The Boston Ballet, one of the leading dance companies in North America, returns to the Citi Wang Theatre this February with the annual performance of “The Nutcracker.”

The Ballet looks to have an impressive winter/spring season ahead under the leadership of the Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen.

“Our 2009 season is a noteworthy demonstration of the broad range of styles our Company excels in, and audiences will be exposed to a rare program line-up offering a rich history lesson of the art form and cutting-edge contemporary choreography, in addition to one of the great classical story ballets,” said Nissinen.

The season will commence with Jia Kylian’s “Black and White” program, which will make Boston Ballet the first company other than Nederlands Dans Theatre to perform the program. Including music by Mozart, Webern, Bach, and Reich, the five-part ballet plays with space, shape, and contrast to create what the Boston Globe described as a “dazzling” performance that challenges and enlightens.

George Balanchine’s “Jewels” will follow in late February, a three-part ballet that first opened in New York in 1967. “Jewels” provides a brief history of classical dance showcasing ballet’s French origin’s, Russia’s imperial influence, and Balanchine’s own style. The work emulates the elegance of 19th century France and is set to music by Gabriel Faure, Igor Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky.

“The Sleeping Beauty” — an audience favorite since 2005 — will open in April. Nissinen has reunited David Walker’s sets and costumes for this version of the ballet, which originated in the Royal Ballet. Set to Tchaikovsky’s brilliant score, “The Sleeping Beauty” is a fairytale of good, evil, and true love.

Boston Ballet’s “Ballets Russes Centennial Celebration” will conclude the spring season — a retrospective work paying tribute to the centenary of Serge Diaghilev. “Ballet Russes” became one of the most influential ballet companies in the 20th Century, known for its unparalleled technique and artistic collaborations. The program includes “The Prodigal Son,” “The Afternoon of a Faun,” “Le Spectre de la Rose,” and “Le Sacre du Printmps.” To compliment Boston Ballet’s program, “Ballet Russes 2009,” an eight day dance film festival will run May 16-23 in association with Boston University.

Tickets for season ballets can be purchased by phone at 866.348.9738, online at www.citicenter.org, or in person at the Citi Performing Arts CenterSM box office, located at 270 Tremont Street in Boston’s Theatre District, open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Prices for season ballets start at $25. Discounted group tickets (10 or more) are available by calling Boston Ballet’s Group Sales at 617.456.6343. Rush tickets are available. Contact the Boston Ballet box office at 617.695.6955 or visit www.bostonballet.org for details.

About The Author

Liz McClendon is a two-time graduate of Virginia Tech and now spends her time traversing the internet, where she writes and continues her seemingly everlasting quest to be gainfully employed.

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