description Square Dance Overview
George Balanchine’s *Square Dance* (1967) is a vibrant and energetic work set to Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony, depicting a lively square dance through a series of stylized movements and rapid shifts in tempo and mood.
help Square Dance FAQ
What music is used in Balanchine's Square Dance?
Square Dance uses concertos by Antonio Vivaldi and, in its revised form, music by Arcangelo Corelli. It is not set to Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony.
Did the original Square Dance really include a caller?
Yes. At the 1957 premiere, musicians performed onstage while a traditional caller announced steps over the Baroque score.
What changed when Balanchine revived Square Dance?
The 1976 revival removed the caller, moved the orchestra into the pit, and added a slow solo for the principal man. That solo uses Corelli's Sarabanda.
How does the choreography combine ballet with American folk dance?
Balanchine uses classical pointe work, jumps, and partnering within orderly formations that echo square-dance patterns. The result emphasizes the shared musical timing and geometric structure of both traditions.
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