Northrop Presents
BalletMet
Past event
Mar 28, 2025
Lauded for its versatility and innovative repertory, Columbus, OH-based BalletMet will grace the stage with a program featuring a stunning Northrop Centennial Commission, a joyful ode to music through dance, and a reflective piece inspired by poetry.
Timeless Tide brings swirling energy onstage to depict the gravitational pull of time and the countless interactions that guide its continuous momentum. Set to an original score by Michel Banabila, it is the latest work from acclaimed artistic director, dancer, and choreographer Yue Yin. World-renowned choreographer Edwaard Liang’s Seasons, inspired by Max Richter’s reimagining of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, gracefully depicts the cycle of seasons with dynamic movement and evocative imagery.
BalletMet’s new artistic director, Remi Wörtmeyer choreographed Miroirs. French for “mirrors,” Miroirs hovers between neoclassical and contemporary dance, inspired by Ravel’s poetic music, which was written in five movements, each dedicated to a fellow member of the French avant-garde group Les Apaches. Miroirs is a non-narrative piece that contains inspirations of reflection—literally in the metallic costumes and chain set, and figuratively in the idea of seeing our world, our narcissism, and our relationships in reflection.
Pre-show Artistic Exhibit:
As we celebrate a Northrop Centennial Commission and the latest work from acclaimed artistic director, dancer, and choreographer Yue Yin, we’re spotlighting the contributions of Asian and Asian American women leaders in our community. Join us at 6:30 pm for a pre-show artistic exhibit with some of the Twin Cities’ leading Asian arts and culture organizations.
Get to know the courageous women who overcame the Secret War in Hmong Museum’s Hmong Women Pioneers exhibit; experience the lived stories of Southeast Asian diaspora community in featured artwork from The SEAD Project commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War; and enjoy Theater Mu’s showcase celebrating local Asian and Asian American theatre artists.
Articles and More
Related Event(s)
Quotes / Reviews
“As one of the first Asian American artistic directors for a major U.S. company, Edwaard Liang has been a groundbreaker in ballet.”—POINTE
Learn More - Explore These Themes
The content below derives from the Northrop Across Campus Program that supports Northrop's mission towards intersections between performing arts and education for the benefit of all participants now and for generations to come.
Find ways to make thematic connections to these suggested topics:
Dance: Ballet, Composition, Contemporary, Modern
Theater Design: Lighting
Music: Classical
Asian American Studies
Storytelling
Take a deeper dive with these resources that provide additional information about the performers, the history of the art form, and the artistic process.
Links:
Ohio Arts Council: BalletMet website
The New York Times: “Edwaard Liang Appointed Artistic Director of Washington Ballet” View in U of M Library
BalletMet: “Yue Yin Talks World Premiere of Timeless Tide” blog
Start a conversation about the performance or encourage reflection, using these questions as inspiration.
BalletMet will present Timeless Tide, a ballet commissioned by Northrop and created by acclaimed artistic director, dancer, and choreographer Yue Yin. According to the company, “Yue emphasizes how abstract storytelling in dance can be. The focus is on the dancers’ physicality, allowing emotions to be conveyed through movement rather than a specific narrative. The goal is to create a dynamic piece that engages the audience in a whirlwind of emotions and experiences.”
- How do you experience and connect to art without a specific narrative?
- What are the advantages of utilizing abstraction to convey a dynamic range of emotions?
- Why is it significant for a performing arts center on the university campus to support the creation and performance of new ballets?
BalletMet’s former artistic director, Edwaard Liang, (who now acts in the same position for the Washington Ballet) curated the 24-25 season for BalletMet. He is the first Asian American to lead two internationally renowned ballet companies, and in a New York Times interview shared, “It’s a major source of pride … but it also brings mixed feelings … I would love to have more diversity in dance, and I’m hoping that dance will bring in more leaders with broader perspectives and backgrounds.’”
- How do you imagine dance and other forms might invest in and welcome diverse leadership?
- What would the dance landscape look like if there were broader perspectives and backgrounds?
- What aspects of his identity do you see in the studio clip of Seasons by Edwaard Liang?
Remi Wörtmeyer, BalletMet’s newly announced artistic director, is a multi-award-winning dancer, choreographer, designer (of décor, costumes, and fashion), and teacher who trained in classical dance at The Australian Ballet School. In addition to his extensive dance experience, Wörtmeyer established his own line of bespoke fashion accessories and has been jewelry designer and runway director at Paris Fashion Week.
- How does learning multiple art forms affect an artist and their art?
- How do you imagine artists bring unique perspectives to leadership positions?
Acknowledgments
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Sponsored by RBC Wealth Management.
The BalletMet presentation of Timeless Tide is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.
