Benjamin Millepied is a choreographer of exquisite taste and pedigree. He also has a filmmaker’s eye.

Lured to the New York City Ballet by its grounding in the works of Balanchine and Robbins, the influence of these two greats on Millepied is undeniable and has moulded him into one of the finest neoclassical choreographers of our time.

Whether on stage or screen, it is always a pleasure to behold his fluid choreography that combines effortless virtuosity and seething passion.

Even his non-narrative works, such as the brilliant Chaconne (a co-production of Royal Ballet Flanders and the LA Dance Project, which Millepied founded 2011), speak to the soul, imbuing moments of pure dance with character and drama.

If Millepied can do that to Bach’s Partita for Violin No. 2, what can he do with Prokofiev’s melodramatic Romeo and Juliet?

David Adrian Freeland, Jr. and Mario Gonzalez in Benjamin Millepied’s Romeo and Juliet Suite. Photo © Daniel Boud

The answer is a lot, with Millepied delivering an intricately crafted work that is beautiful to behold, steeped in humanity, and a breathtaking showcase of the dancers’ virtuosity.

These are dancers well versed in the choreography of Merce Cunnigham, Martha...