George Balanchine’s ballet Jewels is often considered one of the most iconic works in the history of classical ballet. Premiered in 1967, this full-length ballet is unique because it is structured as three independent yet thematically linked acts, each inspired by a different precious gemstone. Through Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds, Balanchine explores varying styles of movement, musical composition, and emotional expression. The ballet has become a hallmark of the New York City Ballet repertoire, demonstrating Balanchine’s masterful combination of musicality, elegance, and innovation. More than a display of visual splendor, Jewels captures the essence of three contrasting worlds of dance, offering both dancers and audiences an unforgettable experience.
The Creation of Jewels
George Balanchine, co-founder of the, developed Jewels during a time when American ballet was growing in prominence. Inspired by his fascination with gemstones and their symbolic qualities, Balanchine collaborated with prominent composers and costume designers to create a ballet that celebrated both music and visual artistry. The premiere performance took place at the New York State Theater in Lincoln Center, introducing audiences to a ballet that would redefine how abstract works could convey emotion and story without a traditional narrative.
Balanchine’s vision for Jewels was revolutionary. Instead of relying on a singular storyline, he chose to focus on the purity of dance, the intricacy of musical structure, and the aesthetic appeal of costume and stage design. This allowed each act to develop its own identity, making the ballet both cohesive and diverse. Each section draws on a unique musical style, reflecting the personality of the gemstone that inspired it.
Emeralds French Elegance and Mystery
The first act, Emeralds, is set to the music of, which lends the ballet a lyrical, romantic quality. The choreography reflects the French elegance and sophistication associated with the impressionist era. Movements are fluid, soft, and ethereal, giving dancers the ability to convey a sense of dreamlike beauty and subtle refinement.
Costumes in Emeralds are typically muted green tones, creating a serene and mystical visual impression. The choreography emphasizes harmony and grace, with long lines and gentle lifts. Dancers move as if floating, highlighting Balanchine’s fascination with the natural flow of movement and musical phrasing. Emeralds is often praised for its quiet sophistication and the way it captures the understated charm of French-inspired ballet.
Musical Interpretation
Balanchine’s collaboration with Fauré’s music demonstrates his commitment to musicality. Every gesture and step is carefully aligned with the musical score, allowing the audience to experience both sound and movement as one. The impressionist music complements the soft, flowing choreography, creating an act that feels almost like a delicate painting brought to life on stage.
Rubies Jazz Energy and American Style
The second act, Rubies, is a complete contrast to Emeralds. Set to music by, this section embodies the bold, modern, and vibrant spirit of American culture in the 1960s. Movements are sharp, angular, and dynamic, showcasing dancers’ precision and athleticism. The choreography is playful yet sophisticated, reflecting both Balanchine’s neoclassical style and the energetic rhythms of jazz-infused ballet.
Costumes for Rubies often feature striking red hues, emphasizing energy, passion, and intensity. The choreography incorporates sudden changes in direction, fast footwork, and intricate patterns, challenging dancers and captivating audiences. Rubies is often regarded as the most daring and flamboyant of the three acts, demonstrating Balanchine’s ability to fuse classical technique with modern flair.
The American Influence
With Rubies, Balanchine celebrates American individuality and innovation. The music’s syncopation and the choreography’s boldness convey a sense of optimism and confidence. Audiences see a departure from traditional European elegance, experiencing instead the exuberance and rhythm that defined mid-20th-century American ballet.
Diamonds Classical Grandeur
The final act, Diamonds, is an homage to the classical Russian tradition of ballet. Set to the music of, it embodies dignity, formality, and grandeur. Movements are majestic and deliberate, emphasizing symmetry, control, and technical perfection. Diamonds evokes the imperial Russian style of ballet, with its grand pas de deux, poised corps de ballet, and soaring solos.
Costumes in Diamonds are typically white or sparkling shades, symbolizing purity, brilliance, and timeless beauty. The choreography allows dancers to showcase their mastery, with large-scale group formations and spectacular lifts. Diamonds closes the ballet with a sense of majesty and reverence, paying tribute to the enduring power of classical ballet traditions.
Balanchine’s Musical Choices
Tchaikovsky’s music provides a structured yet expressive foundation for the choreography. Balanchine carefully matched each movement to the score, creating a seamless integration of rhythm, melody, and visual spectacle. The result is an act that feels both monumental and intimate, highlighting the grandeur of Russian-inspired classical ballet while maintaining Balanchine’s signature neoclassical style.
Impact and Legacy of Jewels
Jewels has had a lasting influence on the world of ballet. It is considered the first full-length plotless ballet, breaking away from the need for narrative while still engaging audiences emotionally. By focusing on music, costume, and abstract movement, Balanchine demonstrated that a ballet could be both visually stunning and intellectually compelling without a traditional story.
The ballet also highlights the versatility of dancers. Each act requires different skills, from the delicate lyricism of Emeralds to the explosive athleticism of Rubies and the regal control of Diamonds. Performing Jewels is a significant achievement for any ballet company, and it continues to be a benchmark for excellence in classical and neoclassical ballet.
Influence on Modern Ballet
Balanchine’s Jewels inspired choreographers and dancers to explore abstract storytelling and innovative musical interpretation. Its success encouraged the creation of other plotless ballets that focus on the marriage of music and movement. The work remains a staple in the repertoire of major ballet companies worldwide, symbolizing a blend of tradition, experimentation, and artistry.
George Balanchine’s Jewels is more than a celebration of gemstones; it is a celebration of the possibilities of ballet itself. Each actEmeralds, Rubies, and Diamondsoffers a distinct experience, demonstrating Balanchine’s genius in blending music, movement, and visual design. From French elegance to American vibrancy to Russian grandeur, the ballet captures the diversity and beauty of classical dance. Over fifty years since its premiere, Jewels continues to inspire dancers and audiences alike, securing its place as a timeless masterpiece in the world of ballet.