Okay, let’s talk about the New York City Ballet’s latest mixed bill. Donizetti Variations, Ballade, and Swan Lake? That’s a rollercoaster of vibes, and I’m here for it.
First up, **Donizetti Variations**. If you need a shot of pure, unfiltered joy, this is it. The company attacked Balanchine’s choreography with this infectious energy that just radiates through the theater. The footwork was crisp, the formations sharp, and the lead couple’s playfulness was downright delightful. It’s classic, witty Balanchine – a perfect opener that reminds you why you fell in love with ballet in the first place. No deep drama, just technical brilliance served with a smile.
Then, whiplash. We go from the sunlit piazza of Donizetti to the moonlit, introspective forest of **Ballade**. This is the Balanchine we don’t talk about enough. The one that’s all about mood, atmosphere, and aching beauty. The choreography here feels like a dream you’re trying to remember. It’s less about explosive jumps and more about sustained, lyrical lines that seem to melt into Fauré’s score. It’s a quieter, more profound piece that demands your full attention. A stunning, almost haunting contrast that showcases the company’s incredible range.
And then… **Swan Lake**. Or, more specifically, Balanchine’s one-act version. Let’s be real, you can’t follow the full four-act epic in a mixed bill. But what this version does is distill the essence of the lakeside scenes into pure, concentrated emotion. The *corps de ballet* was in stunning sync—a single, breathing organism of sorrow and grace. And the Odette? The vulnerability, the fluttering port de bras, the heartbreak in the eyes… it’s what this role is all about. It’s a masterclass in storytelling through movement alone.
**The Takeaway:**
This program was a brilliant display of NYCB’s identity. In one night, they took us from the technical fireworks and comedy of Donizetti, through the poetic soul-searching of Ballade, and landed us in the timeless, tragic romance of Swan Lake. It’s a testament to the dancers' versatility and the enduring power of Balanchine’s vision.
If you get a chance to see a mixed bill like this, run, don’t walk. It’s the perfect way to experience the many faces of one of the world’s greatest ballet companies.
