Reflections

Art provides space for reflection—on ourselves and the world around us. Reflections by the Dutch National Opera & Ballet features personal stories, social themes, and pure dance energy.

For *Solitude* , renowned choreographer Alexei Ratmansky drew inspiration from a newspaper photo of a Ukrainian father who held his son’s hand for hours after the boy was killed in a Russian attack. Set to two compositions by Mahler, Ratmansky uses abstract, poignant dance to make universal human grief palpable.

In her new ballet, the young Canadian choreographer Kirsten Wicklund explores the theme of gender equality. This is in anticipation of the celebration of 25 years of marriage equality in 2026. Wicklund draws on the musical ode—featuring vocals—that composer Willem Jeths composed in 2011 in honor of marriage for all. The vocal parts are performed by young singers from the Dutch National Opera Studio.

In the vibrant opening and closing sections of *Simple Things* ( Hans van Manen), two men spur each other on in two duets that are full of sparks. In between, they are distracted by two women who tempt them into a fleeting romance. Movement and music come together in an unparalleled way in this dynamic dance quartet.

The fourth choreographer, George Balanchine, spent his entire life reflecting on the purely classical, Franco-Russian ballet style in which he was raised. *Symphony in C* is a tribute to the splendor of this style, but he infused the dance with verve and panache, culminating in a finale that bubbles and fizzes like a glass of champagne.