Georgian-American choreographer, dancer and ballet master (1904-1983)
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Music Director Andrew Litton invites us to See the Music in this enlightening introduction to the score for George Balanchine's 1972 ballet, Divertimento from ‘Le Baiser de la Fée.' With superlative accompaniment from Solo Pianist Elaine Chelton, Litton demonstrates the many ways in which Igor Stravinsky's "homage to Tschaikovsky" took inspiration from 16 different piano pieces by the legendary composer to weave an undeniably Stravsinkyian—and danceable, in Balanchine's word—orchestral suite. (11:42): Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: Symphony in Three Movements (1945) by Igor Stravinsky Le Baiser de la Fée (1928) by Igor Stravinsky Le Baiser de la Fée performed by Elaine Chelton
Silas Farley, former New York City Ballet dancer and current Dean of the Colburn School's Trudl Zipper Dance Institute, explores the profound connections between classical ballet, Christian worship, and embodied spirituality. From his early exposure to liturgical dance in a charismatic Lutheran church to his career as a professional dancer and choreographer, Farley illuminates how the physicality of ballet can express deep spiritual truths and serve as an act of worship.Episode Highlights from Silas Farley“The physicality of ballet is cruciform. The dancer stands in a turned-out position... the body becomes the intersection of the vertical and the horizontal plane.”“Sin makes the soul curve in on itself, whereas holiness or wholeness in God opens us up.”“We are Christian humanists. We don't need to be intimidated by beauty.”“There's knowledge and insight in all the different parts of our bodies, not just in our brain.”“The mystery of the incarnation is that when the creator of all things wanted to make himself known to his creation, he didn't come as a vapor or as a mountain or as a bird. But he came as a man.”Resources for Ballet EngagementLocal community ballet companies/schools“B is for Ballet” (ABT children's book)“My Daddy Can Fly” (ABT)Celestial Bodies, by Laura JacobsApollo's Angels, by Jennifer HomansSilas Farley's Podcast: Hear the Dance (NYC Ballet)The Nutcracker (NYC Ballet/Balanchine)Jewels (1967, Balanchine)Agon (Balanchine/Stravinsky)About Silas FarleySilas Farley is a professional ballet dancer and choreographer. Dean of the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, Silas is a former New York City Ballet dancer, choreographer, and educator. He also currently serves as Armstrong Artist in Residence in Ballet in the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University.His work includes choreography for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Houston Ballet, and the New York City Ballet. He hosts the Hear the Dance podcast and creates works that integrate classical ballet with spiritual themes.Silas also serves on the board of The George Balanchine Foundation.Show NotesSilas Farley's Early Dance Background & FormationSilas Farley: Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina; youngest of 7 children (4 brothers, 2 sisters); multiracial family (white father, Black mother)First exposure through charismatic Lutheran church's liturgical dance ministrySaw formal ballet at age 6 when Christian ballet company Ballet Magnifica performedDance initially experienced as form of worship before performanceLiturgical vs Classical BalletLiturgical dance:Amplifies worshipFunctions as embodied prayerNot primarily performativeHistorical examples: David with Ark of Covenant, Miriam after Red Sea crossingClassical ballet:Performed on proscenium stageRequires specific trainingFocuses on virtuosic movementsExplicitly performativeBoth forms serve as offerings/vessels for transmitting energy to audienceTechnical Elements of Ballet: Turnout, Spiritual Turnout, and Opening UpFoundational concept of “turnout”—rotation of feet/hips outward“That idea of turnout makes the body more expressive in a way. Because if our toes are straightforward, like the way we're designed, you only see a certain amount of the leg. Whereas if the body stands turned out, you see the whole inside of the musculature of the leg. It's a more complete revelation of the body.”Creates more complete revelation of body's musculaturePhysicality conveys “spiritual turnout” - openness/receptiveness“Spiritual turnout: that you are open and receptive and generous. And that's embodied in the physicality of ballet.”“So much of what developed as ballet as we know, it happened at the court of Louis the XIV in the 1660-1670s.”“It's not artificial, it's actually supernatural.”Physical & Spiritual Connections in Ballet“Our walk with God is that he's defining us so that we are becoming open. We're open to him. We're open to receive his love. We're open to be vessels of his love. We're open to receiving and exchanging love with other people.”Freedom within the constraints movements and positionsSwan Lake: “They're so free. They're almost like birds. But that's come through a lifestyle of discipline.”“You get a hyper awareness of your own body.”Develops hyper-awareness of bodyLinks to incarnational theology—Christ as God-manFreedom through discipline and submissionMovement vocabulary builds from simple elements (plié, tendu)Plie: Mama and Dada“As a dancer grows up in ballet, the dancer then develops this enormous vocabulary of movement that are all reducible back to the microcosm of the plié and the tendu.”Creates infinite lines suggesting eternityCombines circular power with eternal linesTheological Dimensions of BalletSilas's choreographed interpretation of C.S. Lewis's The Four Loves, as a balletBallet and the Art of Choreography“The music and choreography were like brothers.”“Songs from the Spirit”“The music becomes my map.”Choreographing in silenceThe Role of the Audience and Their ExperienceIdeas to dialogue withA set of ideas to gather together and embodyArvo Part, The Genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3Uniting my heart with JesusI'm never didactic about it.An embodied musical experience“If I say ‘family, friendship, romance, divine love,' you all instantly have associations, beauty, pain, trauma, consolation that are associated with those four loves.”“ I'm not writing a sermon about any of these ideas. I'm choreographing a ballet. I'm assembling these classical steps with this music to create a visceral, embodied musical experience.”The audience: “They come to it with their experiences, their own eyes and ears and their own bodies. And that's enough.”Arvo Part: “Music is white light, and the prism is the soul of the listener.”“The musical ideas are refracted through the hearer.”“The audience is always in my heart and mind.”“I always think of the artwork as an act of hospitality. … I'm just setting the table.”What's Unique about Ballet as a Physical ArtformBeautiful interconnectednessAsking the body to reach to its limits“The Infinite Line” in BalletRadiating out into multiple eternal lines at the same timeConstant reaching in many directions at onceCruciform positioning: intersection of vertical and horizontal planes“The body becomes radiant”Use of “épaulement”—spiraling of body around spine's axisReveals pulse points (neck, wrists) creating vulnerable energy exchange with audienceOpening up the life force of the dancerNo separation between dancer and instrument (“I am the work of art”)Cruciform physicalityContemporary Cultural ContextModern culture increasingly disembodied due to screens/digital media“We live in an increasingly disembodied culture, we are absorbed with screens two dimensional, uh, highly edited and curated, mediated self presentation as opposed to like visceral nitty gritty blood, sweat, tears, good, bad, and ugly of life itself. So we get insulated from the step that makes life what it is.”Education often treats people as “brains on sticks”“The Christian life is a lifestyle of in embodied discipleship to the God man, Jesus Christ. And he's not a brain on a stick. He's the God man. He has a jawbone and he went through puberty and he has wounds like the beautiful hymn. It says, rich wounds, yet visible and beauty glorified. The mystery of the incarnation is that when the creator of all things wanted to make himself known to his creation, he didn't come as a vapor or as a mountain or as a bird, but he came as a man. And so he sublimates and affirms the glory of his creation, the materiality of his creation and the body as the crown of his creation by coming as a man.”Church needs more embodied practicesBallet offers counterpoint to disembodied tendenciesImportance of physical discipline in spiritual formationRomans 12:1 and making our bodies as living sacrificesHow to Experience Ballet“There's nothing you need to know before going to experience ballet. You have a body, you have eyes, you have ears. That's all you need. Just let it wash over you.Let it work on you in its own kind of visceral way, and let that be an entry point to not be intimidated by the, the music, or the wordlessness or the tutu's or the point shoes or whatever.There's so many different stylistic manifestations of ballet. But just go experience it.And if you can, I would really encourage people almost as much or more than watching it go see if like your local YMCA or something has an adult ballet class, or if you're a kid, maybe ask your parents to sign you up to go try a class and just feel what that turned-out physicality feels like in your own body.It's so beautiful. It's very empowering.”Production NotesThis podcast featured Silas Farley and Macie BridgeEdited and Produced by Evan RosaHosted by Evan RosaProduction Assistance by Macie Bridge, Alexa Rollow, Zoë Halaban, Kacie Barrett & Emily BrookfieldA Production of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School https://faith.yale.edu/aboutSupport For the Life of the World podcast by giving to the Yale Center for Faith & Culture: https://faith.yale.edu/give
