Is Jewels a Romantic Ballet?

Ballet

Jewels, a three-act ballet choreographed by George Balanchine, is often referred to as the first abstract ballet. The ballet premiered in 1967 and has since been performed worldwide. It has become one of the most beloved ballets of the 20th century.

Jewels was created with the intention of presenting three distinct pieces that each exemplify a different style and emotion. The first act, Emeralds, is set to music by Gabriel Fauré and was inspired by 19th century French romanticism. In this movement, Balanchine used delicate movements and intricate costumes to create a sense of nostalgic beauty.

In contrast, Rubies is an exuberant act set to Igor Stravinsky’s jazzy score. This act embodies energy and passion with its fast-paced choreography and flashy costumes. It is often described as an homage to Balanchine’s Broadway days when he choreographed various musicals in the 1930s.

The final act of Jewels is Diamonds which uses music from Tchaikovsky’s Third Symphony that was written for the Imperial Russian Ballet in 1882. This piece features grandiose movements that evoke classical Russian culture and ballet traditions that have been passed down over generations.

Is Jewels a Romantic Ballet?

Jewels can be seen as a romantic ballet because Emeralds, its first act, conveys a feeling of love and nostalgia through its delicate movements and intricate costumes. Although Rubies and Diamonds portray other emotions such as energy or grandiosity respectively, they still remain rooted in romanticism due to their underlying connections with classical ballet traditions. Thus, Jewels can be seen as a romantic ballet that celebrates the beauty of love through its three distinct acts.