Program
Masters at Work II
APR 27, 30, MAY 1 eve, 4, 5, 7
Performance Dates
DELVE INTO THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE, FROM YOUTHFUL VIBRANCE TO SAGE SOPHISTICATION
The follies of youth and the refinements of maturity meet on this program of varied works by the company’s co-founding choreographers. Premiering in 1929 on Diaghilev's Ballets Russes when Balanchine was just 25 years old, Prodigal Son conveys the biblical parable of a wild child’s sinful escapades and eventual redemption. The score for Symphony in C was composed when Georges Bizet was just seventeen; performed today with redesigned costumes featuring shimmering Swarovski Elements, the ballet is epic in impact and effect. Robbins was inspired to choreograph his 1953 Afternoon of a Faun by witnessing a teenaged Edward Villella in class at the School of American Ballet, as evidenced by the youthful, exploratory quality of the resulting work. Having admired their dancing with American Ballet Theatre, Robbins was moved to create the pas de deux Other Dances, a sort of spiritual companion to Dances at a Gathering, on celebrated stars Natalia Makarova and Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Ballets on this Program
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Prodigal Son
The ultimate story of sin and redemption, Prodigal Son's powerful message, expressive score, and dramatic movement make it eternally impactful.
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Afternoon of a Faun
Subtle, sensual, and narcissistic, Afternoon of a Faun depicts a chance encounter between two young dancers in a studio.
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Other Dances
Other Dances pays homage to Chopin’s romanticism and the purity of classical ballet technique, featuring two dramatic dancers in a series of short, folk-infused dances.
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Symphony In C
A grand classical masterpiece, Symphony in C dazzles audiences with over 50 dancers covered in Swarovski elements and a spectacular finale uniting the entire cast.