Silas Farley returns with another Hear the Dance conversation, focusing this week on the George Balanchine pas de deux Sonatine, choreographed in 1975 as the opening ballet for the company's Ravel Festival. Repertory Director Christine Redpath shares memories of performing in that festival and of watching Sonatine's original dancers Violette Verdy and the late Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, commemorated in this episode by former Principal Dancer Peter Boal, while Principal Dancer Megan Fairchild describes the ways in which this ballet taught her that a single piece can have "many textures." (56:31) Written by Silas Farley Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major (1931) by Igor Stravinsky Sonatine for Piano (1905) by Maurice Ravel All music performed by the New York City Ballet Orchestra, All Sonatine excerpts played by NYCB Solo Pianist Elaine Chelton Reading List: Thirty Years: The New York City Ballet by Lincoln Kirstein Repertory in Review: Forty Years of The New York City Ballet by Nancy Reynolds, with an Introduction by Lincoln Kirstein Balanchine Then and Now Edited by Anne Hogan Mr. B: George Balanchine's 20th Century by Jennifer Homans Ravel by Roger Nichols Maurice Ravel: A Life by Benjamin Ivry The Cambridge Companion to Ravel by Deborah Mawer Ballerina: A Biography of Violette Verdy by Victoria Huckenpahler Violette Verdy by Dominique Delouche and Florence Poudrou
Silas Farley returns with another Hear the Dance conversation, focusing this week on the George Balanchine pas de deux Sonatine, choreographed in 1975 as the opening ballet for the company's Ravel Festival. Repertory Director Christine Redpath shares memories of performing in that festival and of watching Sonatine's original dancers Violette Verdy and the late Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, commemorated in this episode by former Principal Dancer Peter Boal, while Principal Dancer Megan Fairchild describes the ways in which this ballet taught her that a single piece can have "many textures." (56:31) Written by Silas Farley Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major (1931) by Igor Stravinsky Sonatine for Piano (1905) by Maurice Ravel All music performed by the New York City Ballet Orchestra, All Sonatine excerpts played by NYCB Solo Pianist Elaine Chelton Reading List: Thirty Years: The New York City Ballet by Lincoln Kirstein Repertory in Review: Forty Years of The New York City Ballet by Nancy Reynolds, with an Introduction by Lincoln Kirstein Balanchine Then and Now Edited by Anne Hogan Mr. B: George Balanchine's 20th Century by Jennifer Homans Ravel by Roger Nichols Maurice Ravel: A Life by Benjamin Ivry The Cambridge Companion to Ravel by Deborah Mawer Ballerina: A Biography of Violette Verdy by Victoria Huckenpahler Violette Verdy by Dominique Delouche and Florence Poudrou
This week around the Rosin Box, hosts Claire Kretzschmar and Soloist Aarón Sanz are talking about students on stage, with the help of two dancers at either end of that journey: 12-year-old (soon to be 13!) Theo Rochios, a current student at the School of American Ballet, and Soloist Harrison Coll, who is a substitute teacher at SAB. They share some of the challenges, thrills, and lessons dancers take on while at the School, and trade stories about the ultimate students-on-stage ballet: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®. (1:05:11) Edited by Gus Reed Music: "Je ne t'aime plus" by Pink Martini Courtesy of Pink Martini & Heinz Records
Susan Jaffe is a former ballerina who performed for 22 years as a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theater. She is known for iconic roles such as Swan Lake’s Odette and Odile, Kitri in Don Quixote, and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. Jaffe has performed internationally and her repertoire includes the works of iconic choreographers such as George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, and Merce Cunningham. After retiring from the stage, Jaffe previously served as the dean for the School of Dance at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and as the artistic director of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. In our conversation, Jaffe shares how she got her start as a ballerina, the impact legendary dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov had on her career, and what it was like reviving ABT after the Covid-19 pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For the first time in its history, Fort Wayne Ballet is performing a work by the great choreographer George Balanchine. As we anticipate the upcoming part two of our Ballet Russe Reimagined series, Jim Sparrow and Karen Gibbons-Brown discuss the iconic ballet Serenade.Fort Wayne Ballet's second of a three-part series, Ballet Russe Reimagined, will be performed on April 11 and 12 at the Pearl Street Arts Center. This performance features Rite of Spring and Serenade.Purchase tickets at: https://tickets.artstix.org/TheatreManager/6/login?event=0&search=P_SEQ%20in(4250,4251,4252)
Investigative journalist and head of narrative at Stak, Nicky Anderson has been a ballet nut since she was a kid. And the New York City Ballet under George Balanchine? For many, it's ballet at its pinnacle. But at what cost? In her new seven-part podcast series, Dancing With Shadows, Nicky explores the history of the New York City Ballet and its influence, with a focus on the dark side of the company and the culture and legacy created and left by Balanchine. Mick got her on the Zoom to talk about this deep dive into a sport-slash-art form renowned for demanding absolute sacrifice from its young, predominantly female, dancers and for being a very closed institution, how it shines a light on abuse sort of becoming par for the course, and the perils of genius. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode I am joined by Lars Nelson, a professional dancer with New York City Ballet since 2010. Lars shares his captivating journey from singing in the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys to falling in love with ballet during a performance of The Nutcracker. He discusses his rigorous training in Michigan, his transformative experiences at the School of American Ballet, and his transition from student to professional at New York City Ballet.Lars also reflects on his most cherished and challenging roles, including dancing in George Balanchine's Kammermusik No. 2 and Square Dance. He opens up about the honor of dancing in the corps de ballet, the camaraderie within the company, and how he keeps performances fresh even after 15 years on stage.Beyond ballet, Lars shares his journey pursuing a Bachelor of Business with a focus on Supply Chain Operations Management at Penn State, offering insight into balancing academics with a demanding dance career. Connect with Lars:INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/larsikistlerEMAIL: larsnelson1@gmail.comLinks and Resources:Get your copy of The Intentional Career Handbook1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career callLet's connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerinaQuestions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com
