American Ballet Theatre / Metropolitan Opera House, NYC / May 10 - July 3, 2004New York City Ballet / New York State Theater, NYC / April 27 – June 27, 2004Dance Theatre of Harlem AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE When it comes to George Balanchine’s 100th birthday, the New York City Ballet is, by rights, the chief celebrant, but it is hardly alone. The homage has been national, international, and well-nigh relentless. This past week, NYCB’s nearest neighbor, American Ballet Theatre, joined in officially with its all-Balanchine program: Theme … [Read more...]

American Ballet Theatre / Metropolitan Opera House, NYC / May 10 - July 3, 2004 I know Raymonda—Petipa, Glazounov, 1898—is a hokey ballet. Still the dance world can’t leave it alone, its strictly classical variations, pas de deux, and small-group-of-soloists configurations being dazzling—incomparable, actually, and a veritable lexicon of the danse d’école—its score so full of pleasant, atmospheric tunes supplemented by vivacious invitations to earthy romps in heeled boots. And so American Ballet Theatre, convinced … [Read more...]

American Ballet Theatre / Metropolitan Opera House, NYC / May 10 - July 3, 2004 New York City Ballet / New York State Theater, NYC / April 27 – June 29, 2004 AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE: GALA American Ballet Theatre’s opening night gala was a model of good taste. The company’s well-heeled supporters, definitely part of the show as they milled about the lobby and curving staircases of the Metropolitan Opera House, were exquisitely dressed. Immaculately groomed men in the black and white uniform their role requires provided a complementary … [Read more...]

New York City Ballet / New York State Theater, NYC / April 27 – June 29, 2004 Following are comments on the highlights of the second week in the New York City Ballet’s spring season, Part II of the company’s Balanchine 100: The Centennial Celebration. LIEBESLIEDER WALZER Balanchine’s Liebeslieder Walzer, created in 1960 and given three luminous performances in the New York City Ballet’s Balanchine 100 centennial celebration, lasts for about an hour. It is so lovely and so infinitely inventive, you feel you could watch it … [Read more...]