Unfortunately, it looks like you are using an outdated browser.

To improve your experience on our site and ensure your security, please upgrade to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

Cart Tickets

You have the promo code applied

Stars and Stripes

Music
John Philip Sousa, orchestrated by Hershy Kay
Choreography
George Balanchine

{{ perf.day }} {{ perf.month_date }}

{{ perf.time }}

Performed with:

  • {{ballet.title}}
{{ perf.button_text || 'Buy tickets' }}

Subscribers Only
On sale to general public: {{ perf.subscriber_only_date }}

Subscribe

Set to Sousa's buoyant marches and dressed in Karinska's delightful all-American costumes, Stars and Stripes contains as much pure dancing as many full-length classical ballets.

For all its exuberant patriotic touches, Stars and Stripes contains as much pure dancing as many full-length classical ballets. The work is divided into five “campaigns,” each of which uses different themes from John Philip Sousa’s marches. When asked why he chose to choreograph a ballet to Sousa, Balanchine replied, “Because I like his music.” Stars and Stripes has been performed for many memorable occasions, including Nelson Rockefeller’s inauguration as governor of New York, tributes for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, and the opening ceremonies for the New York State Theater (now the David H. Koch Theater) at Lincoln Center. The ballet is dedicated to the memory of Fiorello H. LaGuardia, mayor of New York City from 1934 to 1945 and founder of the City Center of Music and Drama.

28 minutes

Anatomy oF a Dance

DANIEL ULBRICHT ON STARS AND STRIPES

Every time you dance it, it has to be alive," Daniel Ulbricht insists in discussing the Third Campaign of Stars and Stripes, George Balanchine's ode to America. Watch Ulbricht's expertise in building energy and camaraderie onstage while delivering a "white glove treatment" that maintains the choreography's polish for future interpreters' benefit.

Inside The Repertory

Andrew Veyette on STARS AND STRIPES

Andrew Veyette discusses George Balanchine's patriotic tribute to America and the legacy of El Capitan.

Stay closer to the action

Enter your name and email address to receive email communications from New York City Ballet, including special offers, on-sale dates, and other updates.

{{complete_msg}}

{{error_msg}}