description Agon Overview
Agon, created by William Forsythe in 1990, is a significant neoclassical ballet that examines the dynamics of rivalry and physical interaction. The work’s innovative use of rotating sets and fragmented movement sequences, alongside music by Igor Stravinsky, distinguishes it within the 20th-century ballet tradition. It is primarily for audiences interested in modern dance and ballet who appreciate experimental choreography and its exploration of abstract concepts.
help Agon FAQ
Is Agon really a William Forsythe ballet from 1990?
No. Agon is a George Balanchine ballet to music by Igor Stravinsky, first performed by New York City Ballet on December 1, 1957.
What does the title Agon mean in this ballet?
Agon is a Greek word connected with contest or struggle. That fits the ballet's cool, competitive structure, with 12 dancers moving through Stravinsky's sharply organized score.
Why is the Agon pas de deux often discussed separately?
The central pas de deux was created on Diana Adams and Arthur Mitchell. In 1957, the pairing of a white ballerina and a Black male dancer at New York City Ballet was culturally significant as well as choreographically radical.
Is Agon plotless like other Balanchine ballets?
Yes, Agon is not a story ballet. It is closer to Balanchine works such as The Four Temperaments, using musical structure, line, and tension instead of characters or narrative scenes.
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