Ruth Leon recommends… New York City Ballet in Madrid

New York City Ballet

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Here are two masterpieces choreographed by George Balanchine for his beloved New York City Ballet, Serenade and Square Dance. They were recorded during the company’s European tour in spring 2023 along with a work by the current resident choreographer, Justin Peck.

1934’s Serenade was the first full-length ballet Balanchine created in the United States and remains one of New York City Ballet’s signature works. Conceived as an observed ballet lesson, the work begins with a simple tendu and is set music by Tchaikovsky.

In his later work, Square Dance, Balanchine blended the traditions of American folk dance with classical ballet by featuring music by Vivaldi and Correlli.

These are followed by a 2017 piece choreographed by Justin Peck, The Times Are Racing. Performed in sneakers and street clothes, the dance is set to an electronic score by two-time Grammy-nominated composer Dan Deacon. The choreography takes its inspiration from a variety of dance styles, including references to the tap dancing of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.

Streaming until: 8/31/2025

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