Dancer's Choice

Sarah tipped me off about this on Sunday and I have since received further information. On Friday June 27, the New York City Ballet will present the first of what is hoped to be an annual event: Dancer's Choice. Peter Martins has tapped principal dancer Jonathan Stafford to select the repertoire and do the casting for this gala evening which benefits the Dancers' Emergency Fund. Jon & Sara Mearns are pictured here in DIAMONDS from Balanchine's JEWELS. I wonder if Jon has scheduled himself to dance on his own programme? I hope so.

First reports are that Jon has chosen excerpts from RUBIES, SQUARE DANCE, SYMPHONY IN C, UNION JACK, DANCES AT A GATHERING, GLASS PIECES, INTERPLAY, MERCURIAL MANOEUVRES, ECSTATIC ORANGE and BEETHOVEN ROMANCE. As if that were not an attractive enough proposition, the evening will also boast a world premiere ballet choreographed by Adam Hendrickson to a score by Aaron Severini (Kolnik headshots of Adam and Aaron). This in-house creation will be introduced by a short "the making of..." film and Ask LaCour and Henry Seth are creating an original score for this video.

But that's not all. Everyone seems to be getting involved. Amanda Hankes, Daniel Ulbricht and Adam Hendrickson are on Jon's planning committee. Craig Hall is designing a logo, poster and t-shirt to commemorate the event, and Kyle Froman will follow up on his super NYCB-behind-the-scenes book IN THE WINGS by creating a souvenir programme booklet featuring more of his photographs.

The Dancers' Emergency Fund sprang from an idea Jerome Robbins had to provide financial resources for City Ballet dancers in situations of extraordinary need. Special ticket prices of $25 and $45 have been arranged for the evening. Ticket information here. Luckily, I purchased my tickets even before I knew just how much fun it was going to be. I was expecting your run-of-the-mill gala but this is going to be a lot more special.

Comments

[Laura]

I am so excited about this event, and I think it's the best idea ever! It's a win-win situation for everybody - we get to see tons of great ballet, and the dancers get a much-needed and appreciated emergency fund. Hurrah!!!

[Philip]

It's good to see the dancers so directly involved in the planning at every level.

[Sarah]

I'm so excited about this! You did such a lovely write up that I am directing people here for more information. I have my seats - fourth row center - just where I like them!

[Dick]

It is not clear if this is to be a fund raiser during the intermissions or not

[sophie b]

This looks so fantastic! I am definitely getting myself a ticket. And for a great cause, too.

thanks for the heads up!