Alan Helms

Alan Helms is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Massachusetts/Boston and the University of Paris. For the past 15 years, he's written on dance for South End News and InNewsweekly (both Boston weeklies), and more recently Balletco. When not watching dance or gardening or spending time with friends, he can be found lying on his couch at home reading Proust.

Boston Ballet – The Nutcracker – Boston

by Alan Helms December 6, 2011 Reviews
Thumbnail image for Boston Ballet – The Nutcracker – Boston

James Whiteside and Lia Cirio made a splendid couple as the Nutcracker and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Whiteside is, as I’ve said in earlier reviews, the best male in the company these days, and though Cirio has not moved me in the past, she’s gained in presence and precision and now makes a stronger impression in her second season as a principal.

Read the full article →

Boston Ballet – Romeo and Juliet – Boston

by Alan Helms November 8, 2011 Reviews
Thumbnail image for Boston Ballet – Romeo and Juliet – Boston

There wasn’t a nook or cranny of Juliet’s character that Combes hadn’t plumbed to great effect. This was simply the best Juliet I’ve ever seen, and it’s no exaggeration to say that Combes is now one of the finest ballerinas in the United States.

Read the full article →

Boston Ballet – ‘Night of Stars’ Season Opener – Boston

by Alan Helms November 1, 2011 Reviews
Thumbnail image for Boston Ballet – ‘Night of Stars’ Season Opener – Boston

Boston Ballet launched the 2011/12 season with its annual gala called “Night of Stars,” although there weren’t many in evidence. But then galas are usually disappointments, rather like smorgasbords in that you can taste a bewildering variety of food without feeling you’ve actually had a meal.

Read the full article →

Alastair Macaulay, Chief Dance Critic, New York Times

by Alan Helms February 16, 2011 Interviews / Features
Thumbnail image for Alastair Macaulay, Chief Dance Critic, New York Times

Alastair Macaulay: “I believe that criticism begins not in knowledge but in ignorance.” Alan Helms talks, at length, to one of the foremost of dance critics…

Read the full article →