![]() Balanchine immigrated here in 1934, and he planted his artistic roots to such a degree that he is often credited with establishing the American style of ballet technique. It is seen as a tribute to everything Balanchine felt the States represented. This ballet represents George Balanchine’s sense of patriotism and perception of the U.S. It has been performed on many special occasions including tributes to presidents like JFK and Nelson Rockefeller’s inauguration as governor. Stars and Stripes is dedicated to the memory of former mayor of New York City (1934-1945) and founder of the City Center of Music and Drama, Fiorello H. Though performed in academic settings, the choreography is quite challenging, and when performed, you need a cast with solid stamina who can produce clean petit allegro and strong grand allegro work. regional galas), and excerpts from the ballet are more commonly performed in professional academies that have a large pool of young dancers. Oftentimes the fourth campaign (the pas de deux) is performed as a showcase piece in mixed rep bills or special events (i.e. With such a large cast, this ballet is not as frequently performed as it once was. In total, this ballet has 41 cast members, 27 women and 14 men. ![]() It is like watching a fireworks display on the Fourth of July jubilant and ornate. The finale includes elaborate costuming and sets, complete with a giant American flag as the backdrop. The ballet is divided into five sections or “campaigns” assigned different musical excerpts from Sousa’s marches “Corcoran Cadets,” “Thunder and Gladiator,” “Rifle Regiment,” “Liberty Bell,” “El Capitan,” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.” The first two campaigns are danced by all women followed by an all-men campaign, “Thunder and Gladiator.” The “Liberty Bell” and “El Capitan” are paired as the fourth campaign, a pas de deux complete with their independent variations and coda followed by the grand finale, “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Each grouping of dancers is considered a different “regiment” with costumes to distinguish which regiment (blue vs. The original cast included Allegra Kent, Diana Adams, Melissa Hayden, Robert Barnett, and Jacques d’Amboise. Stars and Stripes premiered on January 17th, 1958 at the City Center of Music and Drama (New York City Center) in Manhattan. What better way to celebrate July than with some tried and true red, white, and blue courtesy of George Balanchine? July’s theme is Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes with the music of John Philip Sousa, orchestrated by Hershy Kay.
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