Dance Rhythm is back with another exciting week of ballet stories you won’t want to miss!
Discover the tale behind Anne Allan, London City Ballet teacher, as she reflects on teaching Princess Diana in her memoir Dancing with Diana: A Memoir, offering a rare glimpse into the life of the beloved royal. Next, join the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Coppélia, the charming ballet that has kept audiences laughing for decades, as the original cast revisits this George Balanchine classic. And if your weekend plans are still open, it’s time to fill your calendar! From Houston Ballet’s premiere of Four Loves, inspired by C.S. Lewis, to BalletX’s tour in NYC featuring three brilliant ballets in one show, to a vibrant Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with Fort Worth Ballet—there’s a ballet performance waiting for you.
Enjoying what you’re hearing? Keep listening as we bring you more captivating
ballet stories of the week!
During a performance of George Balanchine's Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2 at Lincoln Center, lead dancer Sara Mearns was unexpectedly replaced by Unity Phelan due to an injury, with Phelan stepping in on just four minutes' notice. Despite the sudden change, Phelan executed her role flawlessly, and Mearns later returned to the stage, showcasing her usual grace alongside
Tyler Angle.
In 1974, George Balanchine surprised many by staging the traditional three-act ballet Coppélia, known for its fairy-tale elements and lush Delibes score, despite New York City Ballet's reputation for minimalist and experimental works. With the help of his former partner, ballerina Alexandra Danilova, the production, starring Patricia McBride and Helgi Tomasson, was a huge success and has remained a staple in the company’s repertoire, now being celebrated in its 50th anniversary season.
Taylor Naturkas, a rising star at Miami City Ballet, was promoted to principal soloist after standout performances in Firebird and Swan Lake. With sharp technical skills and mental strength honed from her early training, she continues to embrace new roles and challenges, aiming to explore all facets of her art form.
If You Are Around This Weekend
Choreographer Silas Farley, along with composer Kyle Werner, have created a one-act ballet titled Four Loves, inspired by C.S. Lewis's exploration of different types of love, which premiered at Houston Ballet this past weekend. The ballet features distinct movements representing familial, friendship, romantic, and divine love, aiming to make the themes accessible to all audiences. This show will run until September 29 so if you haven’t already make sure to purchase your tickets now!
Catch BalletX at the Joyce Theater on tour in NYC for an unforgettable show! Get ready for Jodie Gates' Beautiful Once, with music by Ryan Lott of Son Lux, the energetic Heroes by Takehiro Ueyama set to John Adams' The Chairman Dances, featuring live tunes from Kato Hideki & Ana Milosavljevic, and the playful Macaroni by Loughlan Prior, complete with an original score by Claire Cowan. This spectacular show is only available until September 29 so make sure to secure your seat today!
Ballet Frontier of Fort Worth is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by performing Don Quixote, blending classical ballet with Spanish culture. The production, featuring flamenco elements and a rich love story, honors Hispanic heritage and is a meaningful way for the company to connect with the community. The show is running this weekend, September 28-29, so make sure to mark your calendar and buy your ticket!
If You Feel Like Watching
Anne Allan, a dancer at London City Ballet, vividly remembers the moment she received a call from Princess Diana’s lady-in-waiting, informing her that the Princess wanted to take dance lessons. Unsure at first if the call was a joke, it wasn’t until Allan began teaching Diana that she realized this extraordinary opportunity was very real. In her memoir Dancing with Diana: A Memoir, Allan shares the unique friendship she formed with the Princess of Wales, offering an intimate and humanizing portrait of one of the world’s most iconic figures.
If You Feel Like Listening
This week, host Silas Farley returns for an engaging Hear the Dance episode featuring a discussion on Everywhere We Go. He is joined by Resident Choreographer Justin Peck and former Company Member Gretchen Smith, who reflect on their long-standing collaboration since meeting as teens at San Francisco Ballet School, with Justin sharing insights on his journey and partnership with composer Sufjan Stevens, while Gretchen describes the joy of
performing the ballet.
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