelin," a stirring 1995 Michael Torke orchestral prelude that anticipated the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. The BBO makes the most of the piece's contrasting tones in a welcome lead-in to the ballets.
Opening the program is "Chaconne" (1976), a Balanchine ballet with music from the 1762 Christoph Willibald von Gluck opera "Orpheo ed Euridice." The title refers to a dance built on a short phrase in the bass, one often employed by 17th and 18th century composers to close with a festive stretch. Look for trademark features of the iconic choreographer's neo-classical style—among them intricate formations, elegant lines and athletic level lifts and configurations. In addition to well-synchronized ensemble sequences, there are standout efforts by principals Viktorina Kapitonova and Lasha Khozashvili and artists Nina Matiashvili and Daniel Durrett (casts change for all three ballets during the run).
The middle work "DEVIL'S/eye" brings together Rolling Stones repertoire and inventive Galloway choreography in an exciting world premiere. Galloway, who worked with Mick Jagger and boasts an impressive designer resume, has fired up five of the legendary band's hits with appealingly demanding moves and outfitted the performing dancers in eye-catching costumes dominated by various shades of his favored purple. Brandon Sterling Baker's three-tiered backdrop lighting adds to the edginess and élan of the dance. Expect strong turns on one foot and impressive lifts in "Paint it Black." Look for standout efforts from principals Lia Cirio and John Lam in "Wild Horses." Artist Tyson Clark and soloist Lawrence Rines have breakout moments in the jazzy rocker "Jumpin' Jack Flash." The company work in this piece is so fine-tuned that "DEVIL'S/eye could easily return from time to time.
"DREAM/state closes with such a returning favorite, namely Kylian's 1995 gem "Bella Figura" (first danced by Boston Ballet in 2011). Here as with Galloway, the choreographer doubles as a designer—with the evolving curtain as much of a character as the nine men and women who seem to move back and forth between dream and reality. Some dancers are prostrate on the stage or stationary at times as others dance out stylized routines. Look for striking stretches with bare tops and red lower body outfits. While this nuanced piece is set to music by Lukas Foss and several Italian composers, Kylian smartly has the ballet's moves begin and end in a compelling silence.
Boston Ballet's enchanting "DREAM/state has enough art, strong technique and diverse styles to satisfy veteran and novice buffs alike.