description Symphonic Variations Overview
George Balanchine’s Symphonic Variations is a groundbreaking ballet composed in 1942. It combines music by Igor Stravinsky’s *The Rite of Spring* with a complex pas de deux. The work showcases intricate partnering and rhythmic movement, notable for its abstract style and influence on 20th-century choreography. It is primarily performed by advanced ballet companies and dancers seeking to interpret challenging modern works.
help Symphonic Variations FAQ
Who choreographed Symphonic Variations?
Symphonic Variations was choreographed by Frederick Ashton, not George Balanchine. It premiered with Sadler's Wells Ballet at the Royal Opera House in London on April 24, 1946.
What music is used in Ashton's Symphonic Variations?
The ballet is set to César Franck's Symphonic Variations for piano and orchestra. It is not set to Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring.
How many dancers are in Symphonic Variations?
Ashton's ballet is built around six dancers, usually three women and three men. Its difficulty comes from exposed classical line, spacing, and calm control rather than plot spectacle.
Why is Symphonic Variations important in British ballet?
It is often treated as one of Ashton's purest classical works. Created just after World War II, it helped define the Royal Ballet style through clarity, musicality, and architectural groupings.
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