Local dancers share the stage with nationally recognized guest artists in a vibrant celebration of dance and collaboration
Reading, MA — Northeast Youth Ballet’s Fall Series, Artistry in Motion, will feature 27 artists from the pre-professional training school, The Conservatory at Northeast School of Ballet (NSB), along with professional artists Olivia Cornelius and Ethan Maszer of St. Louis Ballet, and Christiana Cecere and Mauricio Mejia of the Florida Ballet.
The returning guest artists, together with the talented pre-professional trainees, will bring to the stage four exciting ballets that will set the 2025–2026 season in motion. The performance promises to have something for everyone—purchase your tickets today and experience the magic of Artistry in Motion!
The program opens with guest choreographer and Artistic Director of the Chautauqua School of Dance, Sasha Janes’ ballet Shelter. The NYB debut of Janes’ contemporary work features invited guests from St. Louis Ballet and Florida Ballet, with NSB alumna Olivia Cornelius as the principal dancer. Shelter premiered at the Chautauqua Institution in 2012, with music by Ólafur Arnalds and danced by artists of the Charlotte Ballet. The ballet is brought to life through two stunning pas de deuxs, a solo, and an ensemble work. Shelter is based on the idea that “within the shelter of each other we fully live.” Northeast Youth Ballet is thrilled to share this inspiring work with their audience.
Second on the program is Joseph Jefferies’ Russian Dance, highlighting the technical precision of traditional character dance. Set to Tchaikovsky’s stunning and classic score, Swan Lake, Jefferies was inspired by the renowned choreographer Marius Petipa. This dramatic work highlights the versatility and passion of the young dancers.
Closing the first half of the program, the world premiere of Catch by Jeremy Ruth Howes will include the entire student body of The Conservatory at NSB. Set to a series of electronic, instrumental, and dynamic music, this contemporary ballet will also utilize multimedia projection created in collaboration with Caroline Jewell. This work will catch audiences by surprise through its visual layers, the versatility of the dancers, and its unique choreographic vocabulary.
After a brief intermission, the classic ballet Raymonda Suite, choreographed by Joseph Jefferies, will dazzle the audience. Inspired by Alexander Glazunov’s music and Marius Petipa’s 1898 choreography, Jefferies’ interpretation explores neo-classical ballet styles in three acts. La Romanesca (Act I) is presented in the neo-romantic style. Les Jongleurs (Act II) takes its cue from the character dances of the Far East, and Grande Pas Classique Hongrois (Act III) is a sparkling finale of bravura and classic grandeur. This suite is sure to take the audience on an artistic and moving journey that will leave them inspired for more.
Join us in celebrating the opening of our season with NYB’s Fall Series, Artistry in Motion!
Northeast Youth Ballet (NYB) is a non-profit ballet company known for setting the highest standard of dance, producing quality productions at affordable prices, and preserving the arts for the next generation in the communities they serve.
For more information about Northeast Youth Ballet, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.NSBinc.org.
