Happy Fourth!
What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than with
George Balanchine’s ballet Stars and
Stripes!
George Balanchine, it is said, wore his love for his adopted
country “on his sleeve”. He loved the
U.S.A. and he loved New York. Nowhere is
this more evident than in the exuberant choreography of Stars and Stripes.
He choreographed Stars and Stripes in 1958, and used the
music of John Philip Sousa, because, he said, he “liked the music”. The ballet overflows with baton twirlers,
marching bands, and of course, a huge American flag. The original cast included: Mellissa Hayden, Jacques d’Amboise, Allegra
Kent and Diana Adams.
In 1981, when word was received about the imminent release
of the American hostages in Iran, Balanchine quickly added the ballet’s finale
to the evening’s program.
So have a wonderful Fourth of July, and enjoy today’s link
featuring part of Stars and Stripes!
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Dance History Factoid #37:
“George
Balanchine’s “Stars and Stripes” was choreographed in 1958, a celebration of
his love of his adopted country, the USA.”
Link of the Day:
Quote
of the Day:
“All great change in America begins at the
dinner table.”
-Ronald Reagan
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