On Friday, February 21, and Saturday, February 22, Ballet Theatre of Maryland will perform Momentum: A Mixed Bill at Maryland Hall. Rather than focus on a single full-length ballet, Momentum highlights shorter-form works that are often world premieres. Every year, the company looks forward to seeing how these different pieces mesh into one show. Although the choreographers are free to explore their individual inspirations, we often discover common threads from one piece to another.
This year, Momentum is one for the moms. Not only did choreographer Emily Carey stage some of her new work while babywearing her young son, guest choreographer Ashley Taylor announced soon before arriving that her own family is growing! Many women face challenges balancing motherhood and a career, and that extends into the dance world. It's wonderful seeing BTM provide a welcoming environment for choreographers who are also moms.
However, the maternal instinct in this year's Momentum doesn't end with Emily and Ashley's two pieces. The accompaniment for Isaac Martinez's new work includes a recording of his mother singing to his baby nephew, and the protagonist of Roman Mykyta's new work is known worldwide as "Mother Seton." Mother's Day may not be until May, but BTM is ready to celebrate moms near and far.
To learn more about these works as well as exciting new pieces by Lindsey Bell and Karen Fleming, read on! You can also learn more about the choreographers on our Momentum Choreographers page.
Ashley Taylor: Leave the World Behind
Ashley Taylor, the director of Ara Dance Project, has choreographed for Momentum in 2023 and 2024. This year, she returned to stage her new work Leave the World Behind soon after the company returned from winter break.
She describes her contemporary dance piece as a wistful glimpse into how individuals carry fragments of beauty and nostalgia from past places, relationships, or seasons as they move forward through their changing days.
Lindsey Bell: Smiles of a Summer Night
Principal dancer Lindsey Bell, who will take her final bow with the company in Swan Lake later this season, is creating her fifth work for BTM. This year, she decided to tackle a new challenge: a fully narrative work. Based on the 1955 Swedish film Smiles of a Summer Night, her choreography follows a humorous cast of characters as they seek out romance and fulfillment.
It goes like this: Frederik, a successful middle-aged lawyer, recently married a reluctant young woman named Anne. Frederick's son, Henrik, is tormented by his love for his youthful stepmother, who secretly loves him in return. Frederik seeks solace from his loveless marriage with his former lover, the actress Desiree.
Complicating matters, Desiree is currently having an affair with another character, Count Carl-Magnus. On a weekend in the country, Desiree hatches a plan with the Count’s wife to rearrange these unhappy pairings. The ladies are aided and abetted by Petra and Frid, the raucous maid and butler duo, to ensure everyone ends up with the one they love.
Emily Carey: Concerto Lilla
Ballet Mistress and Conservatory Principal Emily Carey is staging her new work, Concerto Lilla, to Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto. Emily shares:
"I am excited to be setting a piece for Momentum 2025, as this will be my first time choreographing on the company! The music is by Tchaikovsky and while my ballet is plotless, I found inspiration for some of the movement patterns during a time of self-reflection following the birth of my son. As cliche as it sounds, I quickly learned how important the people who surround me are to finding my new identity. I owe so much to my “village,” so to me, this is for them."
Isaac Martinez: Sombras del Amanecer
Principal dancer Isaac Martinez's new piece, Sombras del Amanecer ("Shadows of the Dawn"), features music by Carl Friedrich Abel, Mayte, Leonardo Catricala, and Antonio Vivaldi.
As mentioned above, it features a tender recording of his mother singing to her grandson. Isaac describes the piece as a tapestry of music and dance inspired by warm soft shadows and the brilliance of new beginnings.
Karen Fleming: The Yachts
Corps de ballet member Karen Fleming is creating a work inspired by William Carlos Williams's 1938 poem "The Yachts." Using the imagery of a sailing race, she explores the often ignored realities that lie behind presentations of beauty and grandeur.
"...The yachts // move, jockeying for a start, the signal is set and they / are off...It is a sea of faces about them in agony, in despair / until the horror of the race dawns staggering the mind..."
"The Yachts," William Carlos Williams
Roman Mykyta: Elizabeth
Set during the time immediately following the American Revolution, Roman Mykyta's one-act narrative ballet tells the story of Elizabeth Ann Seton. Seton was a prominent figure in Maryland history, and on September 14, 1775 became the first person born in the United States to be canonized as a Saint in the Catholic Church.
Roman was drawn to her life story's themes of love, loss, selflessness, and transcendence. Given that her legacy may have touched the lives of many audience members, he is honored to bring Elizabeth Ann Seton's story to the stage, as 2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of her canonization.
Join us on February 21 and 22 for Momentum: A Mixed Bill. Tickets are on sale now!
Promotional photo by Joanne Marie Photography
Rehearsal photos by Lauren Martinez
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