BALAM Dance Theatre to Open Season in ‘Dancing the Lyra Way” with Lyra Way Duo at Gotham Early Music Scene's Midtown Concerts

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BALAM Dance Theatre to Open 2026 Season in ‘Dancing the Lyra Way with Lyra Way Duo at Gotham Early Music Scene's Midtown Concerts

(New York, New York; January 14, 2026) -- BALAM Dance Theatre opens its 2026 season with ‘Dancing the Lyra Way’ at the esteemed Gotham Early Music Scene’s Midtown Concerts on Thursday, February 12 from 1:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST at St. Malachy's-The Actors’ Chapel, located at 239 West 49th Street, New York, New York 10019. This imaginative program will be presented both live and virtually by Midtown Concerts, a project of Gotham Early Music Scene.

The program is open to the public, and admission is FREE. No tickets or reservations are required. People unable to attend the live performance may view the program worldwide online on February 12 at https://www.youtube.com/@MidtownConcerts/streams.

Performance Details

Imagine being shipwrecked and rescued by your betrothed! This romantic vignette comes to life in ‘Dancing the Lyra Way’, BALAM Dance Theatre’s new Baroque choreography inspired by the vivid lives of King James I of England and his queen, Anne of Denmark, presented in time for St. Valentine’s Day.

BALAM Dance Theatre will perform in a concert created in collaboration with the acclaimed viol duo Lyra Way, featuring a delightful program of rare 17th-century viol music played masterfully by musicians Lisa Terry and Niccola Seligmann. Lyra Way performs repertoire for two bass viols played “lyra way” by 17th-century English composers Tobias Hume, Thomas Ford, and Alfonso Ferrabosco II.

The new artful choreography brings together a dynamic trio of dancers—Yumiko Niimi, Carlos Fittante, and Erin Hunter Jennings—who enact a series of stylish Baroque episodes, exploring themes of adventure, marriage, and estrangement, culminating in a powerful communal dance celebrating peace and prosperity. Jennings, the co-director of Putnam County Dance Project, makes her debut with BALAM in this enchanting program. For further information about the concert, go to https://gemsny.org/midtown-concerts/ .

BALAM, a New York City-based professional, non-profit dance company, is renowned for its well-researched and imaginative cross-cultural work. Rooted in the opulent and enthralling aesthetics of Balinese theatre, the company presents a contemporary vision of cultural dance by blending ballet, modern dance, and diverse cultural styles from various historic periods.

About BALAM Dance Theatre

Founded in 1979 by choreographer and movement researcher, Islene Pinder, BALAM Dance Theatre offers a new vision of contemporary dance rooted in the dazzling opulence and magical aura of Balinese theatre. 

The New York City-based dance/theatre company creates a unique entertainment experience that has universal appeal. Audiences of all ages and backgrounds enjoy BALAM’s innovative movement alchemy where dynamic athleticism, detailed skills, and movement techniques from around world and time periods are fused and enhanced by eclectic music, striking masks, vibrant costumes and fantasy stories.

The company educates the community about dances and cultures featured in its repertoire. Through its Out & About Series, free and affordable performances, workshops and creative events at the grassroots level are made available for families, children, students and community residents.  

BALAM Dance Theatre has been featured at numerous festivals and venues, including First Night New York, Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and Downtown Dance Festival. The company has also performed throughout the United States and internationally. BALAM has received praise from the New York Times and Village Voice, the Governor and people of Bali and the Indonesian Consulate of New York, as well as others. 

For further information, call 646-361-9183 or visit BALAM Dance Theatre on its blog, www.balamdancetheatre.blogspot.com. Follow the company on Facebook, www.facebook.com/balamdancetheatre, and check for updates on Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) @BALAMDance and LinkedIn.

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