Photo Courtesy Ballet Theatre of Maryland
Ballet Theatre of Maryland’s Momentum: A Mixed Bill invites audiences to settle in and experience ballet in a way that feels fresh, expressive, and deeply human. Instead of following a single storyline, the program weaves together a collection of short works that reveal the many directions ballet can take—classical, contemporary, experimental, and everything in between. Returning to Maryland Hall on February 13–14, Momentum offers Annapolis audiences an evening of movement, music, and artistry that unfolds piece by piece.
At its heart, Momentum is about creative exploration. The mixed bill format allows choreographers to take risks, try new ideas, and collaborate closely with dancers in ways that don’t always happen in traditional repertory. For audiences, this creates an evening that feels dynamic and constantly evolving. Each piece offers its own atmosphere and point of view, encouraging viewers to stay curious and open to what comes next.
Photo Courtesy Ballet Theatre of Maryland
This year’s program features choreography by Cindy Case, Karen Fleming, Ellie Goods, Hannah Hanson, Mimi Hardin, Karissa Kralik, Diego Sosa, and Michael West Jr. Together, these choreographers represent a wide range of artistic voices, movement styles, and creative influences. Some bring long-standing experience and deep ties to Ballet Theatre of Maryland, while others contribute newer perspectives that challenge expectations and expand the company’s artistic range. The result is a thoughtfully balanced program that reflects both tradition and innovation.
Photo Courtesy Ballet Theatre of Maryland
One of the most compelling aspects of Momentum is watching how different choreographers work with the same dancers. Across the evening, performers move between contrasting styles and emotional tones, revealing their versatility and expressive depth. A dancer who appears grounded and powerful in one piece may seem light, playful, or introspective in the next. This constant transformation keeps the performance engaging and offers insight into the adaptability required of professional dancers.
Audience members who have attended Momentum in past seasons often point to this sense of discovery as what keeps them coming back. One attendee shared, “This is my favorite performance every year. I love to see the creative choreography and the dancers in less traditional roles.” That opportunity—to see dancers step outside familiar expectations—is a defining feature of the program.
Photo Courtesy Ballet Theatre of Maryland
Another past audience member highlighted the collaborative energy onstage, noting, “The performances were each very professional. It was exciting to see a company where choreographers and dancers were clearly a team that loved working together.” That sense of trust and shared investment is visible throughout Momentum, shaping performances that feel intentional, connected, and alive.
For those new to ballet, Momentum can be an especially approachable experience. There’s no single plot to follow and no required background knowledge. Instead, viewers are invited to respond intuitively—connecting with movement, music, and emotion in their own way. For longtime dance lovers, the program offers something equally rewarding: a closer look at choreographic choices, structure, and the individuality of each creator’s voice.
Photo Courtesy Ballet Theatre of Maryland
The intimacy of Maryland Hall enhances the experience. Live dance has a unique ability to draw audiences into the moment—watching breath align with music, noticing subtle shifts in timing and expression, and feeling the energy that passes between performers and viewers. It’s the kind of evening that sparks conversation afterward, whether about favorite pieces, memorable moments, or works that challenged expectations.
While Momentum isn’t tied to Valentine’s Day as a tradition, its timing this season offers a reminder of the value of shared experiences. Taking time to engage with live art can feel grounding and inspiring, especially when the work onstage reflects collaboration, creativity, and risk-taking. Momentum captures ballet not as something fixed, but as an art form that continues to grow and evolve.
By bringing together multiple choreographers and perspectives in one program, Momentum: A Mixed Bill celebrates possibility—showcasing the breadth of ballet and the energy that comes from giving artists space to explore. For Annapolis audiences, it’s an opportunity to experience dance that feels thoughtful, contemporary, and deeply connected to the people creating it.
Photo Courtesy Ballet Theatre of Maryland
Performance Details
- February 13 at 7:30 PM at Maryland Hall
- February 14 at 7:00 PM at Maryland Hall
Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.balletmaryland.org/momentum
