Ep 43. Miami City Ballet Dances Balanchine & Tharp
- October 28, 2011
Miami City Ballet Dances Balanchine & Tharp is the 43rd episode of the 38th season of Great Performances, a television program showcasing the best in performing arts. This episode features the Miami City Ballet, which is renowned for their excellence in ballet, as they showcase two iconic choreographers - George Balanchine and Twyla Tharp.
The first half of the episode is dedicated to Balanchine's "Symphony in Three Movements," which is a contemporary ballet piece set to music by Igor Stravinsky. The Miami City Ballet dancers take the audience through three movements, each with its own distinct mood and energy. The first movement is punctuated by sharp angles and movements, and the second movement is more fluid and romantic, while the final movement is upbeat and energetic. The dancers execute each movement with precision and grace, showcasing Balanchine's signature style of blending athleticism and artistry. The music of Stravinsky only adds to the performance's beautiful, haunting movements.
The second half of the episode features Tharp's "In the Upper Room," a unique and exciting contemporary piece in which the Miami City Ballet dancers wear sneakers rather than pointe shoes. The choreography is set to music by Philip Glass, and the dancers move in and out of a cube of light, playing with light and shadow and creating an intense choreography that's both fierce and lyrical. "In the Upper Room" is a mesmerizing performance that explores the limits of the human body.
Overall, the Miami City Ballet's performances of Balanchine and Tharp are breathtaking, beautifully choreographed ballet pieces that showcase the sheer athleticism, artistry, and passion of some of the world's best dancers. The entire episode is a testament to the power and beauty of dance, and the Miami City Ballet's masterful performances, which merge precision with passion and intelligence with athleticism, are simply extraordinary. Between the Stravinsky and the Philip Glass, the music accompanies the Miami City Ballet dancers with the right energy and strength for each of the performances. Even if you're not typically a fan of ballet, Great Performances: Miami City Ballet Dances Balanchine & Tharp is a stunning showcase of the power of dance and is an episode that should not be missed.
