George Balanchine’s Jewels is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and visually stunning ballets in the history of the Royal Ballet. Premiered in 1967 by the New York City Ballet, this masterpiece was later embraced by the Royal Ballet, captivating audiences with its elegance, precision, and striking choreography. Unlike traditional narrative ballets, Jewels is a three-act abstract ballet, divided into Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds, each representing a different style, mood, and musical composition. The Royal Ballet’s interpretation brings its own distinctive artistry and flair, showcasing the versatility of its dancers and the timeless brilliance of Balanchine’s choreography. This ballet is not only a visual feast but also a celebration of music, movement, and the emotional depth that ballet can convey.
Structure and Concept of Jewels
Jewels is unique because it is entirely abstract, with no specific storyline, unlike many classical ballets. Instead, Balanchine designed the work as a triptych, using precious gems as thematic inspiration. Each section highlights different choreographic styles, musical compositions, and emotional expressions, allowing the Royal Ballet to demonstrate both technical skill and expressive artistry.
Emeralds
The first section, Emeralds, evokes the elegance and romance associated with French ballet. The choreography is lyrical and flowing, featuring soft lines, intricate patterns, and seamless transitions. Dancers move with a fluid grace, emphasizing the beauty of form and musicality. The music for this section is composed by Gabriel Fauré, which perfectly complements the dreamy and refined atmosphere of the performance.
- Style Romantic, lyrical, and fluid
- Music Gabriel Fauré
- Costume Soft green tutus representing emeralds
- Focus Grace, subtlety, and elegance in movement
Rubies
The second section, Rubies, contrasts sharply with Emeralds by presenting a more modern and jazzy style. The choreography is sharp, angular, and energetic, demanding high levels of precision and rhythm from the dancers. Igor Stravinsky’s music drives the dynamic energy, and the Royal Ballet’s interpretation adds a sense of playfulness and sophistication, showcasing the versatility of its performers.
- Style Jazzy, modern, and energetic
- Music Igor Stravinsky
- Costume Bold red tutus inspired by rubies
- Focus Speed, precision, and rhythmic intensity
Diamonds
The final section, Diamonds, embodies the grandeur and formality of Russian classical ballet. The choreography is regal, stately, and ceremonial, emphasizing symmetry, line, and traditional ballet technique. The music, composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, evokes the majesty and elegance of the Russian imperial tradition. The Royal Ballet’s performance highlights their classical training and discipline, offering a breathtaking conclusion to the triptych.
- Style Classical, grand, and ceremonial
- Music Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
- Costume Sparkling white tutus reminiscent of diamonds
- Focus Precision, poise, and regal elegance
Royal Ballet Interpretation
The Royal Ballet has embraced Jewels as a showcase of both technical mastery and interpretive depth. Their production emphasizes the distinct qualities of each section while maintaining the unity of the overall work. Under the guidance of the company’s artistic leadership, dancers are trained to highlight the subtle nuances of Balanchine’s choreography, from delicate port de bras in Emeralds to the dynamic attack in Rubies and the noble lines of Diamonds.
Choreographic Precision
Balanchine’s choreography is renowned for its precision and musicality. The Royal Ballet excels in translating his detailed instructions into visually stunning performances. Each movement is carefully executed, ensuring clarity and harmony with the music. Dancers pay close attention to timing, spacing, and alignment, which allows the audience to fully appreciate the geometric patterns and flowing sequences that define Jewels.
Expressive Interpretation
Beyond technical mastery, the Royal Ballet emphasizes expressive interpretation, bringing emotional depth to each section. Emeralds conveys a sense of romantic nostalgia, Rubies radiates excitement and boldness, and Diamonds embodies regal dignity. This interpretive quality ensures that every performance is unique, resonating with audiences on both a visual and emotional level.
Music and Orchestration
The music of Jewels is integral to its impact, with each section scored by a different composer to reflect its mood and character. Gabriel Fauré’s compositions provide a dreamy, flowing quality for Emeralds, Stravinsky’s energetic rhythms drive the sharp movements of Rubies, and Tchaikovsky’s grandeur underscores the classical elegance of Diamonds. The Royal Ballet works closely with its orchestra to ensure that musical nuances align perfectly with the dancers’ timing and expression, enhancing the overall performance.
Costumes and Visual Design
Costumes play a crucial role in defining the visual identity of each section. The Royal Ballet uses tutus and bodices that reflect the color and brilliance of each jewel. In addition to color, costume design incorporates texture, sparkle, and silhouette to complement the choreography. Lighting design further enhances the mood, emphasizing shimmer and shadow to create an immersive experience for the audience.
Emeralds Costumes
- Soft green tutus
- Flowing skirts for fluid movement
- Subtle embellishments to evoke gem-like shimmer
Rubies Costumes
- Bold red tutus
- Structured design for sharp, angular movements
- Accents that catch light and enhance dynamism
Diamonds Costumes
- Elegant white tutus
- Regal embellishments reflecting grandeur
- Designed for symmetry and precision in classical steps
Impact and Legacy
Jewels has had a lasting impact on the Royal Ballet and the global ballet community. It demonstrates how abstract ballet can convey emotion, beauty, and narrative through movement alone. The Royal Ballet’s productions have received acclaim for maintaining the integrity of Balanchine’s vision while showcasing the unique talents of their dancers. Jewels continues to inspire choreographers, dancers, and audiences, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of contemporary ballet repertoire.
Educational Value
For aspiring dancers and students, observing the Royal Ballet perform Jewels provides insight into musicality, technical execution, and interpretive skill. It serves as a masterclass in balancing precision with artistry, highlighting the importance of understanding both the choreography and the underlying musical score.
Cultural Significance
The ballet also emphasizes the fusion of international styles. Emeralds reflects French romanticism, Rubies incorporates modern and jazzy influences, and Diamonds pays homage to Russian classical tradition. The Royal Ballet’s performance celebrates these diverse cultural elements, offering audiences a rich, multidimensional experience.
George Balanchine’s Jewels, as performed by the Royal Ballet, remains one of the most celebrated and visually striking works in the ballet repertoire. The triptych of Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds showcases the company’s technical excellence, interpretive skill, and artistic vision. With its stunning choreography, exceptional music, and visually captivating costumes, Jewels offers a profound and immersive experience that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. The Royal Ballet’s dedication to preserving the integrity of Balanchine’s masterpiece ensures that this ballet remains a highlight of their repertoire, inspiring both dancers and spectators with its timeless beauty and elegance.