description Dances at a Gathering Overview
George Balanchine's *Dances at a Gathering* is a ballet set to Maurice Ravel’s "La Valse." Created in 1957, it portrays an energetic party atmosphere using distinctive, sharp movements and complex partnering. Robbins’ choreography highlights the music’s joyful and somewhat chaotic nature. The work is suitable for audiences interested in modern classical dance and those appreciating Balanchine's abstract style.
help Dances at a Gathering FAQ
Who choreographed the ballet Dances at a Gathering?
The ballet was choreographed by Jerome Robbins, a master of both Broadway and classical ballet. It premiered at the New York City Ballet in 1969 and is considered one of his greatest masterpieces.
Whose music is featured in Dances at a Gathering?
The choreography is set entirely to the solo piano music of Frédéric Chopin. The onstage pianist plays a collection of Chopin's waltzes, mazurkas, and études, creating an intimate atmosphere for the dancers.
Does Dances at a Gathering have a specific storyline?
No, Dances at a Gathering is an abstract, plotless ballet that focuses purely on human relationships and interactions. Robbins used a series of intertwining solos, duets, and ensemble dances to capture the spontaneous joy and nuances of social dancing.
How many dancers perform in Dances at a Gathering?
The ballet features a cast of 16 dancers, who are simply identified by the color of their costumes rather than character names. The intricate shifting of these color-coded dancers creates the complex, communal fabric of the piece.
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