ArtsEmerson’s ‘Noli Timere’ is Thoroughly Thrilling

January 30, 2026April 8, 2026 Julie-Anne WhitneyLeave a comment

By Julie-Anne Whitney

Noli Timere − Conceived and Directed by Rebecca Lazier; Choreography by Rebecca Lazier in collaboration with the performers; Net sculpture by Janet Echelman; Music composed and performed by Jorane; Lighting Design by Leigh Ann Vardy; Costume Design by Mary Jo Mecca. Presented by ArtsEmerson at the Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston, MA. Runs through February 1, 2026.

ArtsEmerson’s Noli Timere is a deeply moving exploration of trust and connection through the fusion of art, music, circus, and dance. Over the course of one thoroughly thrilling hour, eight performers take you on a gravity-defying emotional journey through a large-scale fiber art sculpture suspended 25 feet above the stage.

Boston Ballet’s ‘Jewels’ Is A Real Gem

November 17, 2025April 8, 2026 Shelley SackettLeave a comment

Boston Ballet in George Balanchine’s ‘Jewels’ ©The George Balanchine Trust, photo by Rosalie O’Connor courtesy of Boston Ballet

‘Jewels’ — Choreography by George Balanchine. Music by Gabriel Fauré, Igor Stravinsky, and Peter Tchaikovsky. Costumes by Karinska. Lighting by Brandon Stirling Baker. Presented by Boston Ballet. With the Boston Ballet Orchestra conducted by Mischa Santora. Run has ended.

By Shelley A. Sackett

It’s easy to understand why George Balanchine’s Jewels has endured for more than 50 years. An abstract work, the triptych is not shackled to the narrative constraints of traditional ballet. Rather, each of its three pieces — “Emeralds,” “Rubies,” and “Diamonds” — is a pure sensorial feast of luscious music and stunning choreography. The work is easily appreciated by audiences new to the genre, yet also presents challenges for experienced dancers and critical aficionados.

A.R.T.’s Ephemeral ‘Passengers’ Awes with Acrobatics, Music and Dance

September 8, 2025April 8, 2026 Shelley SackettLeave a comment

Cast of ‘Passengers’ by The 7 Fingers (Les 7 Doigts) at A.R.T.

The 7 Fingers ‘Passengers.’ Written and Directed by Shana Carroll. Composition and Musical Direction by Colin Gagné; Lyrics by Colin Gagné and Shana Carrol; Scenic Design by Ana Cappelluto; Costume Design by Camille Thibault-Bédard; Lighting Design by Éric Champoux; Projection Design by Johnny Ranger; Sound Design by Colin Gagné and Jérôme Guilleaume. Presented by American Repertory Theater at Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Cambridge, through Sept. 26.

By Shelley A. Sackett

Train travel has always evoked a magical aura of nostalgia and romanticism, an opportunity to slow down, observe and contemplate while suspended between past and future, between here and there. American Repertory Theater’s production of Passengers, a contemporary circus performance that combines acrobatics, dance, music and a gossamer thread of dramatic narrative, makes a case that train travel (as a metaphor for life) is all about the journey, not the destination.

Alvin Ailey‘s Legacy Uplifts and Transforms — As Always

April 28, 2025April 8, 2026 Shelley SackettLeave a comment

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Boch Center Wang Theatre. Photos by Paul Kolnik

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Presented by Celebrity Series of Boston. At Boch Center Wang Theatre. Run has ended.

By Shelley A. Sackett

Like daylight savings time, red-winged blackbirds and early flowering trees, Celebrity Series of Boston’s presentation of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is an annual harbinger of spring. Its arrival is cause for celebration for the reliably breathtaking performances that await and as a sign that, at last, the long, dark, COLD winter months are behind us.

Short Take: Not Your Grandparents’ Riverdance

April 10, 2025April 8, 2026 Michele MarkarianLeave a comment

Abhann Productions presents Riverdance 30: The New Generation at the Boch Center Wang Theatre, April 8-13, 2025.

