City Ballet The Podcast

NYCB Director of Costumes, Marc Happel, joins The Rosin Box hosts to discuss the history of costume design in ballet, from Balanchine's powderpuff tutu to modern fittings. They explore the importance of fabric choices, collaborations with dancers, and the evolution of ballet costumes. The discussion also delves into Happel's journey from Broadway to NYCB's Costume Director role, showcasing the dynamic relationship between dance, fashion, and collaboration.

Explore the musical complexities and visual inspirations of Stravinsky's Symphony in Three Movements, from major to minor chords, cinematic influences, and the joyous finale symbolizing Allied victory. Delve into the tight construction, tension, dissonance, and the deliberate musical choices made by Stravinsky to convey conflict, tension, and triumph.

Former Principal Dancers Silas Farley, Bart Cook, and Maria Calegari discuss George Balanchine's Liebeslieder Walzer, sharing memories of the iconic ballet's interpretation, challenging choreography, and the gift it was for dancers. They explore the technical demands, emotional depth, and fluid transitions in staging the performance, highlighting the intricate dynamics of dance choreography and music collaboration. The podcast delves into the themes of love, sadness, and unity in ballet, showcasing the artistic growth and unique approach of Balanchine in this timeless piece.

Principal Dancer Tiler Peck discusses her upcoming choreographic debut with New York City Ballet, emphasizing her musicality in choreography and the joy she found working with the dancers. The episode explores her journey from dancer to mature ballerina, challenges faced during COVID, collaborative creation of a ballet piece, significance of mentorship, and the inspiration behind 'Concerto for Two Pianos'.

Former Principal Dancer Kay Mazzo, Repertory Director Christine Redpath, and Principal Dancer Unity Phelan discuss Jerome Robbins' In the Night. They explore the ballet's representation of human relationships, emotional expression in choreography, and the intimate connections between dancers on stage. The podcast reflects on the dynamics of love and conflict, the importance of authentic expression in dance, and the artistic evolution of ballet performance.

Soloist Sara Adams shares her experience with pointe shoes and tips for preparing them for performances, including changing pairs frequently during The Nutcracker. The podcast explores the history and evolution of pointe shoes, customization for dancers, and the sentimental value of worn shoes. The discussion also touches on the importance of toe protection, individuality in shoe makers, and the intricacies of pointe work in ballet.

Colleen Megley and Kristen Segin discuss NYCB's educational programs, including Family Saturdays and Access Programs. They emphasize George Balanchine's commitment to outreach. Segin describes Workshop Weekends as 'dance camp' for adults. The podcast explores the impact of these programs on both Company members and participants.

Join us for another round of cozy conversations at The Rosin Box, beginning with Associate Music Director Andrews Sill. Hosts Claire Kretzschmar and Soloist Aarón Sanz chat with Sill about how he came to this role with NYCB, why he prefers conducting for the ballet over symphonic performances, and which Balanchine work made him fall in love with the art form. With preparations for the return of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker® under way, Sill shares how he keeps familiar music fresh—and that despite 14 years wielding the baton for the Company, he's still moved by many productions. (50:57) Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: "Je ne t'aime plus" by Pink Martini Courtesy of Pink Martini & Heinz Records

Dive into the collaborative journey of Balanchine and Lincoln Kirsten at New York City Ballet, exploring the evolution of Balanchine's ballets and the artistic influence of women in his life. Discover the power of dance in captivating performances like Firebird and Sugar Plum, and explore Balanchine's radical choreography in the Schoenberg Ballets Opus 34. Delve into the dedication, devotion, and complexity in the ballet world, and the balance of autocracy and freedom in theater leadership.

In this first part of a special Hear the Dance episode, host and former NYCB Dancer Silas Farley is joined by dance scholar Jennifer Homans to discuss her recently published biography, "Mr. B: George Balanchine's 20th Century." Homans describes how her own background as a dancer—including as a student at the School of American Ballet in the 1970s—and a return to Balanchine's works while facing personal loss inspired her lasting interest in the Company's founding choreographer. Farley and Homans dig into Balanchine's Georgian upbringing, the way the hardship and uncertainty of his years in Russia and France shaped his vocabulary, and the spirituality that infuses both his approach to the creative process and to the ballets he choreographed themselves. (1:03:58) Written by Silas Farley Edited by Gus Reed Music: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major (1931) by Igor Stravinsky Symphony in Three Movements (1945) by Igor Stravinsky All music performed by New York City Ballet Orchestra Reading List: Balanchine: A Biography by Bernard Taper George Balanchine: Ballet Master by Richard Buckle in Collaboration with John Taras Balanchine and the Lost Muse: Revolution and the Making of a Choreographer by Elizabeth Kendall George Balanchine: The Ballet Maker by Robert Gottlieb Balletmaster: A Dancer's Vision of George Balanchine by Moira Shearer By With To & From: A Lincoln Kirstein Reader by Lincoln Kirstein, Edited by Nicholas Jenkins Apollo's Angels: A History of Ballet by Jennifer Homans