On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance", we are joined by editor at the George Balanchine Foundation, Shane Horan. Shane tells us about how the Balanchine Foundation impacted his life as a ballet student, how he was brought on board as an editor learning the craft and the work the foundation is doing to expand its scope in preserving the Balanchine legacy. Apply to view Balanchine Foundation videos: https://balanchine.org/video-archives/interpreters-archive-archive-of-lost-choreography/Balanchine Finder: https://balanchine.org/find-balanchine/THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORSNaturally relieve pain with Jelliebend- a supportive lower back hug.Jelliebend is a sleek wearable lower back support that applies the perfect amount of balanced compression to stabilize the spine and boost blood flow to your muscles. Founded by a contortionist with scoliosis, Jelliebend was born from Ellie's passion for spine health and injury prevention. Shop online now at https://jelliebend.com/. Use code ONDANCE all one word to receive 10% off your order.New Jersey Symphony 'Firebird': https://www.njsymphony.org/events/detail/the-firebird-with-xian-zhangLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceMerch: https://bit.ly/cod-merchYouTube: https://bit.ly/youtube-CODJoin our email list: https://bit.ly/COD-email Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ayesha Adamo is an academic, performing artist, and filmmaker currently working towards a PhD in Religion at Rice University under Jeffrey J. Kripal. Her dissertation project explores fluid cosmological ideas, both historically and in current quantum mechanics. She holds an MA in Religious Studies from Universiteit van Amsterdam's Centre for the History of Hermetic Philosophy & Related Currents and is a graduate of Barnard College, Columbia University, with a degree in music. Rumor has it she was once in an Asian pop band on EMI Records. Her most recent articles can be found in Anthropology of Consciousness and Religious Studies Review. She is also an ordained Hierophant and Grand Chief of Temple of Thelema.In this discussion, we first look at Georges Bataille and his interpretation of the Acéphale. Bataille (1897-1962) was a philosopher and intellectual, interested in surrealism, and anti- fascist, who, in 1937 founded two groups with the goal of exploring how combinations of power and ‘the sacred' were at play in society. The first group was called the College of Sociology that gave lectures (exoteric group); the second group was Acéphale, an esoteric ‘secret society.' Additionally, a public review by the same name, whose emblem was a headless man, was published in 1936. Ayesha talks a bit about this Acéphale emblem and what this represents, including remarks about the connections to Aleister Crowley's concept of The Abyss; the notion of receptivity, and the difference between the ‘magical' and ‘mystical' currents. Moving from Bataille to George Balanchine, the famous choreographer who co-founded the New York City Ballet Company in 1948; Balanchine is probably most known for his plotless ballets and minimalism, and has a famous quote, “Don't think Dear, just do!' Ayesha shares how are she is linking these two figures and the concept of the Acéphale. She is currently thinking about how the meditative state is the artist's state as well.Ayesha then expands on her 2023 article, “The League of Endarkenment: Hakim Bey and the Way of Disappearance into Nature” talking about “Endarkenment” and how this fits into this same area of headlessness, the mandrake, and disappearance.Lastly, taken from her paper abstract, Ayesha talks more about what she means by “the open fluidity of no-mind” and “the performance of headless meditation.”*Note 1: I mistakenly say ‘Endarkment' instead of ‘Endarkenment' (my apologies!); plus, around the 29:00 minute mark, the name ‘D.T. Suzuki' is unfortunately cut off due to audio issues. Please find more information about Suzuki in the program notes below.*Note 2 (Not Ignoring the Elephant in the Room): Peter Lamborn Wilson, who wrote under the name ‘Hakim Bey,' was a controversial figure, and unfortunately, rumors have arisen surrounding some of his writings regarding NAMBLA. Accusations were made by a particular website (run by one person, a fellow anarchist) against Wilson, and due to the nature of the internet, damaging assumptions were made. This article A Tribute to Peter Lamborn Wilson - The Brooklyn Rail is a collection of testimonials, and discusses this matter in more detail, giving much needed context.PROGRAM NOTES:Ayesha Adamo | Student | The People of Rice | Rice UniversityAyesha Adamo | Rice University - Academia.eduInstagramAyesha Adamohttps://www.hds.harvard.edu/faculty-research/programs-and-centers/program-evolution-spirituality#:~:text=The%20Program%20for%20the%20Evolution%20of%20Spirituality%20%28PES%29,also%20prepares%20students%20for%20ministry%20in%20these%20mov (More information forthcoming regarding this program and how to join remotely!)It Takes a Lunatic | Officiële Netflix-websiteORGCHAOSMIK - GUSTAF BROMSD. T. Suzuki: A Biographical Summary - Association for Asian StudiesWhat are Superfluids and Why Are They Important?Is 'Perpetual Motion' Possible with Superfluids?Ayesha's article in The Fenris Wolf (#13) is forthcoming; I will post a link (on Patreon) when it becomes available.Music and Editing: Daniel P. SheaEnd Production: Stephanie Shea
Twenty-four thousand men were crowded into Knockaloe Interment Camp in 1914 because they had been found guilty of being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong last name.Tightly confined behind barbed wire, those men grew increasingly weak, feeble, stiff and awkward until a man named Joseph was shoved through their gate on September 12, 1915.He gave his fellow prisoners strength, stamina, flexibility and grace.They never forgot him.When the war was over and those men were released, Joseph boarded a ship for America. While onboard that ship, he fell in love with a woman named Clara who was also headed to America. When they arrived in New York, Joseph and Clara opened a studio on 8th street that would send ripples across the world.The rest of this story is about how those ripples became a wave.George Balanchine sent his ballet dancers to Joseph on 8th street to gain strength, stamina, flexibility and grace.Martha Graham sent her modern dancers to Joseph on 8th street to gain strength, stamina, flexibility and grace.The best dancers on Broadway went to Joseph on 8th Street to gain strength, stamina, flexibility and grace.George Balanchine became known as “The Father of Modern Ballet.”Martha Graham is shown in Apple's famous “Think Different” video as one of the 17 people that Steve Jobs felt had changed the world.Broadway, Ballet, and Modern Dance were lifted to new heights.When those ripples from 8th Street reached California, the “Golden Age of Hollywood” began.Gene Kelley danced with a light post and sang in the rain to the thundering applause of America.Slim, elegant, and incredibly strong, Fred Astaire did impossible things effortlessly.Ginger Rodgers did exactly what Fred did, but backwards and in high heels.A young man was known for his slogan, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” He brought strength, stamina, flexibility and grace to the world of boxing.Like Martha Graham, this young boxer was chosen to appear in Apple's famous “Think Different” video as one of the 17 “crazy ones” who changed the world.He had been the heavyweight champion of the world for 5 years when a 10-year-old boy named Michael elevated dancing to an even higher place with the help of his 4 older brothers. Those 8th Street ripples of strength, stamina, flexibility and grace had splashed back from the California coast and were now rippling through Motown.Charles Atlas and Joseph Pilates were born one year apart and lived an almost identical lifespan.Charles Atlas gave men bulging biceps that other people could admire.Joseph Pilates told us how to gain the strength, stamina, flexibility, and grace to do whatever we want to do.What do you want to do?– Roy H. WilliamsPS – Joseph loved Clara until the day he died.Are your employees happy to follow you, or do they avoid you like a skunk at a garden party? Phillip Wilson says the more accessible you are as a leader, the more your business will thrive. But when leaders create a gap between themselves and their employees, they lose top talent and nudge workers toward unionization. Listen in as the famous Phillip Wilson explains to roving reporter Rotbart why “Approachable Leadership” is the only elevator that can lift employee morale, productivity, and retention. The button has been pressed and this elevator is about to up-up-up! But we're holding the door open for you, hoping that you'll join us at MondayMorningRadio.com
On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance", we are joined by former Chief Dance Critic of the New York Times and performing arts historian Alastair Macaulay to discuss the legacy of composer Maurice Ravel around the corner from his 150th birthday. We talk about Ravel's major commissions for dance, how dance influenced his compositions outside of those meant for the concert dance stage, and his continued impact on major choreographers of the 20th century and onwards, like Frederick Ashton and George Balanchine. The Torvill and Dean “Bolero” referenced: https://www.olympics.com/en/video/torvill-and-dean-s-legendary-bolero-performance-music-mondaysLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceMerch: https://bit.ly/cod-merchYouTube: https://bit.ly/youtube-CODJoin our email list: https://bit.ly/COD-email Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After getting his start in the Ballet Russe, George Balanchine makes a name in New York.
