Pacific Beach-based City Ballet of San Diego, under the direction of Steven and Elizabeth Wistrich, continues its Season 31 with a program of “firsts” for San Diego.

Resident choreographers Elizabeth Wistrich and Geoffrey Gonzalez each have created new works to join the San Diego premiere of a ballet by former New York City Ballet resident choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. The program will be offered at both the Balboa Theatre downtown on March 16 and 17, and at California Center for the Arts, Escondido on March 27.

Gonzalez has become an accomplished storyteller using ballet. This year, Gonzalez’s inspiration comes from George Gershwin’s popular score to create a new version of “An American in Paris.”

The ballet is based on the story of American fashion designer Claire McCardwll, a young lady, alone who arrives by ship to find herself in blossoming Paris. Her dream is to design fashion for American women, inspired by the Chanel luxury fashion house in the mid-1960s.

During her 40-year-plus career of creating ballets, Wistrich has always had Maurice Ravel’s mesmerizing “Boléro” score in her sights. In 2024, she offers her version adding the beat of the heart – creating “Boléro – The Awakening.” Finally, local audiences will experience the San Diego premiere of the complex and athletic ballet titled “Morphoses” by world-renowned British choreographer Wheeldon.

The critically acclaimed City Ballet of San Diego is known nationally for its commitment to presenting ballets by the legendary George Balanchine. But the company is also committed to presenting works by its award-winning resident choreographers, who both create cutting-edge works and longer story ballets. And the company is expanding to showcase works by today’s diverse array of  choreographers for the San Diego community.

“In putting together a season, it is always challenging to stage a program of all new ballets, but the company is up for the challenge,” said artistic director Steven Wistrich. “I like presenting new experiences for our San Diego audiences, be it new ballets from our talented resident choreographers or works by internationally known choreographers. I am thrilled to add a much-anticipated Christopher Wheeldon ballet to the company’s repertoire. This is a must-see program for all.”

“An American in Paris”

World premiere – Resident choreographer Gonzalez was inspired by the music to create his own version to George Gershwin’s well-known score. This is another example of how Gonzalez can transport the audience to another place and time through his choreography. Music: George Gershwin (1928). Choreography: Gonzalez.

“Boléro – The Awakening”

World premiere – Resident choreographer Wistrich explores the ways the heart reacts to different emotions. Music: Maurice Ravel. Choreography: Wistrich.

“Morphoses”

San Diego première – With “Morphoses,” City Ballet will add their first Wheeldon ballet to their repertoire. This complex, athletic ballet is an ideal introduction to Wheeldon’s work, showing influences from George Balanchine, Frederick Ashton, Jerome Robbins, and Kenneth MacMillan. Music: Gyorgy Ligeti. Choreography: Wheeldon. Costumes: Holly Hynes. Staging: Michele Gifford. Lighting: Mark Stanley. World premiere: October 2008, “Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company,” New York City Center. Run time: 1 hour 45 minutes, including two 15-minute intermissions. Programming, musical selections, and artists are subject to change without notice.

Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., Saturday, March 16, at 8 p.m., Sunday, March 17, at 2 p.m.

California Center for the Arts, Escondido, Wednesday, March 27, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $39-$99

Students, seniors, and military can purchase discounted tickets at 10% off the regular price. Free pre-concert lecture 45 minutes before each performance. Tickets and information: ciudadballet.org, 858-272-8663.