Under the loving and expert guidance of husband-and-wife production team John McColgan and Moya Doherty, a seven-minute dance number at the Eurovision Song Contest 1994 featuring Irish dance champions Jean Butler and Michael Flatley has blossomed into a full production – Riverdance – that opened in Dublin in 1995 to great popular acclaim. The high-stepping, highly successful, hit show has since been performed over 15,000 times in 49 countries and six continents, enchanting and entertaining 30 million audience members worldwide. Riverdance celebrates its 30th year milestone with a special anniversary tour in 35 major cities across the US, including an 8-show run in Boston from April 8 – 13.

Tap and Piano Fuse Magically in the Unique ‘Counterpoint’

February 10, 2025April 8, 2026 Shelley SackettLeave a comment

Conrad Tao (L) and Caleb Teicher in *‘Counterpoint*, presented by Celebrity Series of Boston
Photo by Richard Termine

Celebrity Series of Boston presents Caleb Teicher & Conrad Tao in ‘Counterpoint.’ At the Boston Arts Academy Theater, Feb. 7-8.

By Shelley A. Sackett

Counterpoint, the 75-minute collaboration between pianist and composer Conrad Tao and choreographer and dancer Caleb Teicher, is a magical journey that explores the interplays between two seemingly divergent art forms — tap and solo piano.

Short Take: “The Look of Love” Is a Delightful Antidote to the Winter Blahs

January 27, 2025April 9, 2026 Michele MarkarianLeave a comment

“The Look of Love” by Mark Morris Dance Group. Choreographed by Mark Morris. Music by Burt Bachrach. Lyrics by Hal David. Music Direction by Colin Fowler. Presented by Arts Emerson, Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre, 219 Tremont Street, Boston, through January 26.

By Michele Markarian

Admittedly, I was not in the zippiest frame of mind when I entered the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre the other night – the climate, both in Massachusetts and the nation, was feeling chilly. We settled into Ethan Iverson’s thoughtful, regretful piano rendition of “Alfie,” after which the curtain parted, and the ten dancers entered, dressed in Isaac Mizrahi’s colorful unisex clothing – think Rowan and Martin’s “Laugh-In” with regards to the colors – and carrying pieces of the simple set while gamboling lightly to an upbeat rendition of “What the World Needs Now.” They were smiling. And just like that, my mood was lifted. And stayed that way throughout the rest of the hour-long performance, which was aided by live musicians and two wonderful vocalists, Blaire Reinhard and Clinton Curtis.

Malpaso Dance Company Brings Its Hot Fusion of Cuban Dance, Music, and Spice to Boston’s Winter Wonderland

January 19, 2025April 9, 2026 Shelley SackettLeave a comment

Malpaso Dance Company. Photos by Robert Torres

Celebrity Series of Boston presents Malpaso Dance Company. Executive Director and Co-Founder Fernando Sáez. Artistic Director and Co-Founder Osnal Delgado. At the Robert J. Orchard Stage, Paramount Center, January 17-18.

By Shelley A. Sackett

With good reason, Malpaso Dance Company is one of Cuba’s most sought-after dance companies. Since its inception in 2012, the company of 11 dancers has served as global ambassadors of Cuban culture, heritage and artistry.

100 Years Later, Martha Graham Remains the Gold Standard of Contemporary Dance

November 27, 2024April 9, 2026 Shelley Sackett1 Comment

Martha Graham Dance Company’ — Presented by Celebrity Series of Boston at Emerson Cutler Majestic. Run has ended.

By Shelley A. Sackett

The last time I saw a Martha Graham piece performed was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in October 2023, when I had the random good fortune to attend its exhibition, Art for the Millions: American Culture and Politics in the 1930s. As part of that exhibit, dancers from the Martha Graham Dance Company staged some of Graham’s most powerful ’30s solos in galleries throughout the museum.