After rehearsal, the laughing continued as they sat to talk about the pressures they feel at this point in their careers; about dealing with audience expectations; and about what each artist means to the other. Here are edited excerpts from the conversation.

Kyle, now that you finally get to make a solo for Misty, is it as you imagined?

KYLE ABRAHAM It’s better. In 2012, I imagined her coming out with a boombox to this remix of the Ciara song “Goodies.” That would have been a strictly a show-off kind of thing, and I don’t think either of us feel we have to do that now. The more I get to know Misty, the more I want to show aspects of her artistry that people aren’t always given the chance to see. That’s why I wanted to make something with a simmer to it.

MISTY COPELAND There are these expectations of what people have seen you do or what they think you can do. But I’ve been realizing what’s valuable to me and what kinds of works I want to be a part of. I love the tradition of ballet — the deep, rich history — but there are some things we have to let go of. So I feel this is the perfect moment to delve into something different and a new language for this generation.