New York Dialects

Serenade Balanchine’s deeply rooted knowledge of Russian classicism grounded his inspired deviations from it, which galvanised modern dance. Serenade, considered one of the greatest works of the 20th century, was the first work he made on American dancers. The poetry of women in long ice-blue tutus moving in unison to Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings in C has a simplicity and purity still breathtaking today.

The Four Temperaments If Serenade is Balanchine at his most lyrical, The Four Temperaments is the epitome of his stark neo-classical style: dancers in black and white leotards and tights performing stripped-back ballet steps skewed in unexpected directions. The score, which Balanchine commissioned from Paul Hindemith, was inspired by the medieval notion that four ‘humours’ govern personality type; it is both sparse and luscious as it explores each of those temperaments.

Watermark Pam Tanowitz, from a contemporary dance background, has created work for major ballet companies, including New York City Ballet and The Royal Ballet, as well as for the hallowed modern-dance companies of Martha Graham and Paul Taylor. This world premiere brings Tanowitz' vision for ensemble choreography and her fresh approach to gender roles together in a work primarily using the male dancers of The Australian Ballet. The Pulitzer-prize winning composer Caroline Shaw's concerto Watermark is the perfect score for Tanowitz’s exciting creative vision.

“A deliciously seductive triple bill with something for everyone.” The Daily Telegraph

Production credits:

Serenade Choreography: George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust

Music: Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op.48

The Four Temperaments Choreography: George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust

Music: Paul Hindemith

Watermark Choreography: Pam Tanowitz

Music: Caroline Shaw Watermark

With Opera Australia Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria