Ballet: Jewels - Schedule, Program & Tickets

George Balanchine's Jewels is considered the first full-length ballet without a plot. Inspired by a visit to the jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels in New York, the choreographer decided in 1967 to create a work based on the properties of various gemstones for his New York City Ballet.

In each of the three parts, a different "jewel"—emerald, ruby, diamond—takes center stage in the choreography, in which George Balanchine—a true visionary of the art of dance—combines the tradition of romantic ballet with a modern approach to dance. In unique costumes by designer Karinska, Jewels combines delicate poetry, noble beauty, and humorous coolness and is considered the "perfect introduction to ballet."

Part 1 (Emeralds) approx. 33 min
Interval approx. 20 min
Part 2 (Rubies) approx. 20 min
Interval approx. 20 min
Part 3 (Diamonds) approx. 32 min

Cast

Musical Direction
Paul Connelly

Choreography
George Balanchine

Music
Gabriel Fauré
Igor Strawinski
Piotr I. Tschaikowski

Stage Design
Peter Harvey

Costumes
Karinska

Lighting Design
Mark Stanley

Production Director
Nanette Glushak
Diana White

Subject to change.