Project description

America’s greatest contemporary ballerina

— The New York Times

For over 25 years, Wendy Whelan has been captivating audiences of New York City Ballet with her elegant yet thrilling movement and her exacting, intelligent approach to performing. With a serious and complete commitment to artistic exellence, Wendy has built a repertory that spans great classical ballets such as Swan Lake, Balanchine’s neo-classical masterpieces, and works by contemporary choreographers, who have been inspired by her ability to create a compelling and unique beauty in her performances.

Along with her ongoing work with New York City Ballet, Wendy has undertaken a challenge that will stretch her in unexpected ways and show audiences new aspects of her art. She is collaborating with four young choreographers to create a suite of duets that will be performed by Wendy and each choreographer in turn. Because the choreographers have distinct vocabularies and styles, the works will be fascinating experiments in how Wendy can adapt to another’s vision while maintaining and even amplifying her own vivid individuality.

© Nisian Hughes

“Taking on a project like this has been on my mind for many years. Throughout my career, some of my most exciting moments have happened while I’m in the studio, creating a new work with a great choreographer. I thrive on the challenge, the exchange, the collaboration, and the discovery, and these experiences have shaped my artistic evolution and kept me motivated and fulfilled. So this new project is a feast of riches for me—the opportunity to work with four choreographers, each with a distinctive and strong vocabulary that is extremely different from my own. I can’t wait to get into the studio and explore some exciting new territory.”                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                 - Wendy Whelan