The Boston Dream

January 23, 2013

Photography by Matthew Murphy

 

Boston Ballet auditions are notorious for drawing scores of hopefuls. Every year, artistic director Mikko Nissinen holds one open call in Boston and one in New York, and invites anyone interested to try their luck. Pointe peeked in on the scene at the School of American Ballet last April as Nissinen scouted the talent in New York. “I’m looking for people who take risks, who surf on the edge of the wave,” he says. “To be an interesting tool for choreographers, you have to be willing to challenge yourself.” Nissinen doesn’t even mind if a dancer falls. As he points out, that just means he’s sure to see you—and will notice you again during the next combination.