(01:23) De Harlequin bouquet-roman bestaat 50 jaar en dat wordt gevierd met een schrijfwedstrijd, waarin wordt opgeroepen om een verhaal te schrijven dat ‘zindert van de hartstocht'. Het lijkt alsof de ingrediënten van de bouquet-roman na vijftig jaar toch hetzelfde zijn gebleven, maar is het genre ondertussen dan toch veranderd? En waarom blijft de bouquet-roman zo populair? We hebben het erover met de Nederlandstalige bouquet-roman schrijver van het eerste uur. (08:48) Volgende week wordt het bombardement op de Duitse stad Dresden herdacht. Hoeveel mensen het leven lieten is nog steeds onduidelijk. Hoe blikken de Duitsers hierop terug? Historicus en Duitsland-kenner Krijn Thijs licht toe waarom de herdenking van deze zwarte bladzijde altijd al beladen is maar dit jaar extra, vanwege de komende Bondsdagverkiezingen. (20:14) Bij Het Nationale Ballet het programma ‘Jewels' in première, met stukken van de Amerikaans-Russische choreograaf George Balanchine. Balanchine (1904-1983) staat bekend als de choreograaf die de fysieke grenzen van de danseres tot in extreme oprekte. Wat betekende dat voor de balletkunst en voor de positie van de ballerina, en met name voor het gebruik van de spitz? Laura Stek volgde het spoor van het martelschoentje in de audiodocumentaire ‘Martelwerktuig en heiligdom'. Meer info: https://www.vpro.nl/programmas/ovt/luister/afleveringen/2025/09-02-2025.html (https://www.vpro.nl/programmas/ovt/luister/afleveringen/2025/09-02-2025.html%20)
Vanaf 12 februari gaat bij Het Nationale Ballet het programma ‘Jewels' in premiere, met stukken van de Amerikaans-Russische choreograaf George Balanchine. Balanchine staat bekend als de choreograaf die de fysieke grenzen van de danseres tot in het extreme oprekte. Vooral door middel van de inzet van de spits: de balletschoen met harde neus die ballerina's tot feeërieke opperwezens maakte. Maar wanneer zag de spits het levenslicht? Wat betekende dat voor de balletkunst en voor de positie van de ballerina? Laura Stek volgde het spoor van het martelschoentje in ‘Martelwerktuig en heiligdom', eerder uitgezonden in 2019.
Vanaf 12 februari gaat bij Het Nationale Ballet het programma ‘Jewels' in premiere, met stukken van de Amerikaans-Russische choreograaf George Balanchine. Balanchine staat bekend als de choreograaf die de fysieke grenzen van de danseres tot in het extreme oprekte. Vooral door middel van de inzet van de spits: de balletschoen met harde neus die ballerina's tot feeërieke opperwezens maakte. Maar wanneer zag de spits het levenslicht? Wat betekende dat voor de balletkunst en voor de positie van de ballerina? Laura Stek volgde het spoor van het martelschoentje in ‘Martelwerktuig en heiligdom', eerder uitgezonden in 2019.
City Ballet The Podcast returns with a new Hear the Dance episode exploring George Balanchine's Concerto Barocco. Host Silas Farley is joined by three former NYCB dancers whose engagement with this foundational ballet continues today: SAB Senior Faculty Chair Suki Schorer, Balanchine Repetiteur Victoria Simon, and SAB Faculty Member Meagan Mann. Together they trace the highlights and unique demands of Barocco's four distinct movements, describing how the apparent simplicity of the ballet demands plenty of hard work and helps build community amongst the dancers. (1:00:28) Written by Silas Farley Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: Concerto in D minor for Two Violins, B.W.V. 1043 by Johann Sebastian Bach Performed by the New York City Ballet Orchestra Kurt Nikkanen and Arturo Delmoni, Violin Soloists Aria with Variations in G, BWV 988 (1742), "The Goldberg Variations" by Johann Sebastian Bach Performed by Susan Walters, Pianist Reading List: 1. Repertory in Review: 40 Years of the New York City Ballet by Nancy Reynolds, with an Introduction by Lincoln Kirstein 2. Thirty Years: Lincoln Kirstein's The New York City Ballet by Lincoln Kirstein 3. Balanchine and Kirstein's American Enterprise by James Steichen 4. Suki Schorer on Balanchine Technique by Suki Schorer and Russell Lee 5. Balanchine Pointework by Suki Schorer 6. Balanchine Then and Now Edited by Ann Hogan 7. Balanchine's Ballerinas: Conversations with the Muses by Robert Tracy with Sharon DeLano 8. Balanchine the Teacher: Fundamentals That Shaped the First Generation of New York City Ballet Dancers by Barbara Walczak and Una Kai 9. Balanchine Variations by Nancy Goldner 10. Bach: Music in the Castle of Heaven by John Eliot Gardiner
News; birthdays/events; game: I should have known that; word of the day. News; why is it good to travel with old beat up luggage?; game: 80's/90's trivia; 71% of moms would "do over" their lives if they could. News; 5 good "bad" habits; game: think n sync; a competitive eater who ate at McDonald's for 100 days and lost weight! News; our dogs help us de-stress...but are you stressing your dog out?; do you look at the camera during a Zoom meeting or at yourself? are you concerned about the way you look?; goodbye/fun facts....International Choreographers Day...Choreographers are the masterminds behind all the beautiful dance moves and routines we see. While it is hard to pinpoint the exact time of the origination of dance, archaeological evidence suggests it has been around for centuries. We know that before there were any languages, there was performative communication. Dance made its way across the globe for different purposes...social, celebratory, ritual, and entertainment. The term ‘choreographer' is used for the first time in 1936 with credit given to George Balanchine for the Broadway show “On Your Toes.” you've probably also heard of: Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham, Bob Fosse...but there are countless others who bring this art form to life!
As a standout New York City Ballet dancer from the 1980s through the early 2000s, Damian Woetzel featured in acclaimed productions ranging from Jerome Robbins’s "West Side Story Suite" to George Balanchine’s "Swan Lake." But which ballet was his favorite? Find out on this week’s bonus episode of Table for Two, in which the current Juilliard School president joins host Bruce Bozzi to discuss his biggest pet peeve, the best advice he’s ever received, and his favorite New York City activity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we go inside George Balanchine's Serenade with Repetiteur for the George Balanchine Trust, Eve Lawson and Nashville Ballet Rehearsal Director, Kate Linsley. We talk about the brilliance of Balanchine's choreographic ability to get to the essence of what it needs to be. Making Serenade the iconic ballet that it is.
