If you think ballet is all about tutus, Tchaikovsky, and *Swan Lake*, let the Houston Ballet’s season opener shake things up for you. John Cranko’s *Onegin* isn’t just another night at the ballet—it’s a storytelling powerhouse that’s been hiding in plain sight for far too long.
Based on Pushkin’s verse novel (yes, you read that right—*verse novel*), *Onegin* dives into themes of love, regret, and social posturing with a raw emotional intensity that feels almost shockingly modern. Cranko’s choreography doesn’t just show you the story; it makes you feel every heartbreak, every misstep, and every moment of sheer arrogance. This isn’t ballet as decoration—it’s ballet as drama.
So why is it “rarely performed”? Good question. Maybe it’s the emotional weight, maybe it’s the technical demands, or maybe companies are just sleeping on one of the 20th century’s most compelling narrative ballets. Whatever the reason, Houston Ballet is doing audiences a massive favor by bringing it front and center.
If you’re in Houston—or honestly, if you’re even vaguely nearby—this is your sign to grab tickets. This isn’t just a performance; it’s a statement. And in a world overstuffed with recycled content, *Onegin* is a thrilling reminder of what live art can really do.
Trust me, your inner romantic (or your inner cynic) will thank you.
