‘See the music, hear the dancer’If you know who choreographer George Balanchine Noun 1. George Balanchine - United States dancer and choreographer (born in Russia) noted for his abstract and formal works (1904-1983) Balanchine is, you already have your tickets to Nevada Ballet Theatre’s “All-Balanchine Program.” If you don’t know, here’s what this weekend’s big to-do is all about: Modern master Considered the “father of American ballet American Ballet was the first professional ballet company George Balanchine created in the United States. The company was founded with the help of Lincoln Kirstein, and was populated by students of Kirstein and Balanchine's School of American Ballet. ,” the Russian-born Balanchine came to the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. in 1933 to open a dance school in the tradition of European schools. He formed the New York City Ballet New York City Ballet, one of the foremost American dance companies of the 20th cent. It was founded by Lincoln Kirstein and George Balanchine as the Ballet Society in 1946. in 1948 and was artistic director and principal choreographer until his death in 1983. He transformed the traditions of classical ballet Noun 1. classical ballet - a style of ballet based on precise conventional steps performed with graceful and flowing movements ballet, concert dance - a theatrical representation of a story that is performed to music by trained dancers and created more than 400 works. Going Balanchine No ballet company Noun 1. ballet company - a company that produces ballets troupe, company - organization of performers and associated personnel (especially theatrical); "the traveling company all stayed at the same hotel" ’s repertoire is complete without Balanchine, but it must first receive permission from the George Balanchine Trust. Nevada Ballet performed “Allegro Brilliante” in 2002, and the company presented its first all-Balanchine program during its 2006-07 season. This weekend’s performances of “Serenade serenade [Ital. sera=evening], term used to designate several types of musical composition. Opera and song literature yield numerous examples of the serenade sung or played by a lover at night beneath his beloved's window; outstanding is ” and “Concerto Barocco” are the first for the company and are being staged by Sandra Jennings, a repetiteur for the Balanchine Trust. The program “Serenade” was the first ballet that the Russian-born Balanchine choreographed in America. Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade with Strings” inspired the much-adored work, which incorporates scenes from Balanchine’s rehearsals with his American students. “Concerto Barocco” is set to Bach’s Double Violin Concerto A violin concerto is a concerto for solo violin (occasionally, two or more violins) and instrumental ensemble, customarily orchestra. Such works have been written from the Baroque period, when the solo concerto form was first developed, up through the present day. in D minor with two dancers becoming violins. It was included in New York City Ballet’s first performance. “Who Cares?” is a Broadway tribute set to the music of George Gershwin. Live music Nevada Ballet’s goal is to have dancers perform to live music. Balanchine, who loved music and studied piano and composition, is a perfect choice for a collaboration between Nevada Ballet and the Las Vegas Philharmonic. The music will be performed by 24 musicians, mostly strings, conducted by Philharmonic associate conductor Richard McGee. “Mr. B is, if not the most musical choreographer, then one of the most musical choreographers,” says Executive Director Beth Barbre, who worked for the Balanchine Trust. “One of his most famous quotes was ‘See the music and hear the dancer.’ ” Costumes The Balanchine Trust oversees every aspect of Balanchine works and requires companies to use the original costume designs of New York City Ballet’s Barbara Karinska. IF YOU GO What: “All-Balanchine Program” When: 8 tonight and 2 p.m. Saturday Where: Artemus Ham Hall Tickets: $75, $49 and $35, 895-2787 Kristen Peterson can be reached at 259-2317 or at kristen@lasvegassun.com. 
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