So, just came back from seeing the NYC Ballet’s production of “Jewels” and it was UNFREAKINGBELIEVABLE. I loved, loved it and would totally pay to see it again.
One thing I’ve really come to like about NYC Ballet is they usually opt for 3-4 shorter pieces, ranging anywhere from 10-40 minutes each rather than put on full-scale productions - this is great, b/c I feel like it allows the company to have more creative freedom and do more edgier, modern stuff than traditional ballet companies like ABT.
Anyway, for some background info on “Jewels,” its a three-part plotless ballet that pays homage to three different schools of ballets and composers. George Balanchine, the choreographer, was inspired by the artistry of jewelry designer Claude Arpels, and chose music to reveal the essence of each jewel. Though please note, the following pictures do not do the live performance justice:
”Emeralds” set to excerpts from Gabriel Faure’s “Pelleas et Melisande” and “Shylock”
“Emeralds” pays homage to the 19th century French romantic school of ballet, and is a subtle, haunting piece with a quiet elegance to it. To some, the pace may bit a tad bit slow, and I didn’t originally notice how subtle it was, as there seemed to be a gradual sense of unraveling, rather than building up to a grand finale. I’d probably have to see this one again to better notice the nuances that I didn’t quite get at first.
“Rubies” set to Igor Stravinsky’s “Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra”
BAM. That’s all I need to say about this one :D “Rubies” which pays homage to Stravinsky-Balanchine collaboration, but also probably to the American school of ballet. This was one heck of a powerhouse ballet that’s dynamic, fun, visceral, whimsical, alluring, and sexy all the same. (yes, I just said ballerinas are sexy, you would say the same if you saw this ballet too) Out of the three, I would probably say that “Rubies” was my favorite, there was just such an infectious high-speed energy to it that just sweeps you away. Also, plenty of moments where I thought, “Holy shit, how can someone jump so high but land so gracefully on their feet?” or “Holy shit, how can someone spin so many revolutions and not get dizzy as hell?”
“Diamonds” set to Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 3 in D Major”
“Diamonds” which pays homage to the Imperial Russian school of ballet, complete with its set of corps de ballet and soloists. I would say that this ballet had a nice blend of the subtle and dynamic. The ballet unfolded like a regal court scene with all its pomp and grandeur, and it was really just dazzling, majestic, and beautiful to watch. My main thought for this performance was, “Oh mai god, this ballerina’s been en pointe for so long I’m pretty sure my own feet are starting to hurt” xD
Final Verdict: GO SEE THIS BALLET RIGHT NOW.
Shameless Plug: It’ll be performing on the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 7th of October :3
