Boston Ballet's "Roméo et Juliette" Redefines Dance with Barefoot Performance

Boston Ballet's latest interpretation of "Roméo et Juliette" breaks traditional boundaries, showcasing Juliette in a strikingly different light—barefoot. This innovative approach retains the essence of the tragic love story while transforming the ballet's presentation.

Principal dancer Seo Hye Han explains the challenges of this unique style: "The barefoot dance is actually harder for classical ballet dancers. We are switching from pointe shoes to bare feet. That means we are using different muscles of the legs, so I do some exercises to turn on the different muscles." The shift not only alters the physical demands on the dancers but also enhances the emotional depth of their performance.

During rehearsals, dancers take precautions by wrapping their ankles for support and taping their toes to prevent blisters. Han reflects on the experience, stating, "[It] was a little challenging but now I understand why it must be barefoot because it changes the mood, it changes the movement, it gets more wild and more natural."

Second soloist Courtney Nitting shares her perspective on the impact of this approach: "I think when you see a dancer, barefoot, hair down, just fully herself or himself, it makes it such a personal journey. It makes it so vulnerable." Playing the nurse, Nitting emphasizes her close connection with both Juliette and Roméo throughout the ballet, noting how Juliette's transition from pointe shoes to bare feet allows for a deeper emotional connection with the audience.

Acting plays a crucial role in this production. Han describes her reinterpretation of Juliette: "I already danced a different version of Juliet many years ago and that Juliet was more girly, fragile, lyrical. So I needed to recreate my own Juliet again when I learned this ballet." She finds this version resonates more closely with her personality—bold and rebellious.

Nitting adds her own flair to the role of the nurse: "I get to be super fun and silly and flirty as the nurse. And then I also get to find those deeper, more intimate moments." She believes this rendition of "Roméo et Juliette" captures a very human experience, making it personal for both dancers and audience alike.

Han concludes with a reflection on the emotional toll of performing: "It drains lots of emotions from me and that's the actually hardest part, dancing in this Roméo et Juliette. I have to put everything in it."

The Boston Ballet's "Roméo et Juliette" is currently being performed at the Citizens Opera House until Sunday, June 8.