Pacific Beach-based City Ballet of San Diego, under the direction of Steven and Elizabeth Wistrich, continues its role as a presenter of works by great choreographers in dance history, including the legendary George Balanchine, Marius Petipa, plus its own resident choreographer Geoffrey Gonzalez on March 25 and 26 at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave.
The ballet program includes Gonzalez’s “Rhapsody in Blue” (choreographed in 2021) with music by George Gershwin, the San Diego premiere of Balanchine’s “Danses Concertantes” (first choreographed in 1944 and then re-choreographed in 1972) with music by Igor Stravinsky, plus Petipa’s “Kingdom of the Shapes from La Bayadere” (choreographed in 1877) with music by Ludwig Minkus.
City Ballet of San Diego is known for its commitment to presenting ballets by the Balanchine. As a company, City Ballet has a strong connection with Balanchine. Artistic director Steven Wistrich was coached by “Mr. B” in the 1970s, and the company is one of a few around the country given permission by The George Balanchine Trust to present the master’s works. Former New York City Ballet dancer Zippora Karz stages the Balanchine ballet on City Ballet’s company members to ensure the work is performed the way it is performed at New York City Ballet.
“It is such an honor that the prestigious George Balanchine Trust in New York continues to grant City Ballet permission to perform Mr. B’s wonderful ballets. We are thrilled that we have been granted permission to not only present the San Diego premiere of ‘Danses Concertantes,’ but we are the only company in the world performing it this season. This varied program of ballets is truly a ballet lovers delight,” said Steven Wistrich.
Rhapsody in Blue
Resident choreographer Gonzalez created his take on “Rhapsody in Blue” for the company’s virtual season last year. This year, patrons will be able to have the full experience of seeing it performed live on stage. “Rhapsody in Blue” established Gershwin’s reputation as a serious composer. Created in 1924, the piece exudes the qualities of the virtuoso pianist and master of the jazz style for which Gershwin was. This Gershwin “classic” inspired Gonzalez to create a large and energetic ensemble work for City Ballet’s exceptional artists.
Danses Concertantes
The Russian choreographer Balanchine, founding director of the New York City Ballet, choreographed “Danses Concertantes” in 1944 and re-choreographed it for the 1972 Stravinsky Festival at Lincoln Center. Stravinsky’s score was not originally composed for ballet, but Balanchine was so inspired by the music that he choreographed a highly entertaining masterpiece. Fourteen dancers are challenged to the max, dancing at daringly fast speeds. The athletic and often jazzy choreography is a delight from start to finish. First presented by Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, City Center of Music and Dance in 1944.
Kingdom of the Shades from La Bayadere
“The Kingdom of the Shades” is hailed as one of Petipa’s supreme masterpieces and has become one of the most celebrated ballets in all of classical ballet. This work is from the full-length ballet “La Bayadere” as an independent showpiece, and it has remained so to the present day. Set in a moonlight nocturnal forest featuring a large corps de ballet costumed in glimmering white tutus, “La Bayadere” showcases the genius of Petipa’s unforgettable choreography. The ballet has thrilled and moved audiences since the day of its premiere over 140 years ago. First presented by Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1877
Tickets may be purchased at www.cityballet.org or through Ticketmaster. Prior to each performance is a free pre-concert lecture with Steven Wistrich for ticket holders.
