American Ballet Theatre's ABT II

"There was a purity that was inspiring: a bare stage, marvelous costumes, a smart mix of classic and contemporary ballet. And most important, a group of poised young dancers on the cusp of their careers."
–St. Petersburg Times

ABT II represents the next generation of world-class ballet with twelve dancers hand selected from around the world by American Ballet Theatre. Now entering their 16th season, their youthful flexibility molds to the traditions of American Ballet Theatre even excelling beyond to include contemporary choreography. ABT II serves as a bridge between professional ballet training, performance, and American Ballet Theatre's educational outreach program.

Their talent cascades throughout George Balanchine's Allegro Brillante, a fast-paced fusion of precise timing, strong dancing, and breadth of gesture in which Balanchine said: "It contains everything I know about the classical ballet in 13 minutes." The dancers then morph to the wildly creative dance of Canadian choreographer Aszure Barton using quick turns, and exhilarating moves to the French music of Barbara (also known as Monique Andrée Serf). As if their energy never stops, the program ends with Interplay, an infectiously high-spirited ballad of playful dance by famed choreographer, Jerome Robbins.

Wes Chapman, Artistic Director

Allegro Brillante (1956) George Balanchine
Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Barbara (2008) Aszure Barton
Music by Barbara

Interplay (1945) Jerome Robbins
Music by Morton Gould