Christopher Wheeldon, the 21st Century Petipa, Brings Alice to Teatro Colón

The Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires is set to elevate its international standing by staging Christopher Wheeldon's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" next month. This ambitious production, a coproduction with the National Ballet of Canada and previously seen at the Royal Opera House, places the Colón alongside major global ballet institutions. It represents a significant artistic and technical commitment from Julio Bocca, the artistic director, in his second season.

Wheeldon, 53, has established himself as one of the most sought-after choreographers, with a career spanning London and New York. His extensive repertoire includes over thirty works for ballet, film, and streaming series. He is particularly recognized for reviving the multi-act narrative ballet, a form pioneered by Marius Petipa in the 19th century, adapting it for a contemporary audience.

Known for his slender build, pleasant demeanor, and articulate communication, Wheeldon is also a demanding perfectionist. After a notable career as a soloist with the New York City Ballet, he transitioned fully to choreography. His early dance training began at age seven in Somerset, inspired by a television viewing of Frederick Ashton's "La Fille Mal Gardée." He graduated from the Royal Ballet School, won a gold medal at the Prix de Lausanne, and danced with the Royal Ballet before joining the New York City Ballet in 1993 to immerse himself in the neoclassical techniques of George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins.

Wheeldon's work has garnered numerous awards, including multiple Tony Awards for his Broadway productions "An American in Paris" and "MJ The Musical." He believes that incorporating elements of musical theater into "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" attracted Broadway's attention for his ability to create shows with extensive dance numbers, sometimes en pointe. The Teatro Colón's premiere of this celebrated production is scheduled for July 16.