Journey beyond the familiar in an evening of breathtaking contemporary ballet as New Jersey Ballet presents Unbound Beyond Boundaries, featuring the Company Premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s acclaimed Fool’s Paradise, Roderick George’s powerful Wings of Desire, and additional works that celebrate the artistry, athleticism, and boundless imagination of today’s leading choreographic voices.
PROGRAM
The evening includes the New Jersey Ballet premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s Fool’s Paradise, one of the most celebrated contemporary ballets of the 21st century. Set to the richly atmospheric score by Joby Talbot, Wheeldon’s sweeping choreography seamlessly blends classical elegance with contemporary movement, creating a deeply moving exploration of human connection, longing, and transcendence. Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, Fool’s Paradise has captivated audiences around the world and stands as a landmark of contemporary ballet.
The program continues with Wings of Desire by acclaimed choreographer Roderick George, one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary dance today. Inspired by themes of hope, transformation, and the universal desire to rise above adversity, George’s choreography combines fluid movement, powerful physicality, and profound emotional depth to create a work that is both intimate and exhilarating.
Additional repertory rounds out an evening showcasing New Jersey Ballet’s remarkable versatility and commitment to presenting works that inspire, challenge, and move audiences.
Under the artistic leadership of Maria Kowroski, New Jersey Ballet continues to expand its artistic vision through performances of celebrated masterworks alongside compelling contemporary creations, bringing world class ballet to audiences throughout New Jersey.
Filled with soaring movement, extraordinary music, and unforgettable performances, Beyond Boundaries celebrates the limitless possibilities of ballet today and invites audiences to experience the future of this timeless art form.
New Jersey Ballet is the resident ballet company at MPAC.
Founded in 1958, New Jersey Ballet has been committed to presenting and expanding ballet to communities throughout New Jersey and beyond for over sixty-five years. The Company has built a reputation for excellence, offering audiences a rich tapestry of performances that showcase both timeless classics and cutting-edge contemporary works.
Since 2021, New Jersey Ballet has been expanding under the artistic leadership of Maria Kowroski. Ms. Kowroski, a former principal dancer at New York City Ballet for twenty-five years, brings her vast experience and vision to New Jersey Ballet. Under her direction, the Company’s repertory has grown to include works by choreographers such as George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, Justin Peck, Peter Martins and Gustavao Sansano. Additionally, Ms. Kowroski has commissioned new innovative works by Harrison Ball, a former New York City Ballet principal dancer, and Lauren Lovette, the Resident Choreographer of Paul Taylor Dance Company and former New York City Ballet principal dancer.
Ms. Kowroski’s leadership has elevated New Jersey Ballet to new heights of prominence. The Company has performed at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center in New York for Dance Against Cancer, Kaatsban in Tivoli, New York and Works in Process at the Guggenheim. These performances have not only showcased the extraordinary talent of New Jersey Ballet’s dancers but also highlighted the Company’s commitment to artistic growth and community engagement.
New Jersey Ballet’s long history is marked by a dedication to providing world-class ballet experiences. Through innovative programming, educational outreach and a steadfast commitment to artistic excellence, New Jersey Ballet continues to inspire and captivate audiences, ensuring a vibrant future for ballet in New Jersey and beyond.
Minimum Age Requirements
All patrons, including small children, must have a ticket to enter the theater. All performances are appropriate for ages 5+ as long as guests are not disruptive to other patrons’ enjoyment of the performance. MPAC’s ushers will ask anyone causing a disturbance during a performance to leave the auditorium and view the performance on the screen in the lobby regardless of age.
