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Events
ABT@85: A Retrospective of Master Choreographers
October 17, 2025 at 7:30 pm
David H. Koch Theater
New York, New York
ABT@85: A Retrospective of Master Choreographers
Les Sylphides
Choreography by Michel Fokine
Music by Frédéric Chopin
Orchestrated by Benjamin Britten
Scenery by Peter Cazalet
Costumes by Lucinda Ballard
Lighting by Brad Fields
Amid a moon-drenched forest glade, a romantic reverie springs from the sublime music of Chopin to evoke an image of classical beauty in its most ethereal form. If Fokine had never choreographed another step, this ballet would have established him as a genius of dance. Les Sylphides distills the essence of ballet into pure mood and movement, free of narrative yet rich in atmosphere. Its delicate, dreamlike quality continues to enchant audiences, offering a timeless homage to the poetry of the Romantic era.
Gala Performance
Choreography by Antony Tudor
Music by Sergei Prokofiev
Original Designs by Hugh Laing
Lighting by Jennifer Tipton
Gala Performance is a clever and lighthearted satire of ballet’s grand traditions. Set at a fictional gala event, the ballet playfully exaggerates the quirks and egos of its performers, blending technical precision exactitude with comic timing. Beneath the humor lies a genuine affection for the art form, making it both a parody and a tribute.
Rodeo
Choreography by Agnes de Mille
Music by Aaron Copland
Scenery by Oliver Smith
Costumes by Santo Loquasto
Lighting by Thomas Skelton
Rodeo, Agnes de Mille’s humorous love story about a tomboyish cowgirl in the pioneer West, is an American classic. This audience favorite is set to Copland’s spirited score, including the famed “Hoedown,” and features costume designs by Tony Award® winner Santo Loquasto. Blending ballet with elements of American folk dance, the choreography vividly captures the spirit and landscape of the West. Its blend of humor, romance, and Americana continues to resonate with audiences across generations.