description Herman Schmerman Overview
Herman Schmerman, the central figure in George Balanchine’s 1964 ballet, depicts a perpetually frustrated and increasingly chaotic man attempting to navigate a series of elaborate, meticulously choreographed social gatherings with disastrous results.
help Herman Schmerman FAQ
Is Herman Schmerman the name of a character in the ballet?
No. William Forsythe said the title means nothing and borrowed the phrase from the Steve Martin film Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid.
Who created Herman Schmerman and when?
Forsythe created its first section for New York City Ballet in 1992. A pas de deux made for Frankfurt Ballet was added later that year.
What music is used in Herman Schmerman?
The electronic score is by Thom Willems, a longtime Forsythe collaborator. Its pulsing sound supports fast, angular distortions of classical ballet technique.
Who designed the famous yellow costumes?
The costume design is credited to William Forsythe and Gianni Versace. The stripped-down dancewear reinforces the ballet's emphasis on bodies, speed, and technique rather than narrative.
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