Philadelphia Ballet presents two Corella ballets in season opener.

The Philadelphia Ballet launched its 2025-26 season with a vibrant performance of Angel Corella’s renditions of Carmen and Boléro on Thursday night at the Academy of Music. This opening program, featuring two Spanish classics, reflects Corella’s heritage and artistic vision, solidifying his role as a prominent choreographer.

Carmen, a ballet created by Corella in 2023, marks a pivotal moment in his choreographic journey, demonstrating his ambition to transcend mere adaptations of existing works. The choice to couple Carmen with Boléro underscores Corella’s confidence in his evolving artistry, as each piece shares thematic and stylistic similarities. Both works utilize clapping sequences and rapid footwork characteristic of Spanish ballet, enriching the overall experience with drama and intensity.

The dual presentation of Carmen and Boléro showcases Corella’s growth as a choreographer. His innovative use of the entire company—rather than solely focusing on leading roles—allows for a collective display of talent. Audience members may find themselves captivated by the corps de ballet, which is often given unique choreography and mini solos that enhance the visual spectacle.

The performance of Carmen featured notable portrayals by Mayara Pineiro in the titular role, Ashton Roxander as Don José, and Jack Thomas as Escamillo. Pineiro stood out as a formidable presence, adeptly blending sensuality and strength in her characterization of the headstrong factory worker whose allure leads to a tragic downfall. Her performance effectively encapsulated the nuances of Carmen’s complex personality.

In contrast, So Jung Shin’s portrayal of Fernanda demonstrated technical prowess, though her expression did not fully convey the character’s emotional depth. The storyline, adapted from Prosper Mérimée’s novella, revolves around themes of desire, betrayal, and consequence, set against Georges Bizet’s well-known score. The music was brilliantly orchestrated by Beatrice Jona Affron, who supplemented the original composition with additional arrangements.

Boléro presents a striking contrast as a plotless ballet that pulsates with energy and intensity. Corella employs a minimalist aesthetic, featuring dancers in strappy leotards, creating a seamless visual flow as they execute repetitive sequences. The choreography gradually escalates in complexity, building towards a collective crescendo of movement that visually resonates with Maurice Ravel’s iconic score, even if the emotional intensity does not fully align with the musical dynamism.

The evening commenced with a performance of John Philip Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, honoring the Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary in Philadelphia. This piece, which originally premiered at the Academy of Music in 1897, serves as a nostalgic reminder of the venue’s rich history in the performing arts.

The Philadelphia Ballet’s presentation of Carmen and Boléro sets an ambitious tone for the season, inviting audiences to engage with both the boldness of modern choreography and the timeless appeal of classical ballet. Performances are scheduled through the weekend, offering a unique opportunity to witness the synthesis of tradition and innovation onstage.