By Juliana McLeod, News Correspondent
The Boston Ballet, in celebration of 50 years as a major institution of dance, is giving residents of Boston the gift of free entertainment. This weekend, the company is holding its first ever “Night of Stars” event for all audiences.
On Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. on Boston Common, dancers will perform pieces that range in variety from George Balanchine’s “Serenade” to Christopher Bruce’s “Rooster,” which is performed to music by The Rolling Stones. The program will even feature the world premiere of a surprise piece.
Barry Hughson, executive director of the ballet, said the company wanted to give back to the community this season.
“This is our way of saying thank you for 50 years of support,” Hughson said.
After half a century of successful seasons, the full company, along with the Boston Ballet Orchestra, will be on display at the nighttime event, where audiences of all ages can experience classical ballet and contemporary dance in the park.
“We wanted the event to have the atmosphere of a festival; an all-inclusive atmosphere,” Hughson said.
The company, which was New England’s first professional ballet school, started as a small institution for ballet students in 1963 before broadening into one of the most well known ballet companies in the world, Hughson said. The ballet’s mission is to convey to people of all ages the significance of dance in a community and the joy of coming together to watch a performance. Classes are also available at the company, not just for professionals and students, but for the general public as well.
Hughson said the occasion will bring the Boston community together to enjoy the arts, as well as remind the audience of the ballet talent the city has to offer. The ballet company is a point of pride for Boston, Hughson added, and members of the company want to commemorate their gratification with as many residents as possible.
Hughson urged college students to attend the event, especially those from Northeastern. Since arranging a partnership program between the Boston Ballet and Northeastern this summer, the two have collaborated on many fronts. The partnership allows students to take classes at the Boston Ballet while taking academic classes at Northeastern, and the company is grateful for the opportunity.
“We want students to be a part of the party and experience great art being produced,” said Hughson.
Beyond that, Hughson encouraged Northeastern students to attend purely to cheer on their fellow students who are performing at the festival. Attendees can also pick up Boston Ballet merchandise while at the show.
The event is on a first-come, first-served basis, so the company suggests arriving in advance to ensure a good spot. The stage will be at the corner of Beacon and Charles streets and audiences are welcome to sit anywhere on the lawn. In the event of rain, the festival will be postponed to Sunday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. For further information about the event, visit bostonballet.org/nightofstars.
