All Balanchine

Three ballet routines will be performed in this show. They are Valse Fantaisie, Kammermusik No. 2, and Union Jack. All 3 were choreographed by the father of American ballet, George Balanchine. One of the most renowned and influential choreographers of the 20th century, Balanchine was considered a visionary for his unique approach to ballet. He was also the founder of the New York City Ballet, which continues to perform many of his works on stage.

The background score comes from composers such as Mikhail Glinka, Hershy Kay, and Paul Hindemith. Glinka was one of the foremost Russian composers of his time and is considered to be the fountainhead of Russian classical music. Hindemith is particularly famous for a series of works known as Kammermusik or Chamber Music. Each piece of music was written to be performed by a different set fo small instruments, many of which are unusual.

What makes the show truly special is how Balanchine combines the musical work of these composers with his captivating styles of dance. For fans of ballet or dance, this is the perfect show to see the genius of Balanchine firsthand!

The Show

The first performance, named Valse Fantaisie is set to Mikhail Glinka’s score. A brief performance consisting of a lead duo accompanied by a corps de ballet of 4 women. A captivating performance follows as they dance to the swooning melodies of Glinka. The music is quick and light but was popularly known as the Melancholy Waltz.

The next performance, titled Kammermusik No. 2 brings a great deal of precision, speed and energy to the stage. An eight-man ensemble and two couples take the stage for the performance, with the men performing to the music of the orchestration and the soloists to the piano. The score is one of the seven Kammermusik, written by Paul Hindemith, and the confluence of the unique music and dance style is riveting to witness.

The final performance is titled Union Jack and is the highlight of the show. It features a score by Hershy Kay, who adapted it from traditional British music, and music-hall melodies. Featuring an astonishing 74 dancers who are dressed in traditional kilts, the performance is a celebration of the British History of the United States. You will see numerous references to the military, the Royal Navy, the Queen, and of course, the Union Jack.

Good For

Ballet Buffs | Lovers of Dance | Fans of George Balanchine