Dans cet épisode des Fabuleux Destins nous allons vous parler d'un danseur devenu une véritable icône politique aux États-Unis. La couleur de sa peau lui a attiré la colère de la foule pendant une large partie de sa carrière, mais il n'a jamais cessé de se battre pour les droits des personnes noires. Jusqu'à, finalement, révolutionner le monde du ballet classique. Son nom : Arthur Mitchell. Du quartier de Harlem jusqu'à la Maison Blanche, découvrez son incroyable destin. 1er décembre 1957. Les New-yorkais se pressent dans les rues glacées de Manhattan. Une foule s'est rassemblée autour d'un célèbre centre culturel. À l'intérieur, les coupes de champagne brillent sous les grands lustres du hall d'entrée. Pourtant, ce luxe peine à masquer la terrible réalité politique des États-Unis. Depuis la fin de l'esclavage, une frontière cruelle divise le pays entre les Blancs et les Noirs. Ce soir, deux brillants artistes ont uni leurs talents pour composer un ballet au parfum de révolution : George Balanchine, chorégraphe, et Igor Stravinsky, compositeur. En coulisse, Balanchine pose la main sur l'épaule de son danseur vedette. Malgré la pression, le jeune artiste est détendu. Il sourit à Balanchine, et hoche la tête. Petit à petit, le public remplit la salle et le rideau se lève... Pour découvrir d'autres récits passionnants, cliquez ci-dessous : L'énigmatique Grigori Raspoutine : les premières visions (1/4) L'énigmatique Grigori Raspoutine : la fin de la dynastie Romanov (2/4) L'énigmatique Grigori Raspoutine : de dangereuses rumeurs (3/4) L'énigmatique Grigori Raspoutine : le début de la légende (4/4) Un podcast Bababam Originals Voix : Andréa Brusque Ecriture : Lucie Kervern Production : Bababam (montage Gilles Bawulak, Antoine Berry Roger) Première diffusion le 17 août 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
City Ballet The Podcast returns just in time for the upcoming 24-25 Season. Hear the Dance host Silas Farley is joined by legendary former Principal Dancer and current School of American Ballet faculty member Kay Mazzo and Principal Dancer Anthony Huxley to discuss George Balanchine's Duo Concertant, one of the new works to premiere during the 1972 Stravinsky Festival. Mazzo shares her memories of the speed with which Balanchine choreographed each of the four movements, and commiserates with Huxley on the many unique challenges the ballet presents, including interacting with the piano and violin that share the stage—a "commentary on the festival itself," in Farley's words, as it honored Stravinsky's music and his importance to the Company. (48:57) Written by Silas Farley Music: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major (1931) by Igor Stravinsky All music performed by the New York City Ballet Orchestra Reading List: Stravinsky and Balanchine: A Journey of Invention by Charles M. Joseph Mr. B: George Balanchine's 20th Century by Jennifer Homans Stravinsky's Ballets by Charles M. Joseph Stravinsky Inside Out by Charles M. Joseph An Autobiography by Igor Stravinsky Stravinsky: A Creative Spring: Russia and France, 1882-1934 by Stephen Walsh Stravinsky: The Second Exile: France and America, 1934-1971 by Stephen Walsh Stravinsky: Chronicle of a Friendship by Robert Craft Stravinsky: Discoveries and Memories by Robert Craft The Stravinsky Festival of The New York City Ballet by Nancy Goldner Balanchine's Ballerinas: Conversations with the Muses by Robert Tracy Balanchine Variations by Nancy Goldner
If you're listening to this show, you're no doubt a keen learner and explorer. We bet you'll love Fabulous Destinies, another Bababam podcast, which takes you on a journey through real-life stories which are incredible but true. Starting from tomorrow and exclusively on Do You Really Know, we'll be sharing our listeners' four favourite Fabulous Destinies episodes! Some are tragic, some mysterious, but all of them are fabulous. Take a moment to let yourself get engrossed in these captivating stories! The first black man to become a ballet star December 1, 1957. New Yorkers hustle through the icy streets of Manhattan. A crowd gathers around a renowned cultural center. Inside, champagne glasses sparkle beneath the grand chandeliers of the entrance hall. However, this luxury struggles to conceal the harsh political reality of the United States. Since the end of slavery, a cruel divide separates the nation between whites and blacks. Tonight, two brilliant artists have joined forces to create a ballet with a scent of revolution: George Balanchine, choreographer, and Igor Stravinsky, composer. Backstage, Balanchine places his hand on the shoulder of his star dancer. Despite the pressure, the young artist remains at ease. He smiles at Balanchine and nods. Slowly, the audience fills the hall, and the curtain rises... Production : Bababam Voice : Fabrice Muracciole Translation of the French script of Lucie Kervern Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Considering every broad and her mother owns a pair of ballet flats these days, it's safe to say ballet has successfully re-infiltrated popular culture. But that might not be a good thing. In this episode, Hannah and Maia, along with movement artist Susanna Haight, trace the evolution of dance in the Western zeitgeist - from the days of George Balanchine, to the introduction of camera phones into the training space. If we're living in a time of girlhood, and girlhood is all about ballet, and ballet is all about hyper femininity, and femininity is all about self-regulation, and self-regulation is the prevailing force of our social media surveillance society… then we may just be trapped in a dance panopticon. But what does this mean for dancers? Tangents include: Maia being hit on by her pre-recorded, virtual Peloton instructor. Support us on Patreon and get juicy bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/rehashpodcast Intro and outro song by our talented friend Ian Mills: https://linktr.ee/ianmillsmusic Sources: Sarah Crompton, “‘Ballet has the same appeal as Princess culture': Alice Robb on how would-be ballerinas are taught to be thin, silent and submissive” Independent (2023). Elizabeth Kiem, “George Balanchine: the Human Cost of an Artistic Legacy” Huffington Post (2014). Cecily Parks, “The arts are slowly diversifying but ballet needs to catch up” New School Free Press (2023). Irene E. Schultz, “What is a Ballet Body?” Medium (2020). Frances Sola-Santiago, “Balletcore Is Still Huge In 2023 — Here's Why It's More Exciting Than Ever Before” Refinery 29 (2023). Avery Trufelman, “On Pointe” Articles of Interest (2023).
The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and the Reclamation of Their Groundbreaking History By: Karen ValbyThe forgotten story of a pioneering group of five Black ballerinas, the first principals in the Dance Theatre of Harlem, who traveled the world as highly celebrated stars in their field and whose legacy was erased from history until now.At the height of the Civil Rights movement, Lydia Abarça was a Black prima ballerina with a major international dance company—the Dance Theatre of Harlem. She was the first Black ballerina on the cover of Dance magazine, an Essence cover star, cast in The Wiz and on Broadway with Bob Fosse. She performed in some of ballet's most iconic works with her closest friends—founding members of the company, the Swans of Harlem, Gayle McKinney, Sheila Rohan, Marcia Sells, and Karlya Shelton—for the Queen of England and Mick Jagger, with Josephine Baker, at the White House, and beyond.Some forty years later, when Lydia's granddaughter wanted to show her own ballet class evidence of her grandmother's success, she found almost none, but for some yellowing photographs and programs in the family basement. Lydia had struggled for years to reckon with the erasure of her success, as all the Swans had. Still united as sisters in the present, they decided it was time to share their story themselves.Captivating, rich in vivid detail and character, and steeped in the glamor and grit of professional ballet, The Swans of Harlem is a riveting account of five extraordinarily accomplished women, a celebration of their historic careers, and a window into the robust history of Black ballet, hidden for too long. During Covid, five ballerinas met weekly on Zoom and formed the 152nd Street Black Ballet Legacy Council. Karen Valby joined them and wrote their story “Karen Valby's The Swans of Harlem brings to life the stories of Black dancers whose contributions to the world of ballet were silenced, marginalized, and otherwise erased. Karen introduces readers to important figures of our past, while inspiring us to courageously chase our dreams.”Misty Copeland“These five original Dance Theatre of Harlem ballerinas fell in love with an art form that most of America believed was white and should remain so. Upon Arthur Mitchell's founding of an all-Black company in 1969, they eagerly took their places at the barre and challenged themselves to the utmost. They triumphed. They showed that Blacks could not only excel at classical ballet but could also shape the art in their own vibrant image. Karen Valby weaves their stories together as a choreographer would: the women form an ensemble, yet each gets her own riveting solo. It's thrilling to watch as they join forces at last and claim their unique place in American ballet's past, present and future.”