New York City Ballet MOVES Highlights
New York City Ballet (NYCB) is undoubtedly one of the best classic ballet companies in the world. Both ballet novices and experts can appreciate the breathtaking movement, gorgeously clean lines, and undeniable athleticism that NYCB brings to each of their performances. New York City Ballet MOVES, presented by Northrop Dance on Oct 23 & 24, is a rotating sample of the full company, complete with principals, soloists, and corps de ballet. Performing five pieces (four of which will have live music), the night is going to be the perfect introduction to the vast repertoire of this world-renowned company. Here’s what you need to know about each piece, prior to seeing the performance. (And if you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to watch our sneak peek video here!)
POLYPHONIA (2001) Choreography by Christopher Wheeldon Music by György Ligeti
According to The New Yorker, Polyphonia is Wheeldon’s “heated, elastic pas de deux that he made for his favorite couple at New York City Ballet, Wendy Whelan and Jock Soto.” The piece is set to 10 short piano pieces by György Ligeti, and will wow you with its energy.
Here’s a video of Christopher Wheeldon talking about the creation of Polyphonia.
DUO CONCERTANT (1972) Choreography by George Balanchine Music by Igor Stravinsky
In Duo Concertant, the musicians are just as much a part of this piece as the dancers. The piece begins with the dancers standing next to the pianos, not moving, as they listen to the music building. As the music’s movements progress, they start to dance, but still continue to stop and listen to the music throughout. Watch for the back and forth between musicians and dancers, and the way they play off of each other.
HERMAN SCHMERMAN (Pas de Deux) (1992) Choreography by William Forsythe Music by Thom Willems
Herman Schmerman was choreographed by William Forsythe for NYCB, but the pas de deux wasn’t added until 1993. Later, when NYCB brought the work back to the stage, Forsythe opted to just present the pas de deux, and it has been performed as an independent piece ever since.
A quote from a New York Times article summarized the piece completely: Herman Schmerman, “with its brash Thom Willems score, is very much in conversation with Balanchine’s radical advancement of classicism. Like Balanchine before him, Mr. Forsythe delights in the push-pull of taut bodies built for speed, and in torquing proper lines almost to their breaking points.”
ZAKOUSKI (1992) Choreography by Peter Martins Music by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Igor Stravinsky, Sergei Prokofiev, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Zakouski (which means hors d’oeuvres in Russian) combines solos and duets with music by the four Russian composers. Choreographed by the NYCB artistic director, Peter Martins, this piece comes alive with Russian influence, and every move feels finished with beautiful lines.
HALLELUJAH JUNCTION (2001) Choreography by Peter Martins Music by John Adams
A stark, graceful piece with subdued tones of black and white, Hallelujah Junction is different than typical colorful explosions seen in most choreographies from Martins inspired by the music of John Adams.
Check out this video of NYCB Principal Dancer Janie Taylor talking about dancing Hallelujah Junction.
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Have you seen any of these pieces performed before? If so, what interesting facts do you think we should know before seeing them next week? Is there a particular choreographer you’re most excited about in this repertoire? We look forward to seeing you at the show!
