Ballet RI’s “Off the Wall” Is Back with a New Twist

The latest rendition of the popular performance brings paintings from the new Westerly Museum of American Impressionism to life through movement.

9 hours ago

Jamie Coelho,

Ballet RI returns with Off the Wall. Photo courtesy of Ballet RI, by Ian Travis Barnard.

Ballet Rhode Island is kicking off its season by going “off the wall.” The latest rendition of the popular performance, literally titled Off the Wall, brings paintings to life through movement. This year, the company is partnering with the newly founded Westerly Museum of American Impressionism for five performances in Providence and Westerly. The choreography is inspired by the museum’s art collection. Noteworthy choreographers include John Lam, a principal dancer with Boston Ballet and a featured artist on the international dance TV series “Étoile”; Emily Mistretta, a celebrated former Kansas City Ballet dancer; and Yury Yanowsky, Ballet RI’s resident choreographer and former Boston Ballet Principal.

These world premieres will be performed by Ballet Rhode Island’s eighteen-member professional company, whose dancers hail from around the globe.

Providence performances will take place Oct. 24 at 7 p.m., Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Oct. 26 at 1:30 p.m. at the Woodman Center at Moses Brown School, located at 250 Lloyd Ave. in Providence.

The Westerly performance is on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at the United Theatre, located at 5 Canal St. in Westerly. There is an additional matinee of Peter and the Wolf (A Children’s Ballet) at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at balletri.org.

Here’s a Q-and-A with Ballet RI’s Artistic Executive Director, Kathleen Breen Combes:

Jamie: The Westerly Museum of American Impressionism is brand new for Rhode Island. What made you want to partner with them?

Kathleen: We were so excited to partner with the new Westerly Museum of American Impressionism because it feels like such a natural connection for Ballet RI. The museum’s incredible collection, particularly the Sculcos’ celebration of American Impressionism so beautifully reflects Rhode Island, its coastal light and beach landscapes, and the soft, vibrant tones all feel deeply familiar to anyone who knows this region. Partnering with the museum allows us to celebrate that shared artistic language while inviting audiences to experience how dance and visual art can speak to one another in fresh, inspiring ways.

Can you explain what “Off the Wall” means in terms of the ballet performance?

Off the Wall is about bringing paintings to life… quite literally taking them “off the wall.” Each of our three choreographers, Emily Mistretta, John Lam and Yury Yanowsky, selected a painting from the museum’s collection and created an original ballet inspired by its color, texture and emotion. It’s a way of turning static images into living, breathing performance. The result is an immersive experience that connects audiences to art in a whole new way, allowing them to see how dance, music and painting can all tell parts of the same story.

What makes this year’s performances unique from previous years?

This year’s performances are unlike anything we’ve done before. Not only is Off the Wall a powerful collaboration between three arts institutions, Ballet RI, The United Theatre, and the Westerly Museum of American Impressionism, but it also features three brand-new world-premiere works that highlight the incredible talent within our company. Our professional dancers are extraordinary in their artistry, discipline and expressiveness. They are truly world-class. The level of work they’re presenting is something Rhode Island can be immensely proud of, a genuine cultural gem that continues to elevate the arts scene across the state.