Rhapsody in Blue

Rhapsody in Blue

Back by popular demand! Resident Choreographer Geoffrey Gonzalez created his exciting and brillante 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 George 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 Resident Choreographer Geoff Gonzalez to create a large and energetic ensemble work for City Ballet’s exceptional artists.

First presented by City Ballet of San Diego virtually in 2021

Danses Concertantes

San Diego Premiere

The great Russian choreographer George 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. Igor 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

La Bayadere – Kingdom of the Shades

The Kingdom of the Shades is hailed as one of Marius Petipa’s supreme masterpieces and has become one of the most celebrated ballets in all of classical ballet. This work is extracted from the full-length ballet as an independent showpiece, and it has remained so to the present day. Set in a moonlight nocturnal forest featuring a large and spectacularly costumed corps de ballet in glimmering white tutus, ‘La Bayadere’ showcases the genius of Marius Petipa’s unforgettable choreography. The ballet has thrilled and moved audiences since the day of its premiere over a hundred and forty years ago.

First presented by Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1877

Last presented by City Ballet of San Diego in 2008