Ballet Made Hip Through the Eyes of a Young Choreographer

Ballets dreamed up by Justin Peck feel at once classical and new, an energy that has become distinct to the young choreographer’s work. In just a few years, Peck has become one of the most sought-after choreographers in the world of ballet.

At 27, he is both a soloist dancer and the resident choreographer for the New York City Ballet – the second person in history to hold the position. As a member of one of the most renowned creative engines in the world, Peck has made a name for himself as the ballet world’s “next big thing.”

“I’m just trying to make classical ballet and then other people come to me and tell me that it looks like this whole new fresh thing to them and it’s always so surprising to me and also something that I get excited about.”

This month, Peck’s most recent work, “Heatscape” debuted for Miami City Ballet against the backdrop of brightly colored murals. Peck worked with Shepard Fairey, the street artist best known for his iconic “Hope” poster commissioned for President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. The partnership is the first of its kind for Fairey, who has primarily worked in street and graffiti art.

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