Red, White and Ballet: Celebrate July 4th With These American-Inspired Ballet Videos
You might be on layoff or have a break from your summer intensive today, but ballet is probably still on your brain. That’s okay—kick back, relax and enjoy these American-themed ballet videos.
Justin Peck’s “Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes”
This ballet just makes you want to jump up and dance. Justin Peck‘s acclaimed interpretation of Aaron Copeland’s score Rodeo keeps the sense of freedom, open spaces and frontier camaraderie of Agnes de Mille’s original 1942 ballet— while imbuing it with New York City Ballet’s trademark speed, abstract storytelling and musicality. Russell Janzen, Sara Mearns and the male corps of New York City Ballet shine in this 2019 performance.
Agnes De Mille’s “Rodeo”
Does this piece bring to mind the musical Oklahoma!? Agnes de Mille’s success in creating Rodeo led to her being hired to choreograph the original Rogers and Hammerstein classic. Dancing cowboys tear up the stage in this scene from a 2009 production by Colorado Ballet.
George Balanchine’s “Rubies”
“Rubies,” from George Balanchine’s full-length Jewels, conjures up the Big Apple’s fast pace, bright lights, glamour and show biz. In this 2017 Pacific Northwest Ballet performance, principal Lindsi Dec sparkles as the “Tall Girl” soloist in the ballet’s finale.
Christopher Wheeldon’s “The American”
After you’ve had a slice of apple pie, enjoy this dreamy dance dessert: Christopher Wheeldon‘s The American, performed here by Sarasota Ballet. “I always feel like the pas de deux is like spun sugar: delicate but light with a sense of breath,” says Wheeldon répétiteur Michele Gifford in this interview during a recent staging at Festival Ballet Providence. “It’s really elegant. It also reminds me of a lazy summer day.”
George Balanchine’s “Stars and Stripes”
The Fourth of July isn’t complete without fireworks—in this case, the balletic fireworks of Stars and Stripes, Balanchine’s quintessential all-American ballet. Patriotic spirit and dance pyrotechnics join forces in this 2019 NYCB performance led by Megan Fairchild and Tyler Angle.