—Margo Jefferson152nd Street Black Ballet Legacy FoundationThe 152nd St. Black Ballet Legacy is an independent non-profit organization created by five trailblazing Black ballerinas. Their professional careers began at the founding of Dance Theatre of Harlem, where their sisterhood was born. They have enjoyed and nurtured their sisterhood for over 50 years and continue to thrive for the sake of preserving our their rich history.Lydia Abarca Mitchell is a founding member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem and their first prima ballerina. She danced leading roles in George Balanchine's Agon, Bugaku, Concerto Barocco, Allegro Brillante, Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, and Swan Lake, Jerome Robbins' Afternoon of a Faun, Ruth Page's Carmen and Jose, William Dollar's Le Combat, and Arthur Mitchell's Ode to Otis, Holberg Suite, and Biosfera. She was featured on the cover of DanceMagazine, in the movie The Wiz, and on Broadway in Bob Fosse's Dancin'. It was a stunning career on the world stage.Karen Valby Author of Welcome to Utopia, and contributor to The New York Times; O, The Oprah Magazine; Glamour; Fast Company; and Entertainment WeeklyDance Theater of HarlemThe Dance Theater of Harlem was founded in 1969, during the Civil Rights movement by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook.Harlem School of the ArtsElizabeth Howard, Producer and Host of the Short Fuse Podcast Elizabeth Howard is the producer and host of the Short Fuse Podcast, conversations with artists, writers, musicians, and others whose art reveals our communities through their lens and stirs us to seek change. Her articles related to communication and marketing have appeared in European Communications, Investor Relations, Law Firm Marketing & Profit Report, Communication World, The Strategist, and the New York Law Journal, among others. Her books include Queen Anne's Lace and Wild Blackberry Pie, (Thornwillow Press, 2011), A Day with Bonefish Joe (David Godine, 2015) and Ned O'Gorman: A Glance Back (Easton Studio Press, 2016). She leads reading groups at the Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. @elizh24 on Instagram
As the Company concludes a Diamond Anniversary season absolutely bursting with repertory favorites, new restorations, world premieres, and successful tour stops around the world, Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan talk about what went into planning and presenting the year's many achievements. From triumphant debuts to the return of dancers featured in NYCB's original opening night 75 years ago, and a number of significant firsts on the Company's stage—including the first new work from Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky, the first Black Dewdrops in George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®, and the first non-binary pas de deux in Justin Peck's The Times Are Racing—they had much to celebrate, all while looking toward NYCB's, and the artform's, ever-expanding future. (40:43) Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra (1929) by Igor Stravinsky Symphony No. 3 in D major, Op. 29 (1875) by Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky
Siphesihle November is a principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada. This June, he'll be dancing lead roles in the company's productions of “Don Quixote” and “Jewels” by George Balanchine. Siphesihle sits down with Tom in studio to talk about his journey from South Africa to Canada to pursue dance, his quick rise to the coveted role of principal dancer, and what keeps him inspired and focused.
Jennifer Edwards hosts this episode honoring the life and legacy of former New York City Ballet dancer, Jacques d'Amboise, in his own words. Recorded during his only Pillow appearance in 2008, d'Amboise reflects on his beginnings as a dancer and his efforts to welcome more young people into his beloved art form.
Today we are so pleased to bring you our interview with George Lee, the original 'Tea' dancer in George Balanchine's 'The Nutcracker.' Also joining us for the second time, is documentary filmmaker Jennifer Lin. Jennifer's latest film 'Ten Times Better' explores the life and legacy of George. Jennifer talked to us about this film in episode 382, before it's premiere. Today, George tells us about his story and the pair talk about how they came to connect and what filming the documentary was like. We hear about the response to the film and what it has meant to George to know so many people are touched by his story.For information about upcoming screenings or to get in touch with Jennifer, visit tentimesbetterfilm.com.Episode 382 with Jennifer Lin: Listen here.LINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceMerch: https://bit.ly/cod-merchYouTube: https://bit.ly/youtube-CODJoin our email list: https://bit.ly/mail-COD Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join this creative and talented dance educator/leading professional in the ballet world as he takes us through his Kick Ball Change moments in life. Dive into how they became a foundation for his training, his family, career, and professional journey, which most recently receiving approval by the Balanchine Trust to perform the full “Who Cares?” for the Cary Ballet Conservatory. From early Kick Ball Change moments of having to use a padlock on his school bag, to having a universal chance to audition for a company director he denied previously. Donnell talks openly about how ego can be a catalyst for young dancers, and as he takes you through his journey of how he let go of his ego of the TOP 5 dance companies to be in, and how that opened the doors to principle dancer, securing contracts for companies dancers in the future and becoming a leading educator with the prestige Cary Ballet Conservatory. His involved work onstage has carried him through the supportive training he offers, as well as his engagement with the ORZA ballet shoe which is using corrective technology to keeps ballet dancers healthy. https://orzabrand.com/collections/orza-pro-one Check out the Cary Ballet Conservatory, in North Carolina which has an amazing Spring 24 line up: Jill Bahr's “Alice in Wonderland” and George Balanchine's “Who Cares?” May 4th in Raleigh, NC. https://www.caryballetcompany.org/season-tickets-spring-works/ https://www.caryballet.com/about-us
Join us on the remarkable journey of how Kat Wildish was inspired against all odds to become a leading Prima Ballerina and Dance Educator in the United States. One school field trip at the age of 8 is all it took, for Miss Kat Wildish to connect to her dream. Ballet. Listen to her Kick Ball Change moments from resistance of guidance counselors who discouraged her dreams of being a dancer, to a dance educator who asked her if she wants to be a big fish in a small pond, or a tiny fish in a big pond.. We are thrilled that Miss Wildish said NEITHER!! She chose to be a big fish in a big pond, dancing her way on stage with the greats, like Rudolf Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn, Cynthia Gregory, and Fernando Bujones. She was hand-picked for NYCB by George Balanchine and for ABT by Mikhail Baryshnikov. Miss Kat Wildish is still preserving the artistic passion by continuing to educate at Universities and studios in NYC. You can find her full schedule her, and even take classes with her virtually https://taylorjgordon.wixsite.com/katwildish https://www.instagram.com/katwildish/ https://gibneydance.org/people/kat-wildish/
Aujourd'hui, je reçois Marc Moreau, danseur étoile de l'Opéra de Paris. Il raconte son parcours de danseur déterminé et résilient et son bonheur d'être consacré à 36 ans. On l'écoute avec joie, Cette conversation a été enregistrée le 1er mars, un an après sa nomination à l'issue de "Ballet Impérial" de George Balanchine au Palais Garnier. Hier soir, le 26 mars, une nouvelle étoile a rejoint la troupe de l'Opéra de Paris - Bleuenn Battistoni - qui a été couronnée sur la scène du Palais Garnier à l'issue de "La Fille mal gardée", un ballet de Frederick Ashton.
