This Boston Ballet Principal Is Using the Domestic Violence He Witnessed Growing Up to Fuel His Latest Work

August 29, 2018

When Boston Ballet principal dancer Paulo Arrais was approached to choreograph for the company’s spring program, Rhapsody, he immediately knew where he wanted to draw inspiration from. “I grew up in a part of Brazil where it was very common to see domestic violence,” says Arrais. “I’m angry about this problem and I’m trying to find a way to choreograph with the anger I have.”

We caught up with Arrais in rehearsal for his piece ELA, Rhapsody in Blue to discuss growing up in Brazil and how his upbringing is fueling his choreography.