Kaatsbaan Cultural Park will welcome acclaimed American choreographer Jessica Lang for a free public open rehearsal on December 19, 2026, offering audiences an exclusive look at the development of O’Keeffe: Kiss the Sky, a new ballet-opera being created for Washington National Opera.
The event, scheduled for 3 p.m. at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park in Tivoli, New York, will provide an opportunity to observe the creative process behind a production inspired by the life and artistic legacy of American painter Georgia O’Keeffe.
Jessica Lang to Preview New Ballet-Opera at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park
The open rehearsal will take place at 120 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583, in New York’s Hudson Valley region. Admission is free, although advance reservations are available.
During the event, Lang will share an inside look at the choreography and artistic development of O’Keeffe: Kiss the Sky, a production combining opera, ballet, and visual storytelling.
The project explores Georgia O’Keeffe’s life, personal relationships, and distinctive artistic vision through the integration of dance and operatic performance.
Known for her innovative approach to contemporary ballet, Lang is developing choreography designed to translate O’Keeffe’s visual world into movement.
Creative Collaboration Brings Georgia O’Keeffe’s Story to the Stage
As part of her residency at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, Lang is working with six dancers to develop the production’s choreographic sequences.
The creative team also includes librettist Kelley Rourke and composer Christopher Tin, whose music will accompany the ballet-opera.
Together, the artists are exploring how movement, music, and narrative can communicate the experiences and creative influences that shaped O’Keeffe’s career.
The December rehearsal will allow visitors to observe portions of this collaborative process before the production reaches the stage.
Unlike a traditional performance, an open rehearsal offers audiences an opportunity to see how choreography develops through experimentation, interpretation, and interaction between dancers and creative professionals.
O’Keeffe: Kiss the Sky Scheduled for March 2027 Premiere
The Washington National Opera production of O’Keeffe: Kiss the Sky is scheduled to premiere in March 2027 at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.
The upcoming production will examine the life of Georgia O’Keeffe, one of the most influential figures in American modern art.
Recognized for her paintings of flowers, landscapes, and the American Southwest, O’Keeffe developed a distinctive visual style that continues to influence contemporary artists.
The ballet-opera aims to explore her artistic identity and personal experiences through a combination of classical and contemporary performance disciplines.
Lang’s residency at Kaatsbaan provides dedicated rehearsal and development time ahead of the Washington premiere.
The residency receives support from Works & Process Residencies and additional contributors.
Jessica Lang’s Career in American and International Dance
Jessica Lang is a New York City-based director and choreographer whose work has been presented by major ballet companies and performing arts organizations around the world.
She currently serves as Resident Choreographer at Pacific Northwest Ballet, Artist in Residence at Sarasota Ballet, and Artistic Advisor at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park.
Since 1999, Lang has created more than 100 original works for dance companies internationally.
Her choreography has been performed by prominent organizations, including American Ballet Theatre, The Royal Ballet, Vienna State Ballet, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Award-Winning Choreographer With Global Experience
In 2011, Lang established Jessica Lang Dance, serving as its artistic director until 2019.
During that period, the company toured more than 85 cities worldwide, presenting her original choreography to international audiences.
Her work has also been performed by educational institutions throughout the United States, contributing to the development of emerging dancers and choreographers.
Lang’s professional achievements include a Bessie Award, an Arison Award, and the Martha Hill Mid-Career Award.
Originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, she graduated from The Juilliard School in New York City.
She previously performed with choreographer Twyla Tharp’s company, THARP!, touring internationally before establishing her own career as a choreographer and director.
How to Attend the Free Open Rehearsal
Kaatsbaan Cultural Park has announced the following event details:
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Event: Jessica Lang Open Rehearsal
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Date: Saturday, December 19, 2026
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Time: 3 p.m. ET
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Location: Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, 120 Broadway, Tivoli, NY 12583
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Admission: Free, with reservations available
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Featured production: O’Keeffe: Kiss the Sky
The event offers dance enthusiasts, opera audiences, and visitors interested in Georgia O’Keeffe an opportunity to experience the early stages of a major performing arts production.
Through the open rehearsal, Kaatsbaan Cultural Park continues its role in supporting artistic residencies and providing public access to the development of new performance works.
With O’Keeffe: Kiss the Sky preparing for its March 2027 premiere in Washington, D.C., the December event will offer a preview of how Jessica Lang and her collaborators are bringing the celebrated American artist’s story to life through ballet and opera.
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