What Makes George Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes Special?
As part of America 250 with the PBT Orchestra, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will perform the Pas de Deux from George Balanchine’s opulent Stars and Stripes. Performances will run from February 20 through the 22 at the Benedum Center.
Balanchine, a Russian-born dancer/choreographer, is regarded as the most influential choreographer of classical ballet in the United States. He is often called the “Father of American Ballet” due to his influence in paving the way for ballet to flourish in America. He is credited with developing the neo-classical style distinct to the 20th century and is well known for his modern yet classical, clean aesthetic. His trademarks include lighter costumes, minimal decor, faster movements, challenging choreography and plotless ballets. Balanchine is credited with creating 465 ballets, which have been performed by nearly every ballet company worldwide.
10 Interesting Facts About Stars and Stripes:
- Stars and Stripes premiered on January 17, 1958, at the City Center of Music and Drama in New York City.
- George Balanchine choreographed this patriotic, classical ballet as a tribute to his beloved adopted country, the United States of America. Balanchine immigrated from Russia in 1934. He loved American culture and he was extremely proud to become an American citizen.
- Stars and Stripes contains as much pure dancing in 29 minutes as many full-length classical ballets include in 2-3 hours.
- The work is divided into five sections or “campaigns,” each of which uses music from different Sousa marches. The first two campaigns are danced by all women, followed by an all-male campaign as the third section. The fourth campaign is a pas de deux, followed by the elaborate grand finale, “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
- Each grouping of dancers is considered a separate “regiment,” with distinct Americana-based costumes to differentiate the sections.
- Stars and Stripes has played roles in political and cultural moments in history. It has been performed for many memorable occasions, including Nelson Rockefeller’s inauguration as governor of New York, tributes for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, the opening ceremonies for the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center, the end of the Iranian Hostage Crisis and the closing ceremony of the Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984.
- The ballet is dedicated to the memory of Fiorello H. LaGuardia, former mayor of New York City and founder of the City Center of Music and Drama.
- There is speculation that the ballet was used as propaganda to cast a positive light on the U.S. during the Cold War. The U.S. State Department even assisted in arranging the ballet’s overseas tour.
- This ballet has an exceptionally large cast of 41, including 27 women and 14 men. With such a large cast, this ballet is not as frequently performed from start to finish. Often, the fourth campaign (the pas de deux) is performed as a showcase piece in mixed rep bills or special events.
- Even though short in length, the choreography in Stars and Stripes is challenging, and the cast must have solid stamina and significant experience to produce this strong work.
Artists: Tommie Lin Kesten & Colin McCaslin | Photography: Justin Merriman