The ballet classic “The Firebird,” with music by Igor Stravinsky, has been re-envisioned by Alexei Ratmansky. The production’s world premiere, performed by American Ballet Theatre, opened Thursday at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Russian star Natalia Osipova performed the title role Thursday as Alexei Ratmansky’s “The Firebird” was given its world premiere at Segerstrom Center. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
David Hallberg, more typically cast in princely roles, appeared as the nefarious Kaschei in “The Firebird” on Thursday. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Natalia Osipova, in red, as the Firebird at Segerstrom Center. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
The company in Alexei Ratmansky’s “The Firebird,” performed by American Ballet Theatre at Segerstrom Center. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Alexei Ratmansky’s version of “The Firebird” atypically features a flock of male and female firebirds. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Also on the triple bill on Thursday was Christopher Wheeldon’s “Thirteen Diversions,” created last year. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Merce Cunningham’s “Duets,” from 1980, also was performed by American Ballet Theatre at Segerstrom Center. Luis Ribagorda and Devon Teuscher are pictured. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Misty Copeland and Gray Davis in Christopher Wheeldon’s “Thirteen Diversions,” performed Thursday at Segerstrom Center by American Ballet Theatre. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
A moment in Christopher Wheeldon’s “Thirteen Diversions,” performed Thursday by American Ballet Theatre at Segerstrom Center. The company’s engagement in Costa Mesa continues through Sunday afternoon. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
