Atlanta Ballet presents its world premiere of The Rite of Spring choreographed by Claudia Schreier, Atlanta Ballet’s acclaimed choreographer-in-residence, and set to Igor Stravinsky’s iconic score February 7-14 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Performed by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and conducted by Jonathan McPhee and guest conductor Tamara Dworetz, this dynamic ballet promises to transport audience members on an emotional journey exploring the inescapable forces between humans and the natural world.

The Rite of Spring is a timeless ballet, inspired by Russian folklore, featuring a series of ceremonial dances and concludes with a ritualistic selection of a sacrificial maiden. Debuting in 1913 with Nijinsky’s version, the ballet delves into the cycle of life and the connection and conflict between human beings and the world around them. The Rite of Spring has been reinvented various times throughout history to push boundaries and challenge the perceptions of contemporary audiences. Schreier joins the list of revolutionary artists who have evolved the ballet, including Martha Graham, Lester Horton, Mary Wigman, Pina Bausch and Paul Taylor, and institutions including The Royal Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, English National Ballet, Joffrey Ballet and Kirov Ballet. Atlanta Ballet and Schreier’s version pays homage to previous adaptations while pushing the story and themes to present day. 

Schreier is known for her previous Atlanta Ballet works including Nighthawks, Fauna, Pleiades Dances, Carnivale and First Impulse, which was named one of Pointe Magazine’s Standout Performances.

“The world premiere of our new The Rite of Spring, our first performance of 2025, is symbolic as we embark on a new year,” said Gennadi Nedvigin, Atlanta Ballet’s artistic director. “Claudia’s original advanced choreography, combined with the intensity of the music, challenges Atlanta Ballet to perform with raw physical and emotional power, showcasing our company’s versatility and enabling us to creatively connect with our audience.”

Atlanta Ballet’s The Rite of Spring will be performed by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and led by conductor Jonathan McPhee, whose streamlined arrangement of The Rite of Spring was created 40 years ago and is the only version authorized by the Stravinsky Trust. McPhee’s works are recognized by orchestras and ballet companies worldwide, and he has previously enchanted Atlanta Ballet’s audiences through Firebird, Don Quixoteand last year’s North American premiere of Coco Chanel: The Life of a Fashion Icon. 

Schreier also tapped frequent collaborators Jason Ardizzone-West and Abigail Dupree-Polston to design the sets and costumes for the piece and immerse the audience in the cyclical nature from life into death unfolding onstage.

Sharing the program is 7 for Eight by former San Francisco Ballet Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson. Presented by Atlanta Ballet seven years ago, 7 for Eight is a ballet featuring eight dancers set to seven Johann Sebastian Bach movements, which will also be performed by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra led by company pianist Western-Li Summerton.

For more information about Atlanta Ballet’s production of The Rite of Spring and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.atlantaballet.com/performances/the-rite-of-spring. Tickets can be purchased online at atlantaballet.com or in person at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre box office. For groups of twenty or more, please order tickets via the [email protected] email.