In this week's See the Music episode, we revisit a 2013 live presentation with host and Associate Music Director Andrews Sill, exploring Igor Stravinsky's 1945 composition Symphony in Three Movements, the score for the George Balanchine ballet of the same name. With help from the New York City Ballet Orchestra, Maestro Sill highlights the musical "nuts and bolts" of this galvanizing piece, and outlines some of the cinematic and real-world inspirations for its taut construction and powerful impact. (14:39) Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: Symphony in Three Movements (1945) by Igor Stravinsky All music performed by New York City Ballet Orchestra
Silas Farley is back with another deep dive into the Company's repertory in this week's Hear the Dance episode, devoted to George Balanchine's Liebeslieder Walzer. Farley is joined by former Principal Dancers Bart Cook and Maria Calegari, who share their memories of watching the ballet's iconic interpreters in its initial incarnations; learning individual parts within the challenging but "sublime" work; and coaching Liebeslieder in its entirety. As they describe, the ballet was like a "gift from Europe," for which many dancers have needed to learn the waltz anew—in the countless three-quarter versions Balanchine devised. (57:03) Written by Silas Farley Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major (1931) by Igor Stravinsky Liebeslieder, Op. 52 (1869) by Johannes Brahms Neue Liebeslieder, Op. 65 (1874) by Johannes Brahms Waltzes for piano duet and vocal quartet, all set to poems by Friedrich Daumer, except last, by Goethe All music performed by the New York City Ballet Orchestra Reading List: Balanchine Then and Now Edited by Anne Hogan Mr. B: George Balanchine's 20th Century by Jennifer Homans Balanchine: A Biography by Bernard Taper George Balanchine: Ballet Master by Richard Buckle in Collaboration with John Taras Following Balanchine by Robert Garis More Balanchine Variations by Nancy Goldner Johannes Brahms: A Biography by Jan Swafford Brahms and His Poets: A Handbook by Natasha Loges Ballerina: A Biography of Violette Verdy by Victoria Huckenpahler Balanchine's Ballerinas: Conversations with the Muses by Robert Tracy and Sharon DeLano Goethe: Life as a Work of Art by Rüdiger Safranski, Translated by David Dollenmayer Costumes by Karinska by Toni Bentley
In this episode, we discuss George Balanchine's The Nutcracker, the timeless holiday classic performed by the New York City Ballet. Join us as we delve into the magic of this beloved piece, sharing our thoughts on the enchanting holiday score, our personal experiences at the show, and what truly makes it a seasonal staple. From the mesmerizing choreography to the heartwarming story, we explore why this production continues to capture the spirit of the holidays year after year. Tune in for our final reflections on this iconic ballet, and don't forget to subscribe to our channel for all things theatre. Support the show If you liked this episode, don't forget to subscribe to this podcast and leave us a review. Share your thoughts with us on this episode below: On Instagram: @halfhourpodcast On TikTok: @halfhourpodcast On our website: www.twoworldsentertainmentllc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Soloist Sara Adams joins hosts Claire Kretzschmar and fellow Soloist Aarón Sanz at The Rosin Box to talk pointe shoes, from the first dancer to popularize dancing en pointe to all the sewing, banging, and prepping required to get this iconic footwear ready for a performance. Sara discusses her own history with pointe shoes and shares an array of tips and tricks, revealing just how often she changes to a fresh pair during a run of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker®. (46:37) Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: "Je ne t'aime plus" by Pink Martini Courtesy of Pink Martini & Heinz Records
From the artistic director of the Pacific Northwest Ballet and former principal dancer for the New York City Ballet comes a deeply personal memoir about one artist's journey from boyhood to ballet. Peter Boal's extensive background in ballet offers a unique glimpse into the world of dance with his diverse repertoire and artistic achievements, including collaborations with prominent choreographers and dancers, Boal's perspective resonates with both seasoned ballet enthusiasts and those new to the art form. Boal will discuss his journey as well as the challenges and triumphs of his career. Serving as a platform for fostering a deeper understanding of ballet's impact on contemporary culture, Boal's insights into the creative process, his role in shaping Pacific Northwest Ballet's repertoire, and his dedication to nurturing emerging talents within the dance community offer attendees the chance to gain insights into the dedication and discipline required in ballet, as well as the broader artistic influences that have shaped Peter Boal's journey. Whether one is an ardent ballet aficionado or simply curious about the world of dance, this event is poised to offer an enriching experience for all. Peter Boal is the Artistic Director of Pacific Northwest Ballet and Director of Pacific Northwest Ballet School. Born in Bedford, New York, he received his training at the School of American Ballet while performing children's roles with New York City Ballet. George Balanchine invited Boal to join the company as an apprentice in 1983, and he continued to dance for NYCB until his retirement in 2005. He has staged works by Balanchine, Ulysses Dove, and Jerome Robbins for PNB, PNB School, and other companies. His memoir, Illusions of Camelot, was released in 2023. Jackson Cooper is a nationally recognized queer arts leader who currently serves as the Major Gifts Manager at Pacific Northwest Ballet and a member of their Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility committee. In addition to his role at the ballet, Cooper serves as an Adjunct Professor for Seattle University's Arts Leadership program. Cooper is an accomplished writer, with two upcoming publications: A Kids Book About Kindness which comes out this year and a book on fundraising through Columbia Business School Press due out in 2026. Illusions of Camelot: A Memoir Third Place Books
Join us for another round of cozy conversations at The Rosin Box, beginning with Associate Music Director Andrews Sill. Hosts Claire Kretzschmar and Soloist Aarón Sanz chat with Sill about how he came to this role with NYCB, why he prefers conducting for the ballet over symphonic performances, and which Balanchine work made him fall in love with the art form. With preparations for the return of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker® under way, Sill shares how he keeps familiar music fresh—and that despite 14 years wielding the baton for the Company, he's still moved by many productions. (50:57) Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: "Je ne t'aime plus" by Pink Martini Courtesy of Pink Martini & Heinz Records
This week, the two-part conversation between Hear the Dance host Silas Farley and dance historian Jennifer Homans continues. They discuss Lincoln Kirstein's essential role as a collaborator with Balanchine, the creation of Serenade, and some of the key personal and artistic moments in the ongoing history of the New York City Ballet. Homans traces the development of the Company's ethos through the individual dancers' devotion to Balanchine's vision and to the art form; Balanchine's presence, she describes, was an irresistible force. (1:31:11) Written by Silas Farley Edited by Gus Reed Music: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major (1931) by Igor Stravinsky Serenade for Strings in C, Op. 48 (1880) by Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky Firebird Suite for Orchestra (1945), from Firebird (1910) by Igor Stravinsky Symphony No. 1 in C major (1855) by Georges Bizet Orpheus (1947) by Igor Stravinsky Accompaniment to a Film-Scene, Op.34 (1930) by Arnold Schoenberg Agon (1953-56) by Igor Stravinsky Concerto in D minor for Two Violins, B.W.V. 1043 (1731) by Johann Sebastian Bach Two Part Invention In A minor, B.W.V. 784 (1723) by Johann Sebastian Bach Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 (1893) by Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky Reading List: Balanchine: A Biography by Bernard Taper George Balanchine: Ballet Master by Richard Buckle in Collaboration with John Taras Balanchine and the Lost Muse: Revolution and the Making of a Choreographer by Elizabeth Kendall George Balanchine: The Ballet Maker by Robert Gottlieb Balletmaster: A Dancer's Vision of George Balanchine by Moira Shearer By With To & From: A Lincoln Kirstein Reader by Lincoln Kirstein, Edited by Nicholas Jenkins Apollo's Angels: A History of Ballet by Jennifer Homans The Worlds of Lincoln Kirstein by Martin Duberman Split Seconds: A Remembrance by Tamara Geva Zorina by Vera Zorina Choura: The Memoirs of Alexandra Danilova by Alezandra Danilova Maria Tallchief: America's Prima Ballerina by Maria Tallchief with Larry Kaplan Dancing Past the Light: The Biography of Tanaquil Le Clercq by Orel Protopopescu Stravinsky and Balanchine: A Journey of Invention by Charles M. Joseph Balanchine and Kirstein's American Enterprise by James Steichen
