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.
2hrs 20min (inc two intervals)
7th October, 2021
16th October, 2021
The venue is wheelchair accessible. An Assistive Hearing system is available. Assistance Animals are welcome in all areas of Arts Centre Melbourne and water bowls are available on request.
GETTING TO THE VENUE
BY CAR: The Arts Centre Melbourne undercover car park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The car park entrance is located at 4 Sturt Street. It is housed underneath the Theatres Building – a 5 minute walk (outside) to Hamer Hall or a 10 minute walk along St Kilda Rd to Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The car park is a cash-free facility, so please make sure you have a valid credit or debit card before entering.
BY TRAIN: The closest train station to all venues is Flinders Street Station. Exit the station onto Swanston Street, turn your back on the city and walk across Princes Bridge.
BY TRAM: The tram routes that stop in front of Arts Centre Melbourne are: 1, 3, 3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72. This stop is number 14 – “Arts Precinct"
BY BICYCLE: Bicycle lanes run north and south along St Kilda Road. On-street bicycle hoops are available outside Hamer Hall and the Theatres Building (under the Spire)
“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
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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