SERENADE
Serenade was Balanchine’s first ballet created in the United States and was given its premiere in 1934. Set in four movements, and danced without interruption, the classical white ballet is set on 28 dancers performing on a bare stage in the moody ethereal light of the moon, and shows off the lyricism of the female corps.

Choreography: GEORGE BALANCHINE
Music: Serenade in C Major
Composer: PETER ILYCH TCHAIKOVSKY

THEME AND VARIATIONS
Classic ballet in a formal setting of a great ballroom with towering pillars, draperies, and crystal chandeliers. THEME AND VARIATIONS is Ballanchine at his neo-classic best. The dance steps are tightly tied to the music as illustrated by the opening work of the ballerina to the principal theme played by the violins. It requires boldness in the male variations with strong leaps and swift movements. The ensemble plays a very important part in the work with strong technique demanded in all the ensemble variations. In the imperial Russian style, THEME AND VARIATIONS concludes with a regal polonaise for the entire ensemble emphasizing rapid regroupings and shifting of partners.

Choreography: GEORGE BALANCHINE
Music: Final movement of Suite No. 3 for Orchestra in G minor.
Composer: PETER ILYCH TCHAIKOVSKY

THE FOUR TEMPERAMENTS
Subtitled, “Dance without a Plot”, THE FOUR TEMPERAMENTS is an abstract work in five parts that explores the classic belief that human beings are made up of four distinct “humors”... melancholic, sanguinic, phlegmatic and choleric. The intricate and abstract piece is danced in a Neo-Classic style that showcases the complexity of this sentiment, and evokes meditation on the different types of human personalities. The dancers are simply clothed in black leotards and pink tights.

Choreography: GEORGE BALANCHINE
Music: Piano and a few Strings
Composer: PAUL HINDEMITH
Lighting: KENNETH KEITH

MEET THE ARTISTIC/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Artistic/Executive Director Dennis Nahat Appears One Hour Before Curtain of Every Performance in The Ridder Lounge of Center for the Performing Arts. This is a FREE event.

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