In this first part of a special Hear the Dance episode, host and former NYCB Dancer Silas Farley is joined by dance scholar Jennifer Homans to discuss her recently published biography, "Mr. B: George Balanchine's 20th Century.” Homans describes how her own background as a dancer—including as a student at the School of American Ballet in the 1970s—and a return to Balanchine's works while facing personal loss inspired her lasting interest in the Company's founding choreographer. Farley and Homans dig into Balanchine's Georgian upbringing, the way the hardship and uncertainty of his years in Russia and France shaped his vocabulary, and the spirituality that infuses both his approach to the creative process and to the ballets he choreographed themselves. (1:03:58) Written by Silas Farley Edited by Gus Reed Music: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major (1931) by Igor Stravinsky Symphony in Three Movements (1945) by Igor Stravinsky All music performed by New York City Ballet Orchestra Reading List: Balanchine: A Biography by Bernard Taper George Balanchine: Ballet Master by Richard Buckle in Collaboration with John Taras Balanchine and the Lost Muse: Revolution and the Making of a Choreographer by Elizabeth Kendall George Balanchine: The Ballet Maker by Robert Gottlieb Balletmaster: A Dancer's Vision of George Balanchine by Moira Shearer By With To & From: A Lincoln Kirstein Reader by Lincoln Kirstein, Edited by Nicholas Jenkins Apollo's Angels: A History of Ballet by Jennifer Homans
In this week's See the Music episode, Associate Music Director Andrews Sill provides a taste of history and context for Tschaikovsky's Serenade for Strings, the score of the first ballet George Balanchine choreographed in the United States. Sill discusses the way the composition's symmetries represent an homage to Mozart, and how Tschaikovsky marries "classical forms, folk tunes, and extroverted romantic expression” in the piece, which, combined with Balanchine's choreography, resulted in the iconic ballet beloved by audiences, dancers, and musicians today. (13:14) Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: Symphony in Three Movements (1945) by Igor Stravinsky. Serenade for Strings in C, Op. 48 (1880) by Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky All music performed by New York City Ballet Orchestra
This week's episode is a special Hear the Dance reunion: former NYCB Dancer Silas Farley hosts a wide-ranging conversation between legendary former Principal Dancer Merrill Ashley and current Principal Dancer Tiler Peck on George Balanchine's Tschaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2. As Peck shares, her first exposure to this daunting lead role was in a coaching session with Ashley, long before it became a mainstay in her repertory. Ashley describes the thrilling challenge of taking it on as a new-to-the-Company corps member, when the work was still referred to as Ballet Imperial, and the manner in which the ballet requires both stamina and style: “…the spirit is there. You're the princess, the queen, and everyone else is your court.” (1:00:38) Written by Silas Farley Edited by Gus Reed READING LIST: Repertory in Review: 40 Years of the New York City Ballet by Nancy Reynolds Balanchine's Tschaikovsky by Solomon Volkov Mr. B: George Balanchine's 20th Century by Jennifer Homans Dancing for Balanchine by Merrill Ashley Tchaikovsky: A Biography by Anthony Holden MUSIC: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major (1931) by Igor Stravinsky Piano Concerto No. 2 in G, Op. 44 (1879-80) by Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 75 (1892) by Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky All music performed by the New York City Ballet Orchestra
New York City Ballet's Music Director Andrew Litton returns to host this week's See The Music episode, devoted to Igor Stravinsky's Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra, the score for the Rubies section of George Balanchine's Jewels. Litton describes the captivating details of this composition from 1929, a prime example of the uniquely symbiotic relationship between Balanchine and Stravinsky, with a little help from Solo Pianist Stephen Gosling, who demonstrates some of the most challenging excerpts of the piece. (21:29) Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: Symphony in Three Movements (1945) by Igor Stravinsky Rubies: Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra (1929) Igor Stravinsky
City Ballet The Podcast returns in the run-up to our 75th Anniversary Season, which begins by celebrating The Foundation of the Company. Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan checks in with Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky, who has been in the studios for three weeks, leading company class and observing as the dancers prepare for a Fall devoted to the works of George Balanchine. As he shares, “I'm learning as much as I'm teaching… Balanchine ballets give you different information in the different phases of your life." (36:11) Edited by Gus Reed Music: "Sisyphus" by Andrew Wegman Bird Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. as agent for Muffet Music Co
Today we are joined by critic, dance scholar, and former chief dance critic to the New York Times, Alastair Macaulay. We talk with Alastair about the incredible legacy of George Balanchine's 'Serenade'. Originally choreographed in 1934 for students at the School Of American Ballet, 'Serenade' has gone on to become one of the most beloved works of the 20th century. Alastair takes us through the history of the ballet, including the myths surrounding its creation, the many changes it has gone through over the years, and why we should really all be pronouncing it 'Seren-AYDE'.THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS:Energetiks specialize in creating sustainable, world class dancewear for the stars of tomorrow. Perform and feel your best at every stage of your dance journey in Energetiks' premium, high performance fabrics. Try them out with a 20% discount site-wide using the code COD20 at the checkout [available until the end of September 2023]. Shop their extensive range online at energetiks.com and enjoy free express shipping on orders over $75.If you're in the southern California area this June, join Golden State Ballet as they present 'From New York, With Love', an evening featuring world premieres by Gabrielle Lamb and Norbert De La Cruz III, and the kaleidoscopic, heart-pumping work 'In Creases' by Tony-Award winner Justin Peck. You won't want to miss out on a chance to experience California's newest ballet company in three world class ballets. Performances are this June 6 at the Barclay Center in Irvine, CA and June 9 & 10 at the Poway Center For the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at goldenstateballet.orgLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceMerch: https://bit.ly/cod-merchYouTube: https://bit.ly/youtube-CODJoin our email list: https://bit.ly/mail-COD Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In every ballet studio, there is a wall of mirrors. It reflects the people within. They're part of a closed, elite group that asks for sacrifice and devotion from its members. This insular community produces iconic artists. It's founded on a strict power structure, often with one man at the top. By tracing the origins of this unusual lifestyle, starting with the legacy of choreographer George Balanchine and the intimate stories of young dancers, we expose the beauty of an art form and the complexity of ballet culture. Listen to The Turning: Room of Mirrors on the iHeartRadio App or wherever you get your podcasts. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-turning-82262169/episode/s2-ep-1-only-i-107740447/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this week's episode of The Waves, Slate senior editor Rebecca Onion is joined by Erika Lantz, host of the podcast The Turning to discuss the impact of ballet culture and the legacy of George Balanchine on dancers of all levels. In Slate Plus, how ballerinas and nuns have more in common than you think. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Tori Dominguez with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery. Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com. Make an impact this Black History Month by helping Macy's on their mission to fund UNCF scholarships for HBCU students. Go to macys.com/purpose to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's episode of The Waves, Slate senior editor Rebecca Onion is joined by Erika Lentz, host of the podcast The Turning to discuss the impact of ballet culture and the legacy of George Balanchine on dancers of all levels. In Slate Plus, how ballerinas and nuns have more in common than you think. Podcast production by Cheyna Roth and Tori Dominguez with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery. Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In every ballet studio, there is a wall of mirrors. It reflects the people within. They're part of a closed, elite group that asks for sacrifice and devotion from its members. This insular community produces iconic artists. It's founded on a strict power structure, often with one man at the top. By tracing the origins of this unusual lifestyle, starting with the legacy of choreographer George Balanchine and the intimate stories of young dancers, we expose the beauty of an art form and the complexity of ballet culture. This episode contains sexual misconduct. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. This story came to us from the podcast The Turning from creators Rococo Punch and iHeartPodcasts. It was produced by Erika “Once a Snappa always a Snappa” Lantz and Alin Lantz Lesser. Editing by Emily Forman. Sound Design by James Trout. Assistant Producer is Jessica Kariisa. Digital production by Andrea Asuaje. Fact checking by Andrea López-Cruzado. Executive producers Jessica Alpert, John Perotti, Katrina Norvell, and Nikki Ettore. There are more episodes of The Turning, exploring the world of ballet, you can find wherever you get your podcasts. Find more information and pictures on Instagram @RococoPunch. Season 14 - Episode 6