BalletMet: A Dazzling Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

One of the largest professional ballet companies in America, Ohio-based BalletMet illustrates its powerful artistry and versatile technique by showcasing a diverse repertoire, creating new works, and engaging esteemed dancers and choreographers—which translates to world-class success across local, national, and international stages. In under 50 years, BalletMet has created 200 world premieres and hundreds of company premieres by leading choreographers. The Northrop program includes Yue’s Northrop Centennial Commission Timeless Tide, Liang’s Seasons, and Wörtmeyer’s Miroirs, showcasing BalletMet’s hallmark ability to seamlessly blend traditional ballet with contemporary choreography—often reinterpreting classics for a new generation—to create “a feast for the senses” (WBNS-10TV).

Yue Yin, founder and artistic director of YY Dance Company (YYDC), is an internationally acclaimed choreographer known for her abstract storytelling and unique fusion of classical ballet and Chinese classical/folk styles. She developed the trademarked FoCo Technique, a contemporary mind-body movement reflecting the complexity of the immigrant experience. Yue approaches her pieces from a humanistic standpoint, forgoing conventional narrative structure in favor of organic emotion and movement that invites personal interpretation. Yue’s latest work Timeless Tide—commissioned by Northrop—welcomes audiences to connect with its fluid, emotional journey through time. Set to an original score by Amsterdam-based composer Michel Banabila, this evocative ballet explores time’s gravitational pull through fluid, swirling energy. 

In celebration of Yue’s piece, a pre-show artistic exhibit on Fri, Mar 28 at 6:30 pm in the Northrop lobby will spotlight the contributions of Asian and Asian American women leaders. Featured artwork and displays will be provided by Twin Cities’ leading Asian arts and culture organizations, including the Hmong Museum, The SEAD Project, and Theater Mu.

Former artistic director of BalletMet Liang, one of the first Asian Americans to lead a major American ballet company, is a highly sought-after, internationally acclaimed choreographer, called “a groundbreaker in ballet” (POINTE). His accolades include first place in the 2006 National Choreographic Competition, a “Top 25 to Watch” by Dance Magazine, the Prince Prize Grant, the Choo San Goh Award, and an Emmy in 2017 for Vaulted. Liang’s Seasons is set to the proficient recomposition of Vivaldi’s masterpiece Four Seasons by Max Richter—one of the most influential composers of his generation—music that “sings to [Liang’s] soul” (BalletMet - YouTube). Choreographed for 12 dancers, Seasons gracefully depicts the cycle of seasons with dynamic movement and imagery that evokes the emotions of each season: spring is a layered celebration of joy; summer is full of passion and fervor; fall has a playful yet sultry energy; and winter bursts forth with chaos and raw power. The result is a stunning and joyful ode to music through dance.

Award-winning dancer, choreographer, and visual artist Wörtmeyer became BalletMet’s Artistic Director in June 2024. A former principal dancer with The Dutch National Ballet and dancer with The Australian Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, he has performed on top stages worldwide. As a “choreographer of great sensitivity and promise” (Fjord Review), Wörtmeyer’s acclaimed choreography has also enchanted international audiences, showcasing his multidisciplinary approach that is about “creating a moving sculpture” (WOSU Public Media - YouTube). Wörtmeyer’s Miroirs (French for “mirrors”), which will be performed at Northrop, is a non-narrative piece inspired by honest reflections on relationships with people (Queensland Ballet). Wörtmeyer’s diverse expertise and dynamic artistry promise to “build on BalletMet’s rich history while pushing the boundaries of dance and creating unforgettable experiences” (BalletMet - YouTube). Directly before BalletMet’s performance at Northrop, attend the Performance Preview with Wörtmeyer at 6:30 pm in the Best Buy Theater to gain more insight into BalletMet.

BalletMet is dedicated to educating dancers of all ages with world-class training from the BalletMet Dance Academy—which impacts more than 1,000 students each year—in addition to uplifting communities and schools through dance educational programs focused on developing body awareness and movement through fun, interactive learning. On Thu, Mar 27, BalletMet will perform a student matinee at Northrop, where the artists will explain and demonstrate what students are seeing, and students will have an opportunity to ask questions. Also on Mar 27, Northrop and Ballet.Co Laboratory are offering a Community Dance Class for intermediate-level dancers at Ballet.Co Laboratory, led by former BalletMet dancer and BalletMet Academy teaching artist Caitlin Valentine. These opportunities highlight how BalletMet and its dance academy continue to inspire the next generation of artists—one graceful step at a time.