American Classic Ballet company (Boston Ballet) was founded in 1964 by E. Virginia Williams and Sydney Leopard. It was the first professional repertory ballet company in New England. During its existence, the ballet has gone through several directors and at present time Mikko Nissinen is its artistic leader (from September 2001). Mikko Nissinen made the ballet internationally recognized in repertoires of classical, neo-classical and contemporary works. He also called for cooperation many contemporary choreographers.

This season the ballet will work with resident choreographer Jorma Elo, composer Philip Glass, and artist Chuck Close. It will offer two American premieres in the cheekily titled program “Pricked”. The entire season will begin with a gala performance, Night of Stars, staged September 21 on Boston Common. 

And Mikko Nissinen told something interesting about Boston Ballet, this year premiere, and about his understanding of the art of dance!шы

What is the message you want to send on the company’s 50th anniversary? 
Mikko Nissinen: This anniversary is an incredible opportunity to rearticulate who we are and the breadth of all the things that Boston Ballet does—being a top-notch international professional ballet company, having a massive school with 5,600 students, and basically, sharing the love of dance.

Where has the company grown most during your tenure?
Mikko Nissinen: In the quality of the dancers. It is the sophistication of the dancers and the details that they bring. The bottom line is quality, quality, and more quality.

What is dance’s place in America today?
Mikko Nissinen: It is something that refuels you. I am trying to stimulate each production so that people can use it more as a self-reflection than something they admire from a distance. I think that is very important.

How do you describe Boston’s appetite for dance? 
Mikko Nissinen: Ten-plus years ago, when I first got here, I was told, “You can’t do this; they don’t like that”. I could not relate to any of that. The whole issue was a question of exposure. Boston audiences are very well-educated, and they have followed whatever we have done. We have pushed the boundaries and gone very much to the edge. People have been there and, if anything, have been more energized about it.

Why stage the Night of Stars on Boston Common this year?
Mikko Nissinen: I want this to be a true gift to everyone in Boston. And I want to do an open-air concert where we can get 50,000-plus people onto the Common.

How high have you set your standards for this event?
Mikko Nissinen: It is going to be major. Imagine building a theater in the park. Full-size dance floor, side lights, spotlights, curtains—everything.

How long will you remain in Boston?
Mikko Nissinen: As long as you are willing to keep me. I love the organization, of course. Boston is an incredible place to live. Boston Ballet’s Night of Stars will be staged on Boston Common on September 21.

Interview Materials were taken from http://bostoncommon-magazine.com