American Repertory Ballet presents ‘PASIÓN’

American Repertory Ballet’s 2024-2025 season at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center concludes on May 9 – 11, 2025 with PASIÓN a joyful program with Spanish, Mexican, and Cuban choreographic ties. Featured choreography includes Paquita, an iconic classical ballet set in Spain; The Time That Runs Away by Stephanie Martinez, danced to popular songs from the ’50s and ’60s; and a dynamic world premiere with live music by Cuban choreographer Luis Napoles.

Originally choreographed by Joseph Mazilier and later restaged by Marius Petipa, Paquita is one of the purest and most technically challenging ballets of the classical repertoire, known for its dynamic Spanish flair. ARB’s version will bring to life the beauty of the renowned pas de deux and pas de trois, virtuosic solos, and the precision of the corps de ballet. The captivating music by Ludwig Minkus combined with the technical brilliance on stage are sure to leave audiences with a lasting, jubilant impression.

The Time That Runs Away, choreographed by Stephanie Martinez, makes its triumphant return after premiering on the NBPAC stage in October 2023. A co-commission with Madison Ballet, and heralded as “an example of dance art at its finest” by Critical Dance, the piece showcases nine dancers morphing dreamily through a variety of configurations to swooning music by artists such as Nat King Cole and The Mamas & The Papas. “The piece is kaleidoscoped,” says ARB Company Artist and The Time That Runs Away cast member Erikka Reenstierna-Cates, “illustrating unique patterns and shapes depending on how you twist it, but never strays far from its intention: the appreciation of love and loss and every moment in between — the gift of life, and the pertinent struggle to live it.”

Compasso, a world premiere from Luis Napoles, is an exciting choreographic journey for 16 dancers and a group of live musicians that explores the duality of expressing one’s personal identity while simultaneously relishing the joy of belonging to a larger group. “This powerful fusion of self-expression and deep connection blends individual sparks into a shared rhythm, a united heartbeat,” says Napoles. “In that space, you’re not just seen – you’re felt, and you feel others too. Dance becomes more than art; it becomes a celebration of belonging, of being part of something greater while never losing the essence of you. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s pure joy.”

Immediately following opening night performance on Friday, May 9, ARB invites attendees to join Trustees, staff leadership, dancers, and guest artists for a special reception to toast to ARB’s NBPAC season finale. Tickets for this Post-Show Reception are $50 ($35 tax deductible) in addition to regular ticket pricing. RSVP required.

Prior to the Saturday evening and Sunday matinee performances, ARB will be hosting free Pre-Show Artist Talks on the second floor of NBPAC to provide further insight into PASIÓN’s dynamic and diverse programming. No RSVP required.

Tickets for PASIÓN range from $30 to $60. ADA seating is available. Running time is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes with two intermissions.

PASIÓN, ARB Dancer Clara Pevel, Photo by Harald Schrader