The New York City Ballet presented an All Balanchine program of three ballets of the wonderful choreographer. It began with the delightful Allegro Brillante, music by Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky, with Tyler Peck and Tyler Angle, with piano solo by Susan Walters. The two leads, and their supportive eight member ensemble, performed, as in the title, brilliantly. La Source, music by Leo Delibes, followed, with a fine Erica Pereira and Harrison Ball, plus soloist Rachel Hutsell and an eight member ensemble. Ball, in his solos, performed magnificently. The program concluded with a stunning version of Firebird, music by Igor Stravinsky, scenery and costumes designed by Marc Chagall, starring the incomparable Sara Mearns. It was a perfect conclusion to a splendid tribute to George Balanchine. Andrew Litton conducted the superb orchestra, which played the composers' music beautifully.

 

Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake: The Legend Returns , directed and Choreographed by  Matthew Bourne , music by  Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsk y, at City Center, will surprise the audience, that only knew the traditional version. In first place all the swans are danced by men,  Matthew Ball  dances Odette/Odile as The Swan/Stranger. The story now takes place in the present. The Prince ( James Lovell ) is asleep in his bedroom, and dreams of the Swan. The Queen ( Nicole Kabrera ) takes him to the Opera House, where he is accompanied by a young girl he met at the Palace ( Katrina Lyndon ). This is a very funny scene. Lyndon is hilarious. They remind me of the current Prince  Harry  and  Megan . At a City Park, he sees the Swan of his dreams, and becomes obsessed with it. At the Palace Ball, the Swan as a Stranger seduces the Queen, and the Prince goes crazy. After therapy, he is returned to his bedroom, where the Swan appears, and both die. The dancing is magnificent, and the concept is brilliant. As you can see, this is not a typical  Swan Lake , but it is original and spectacular. The set & costume design by  Lez Brotherson  are wonderful, a pleasure to see. The music is taped, but it is glorious. It was one of the most delightful evenings that I have spent at the ballet.