New Jersey Ballet performs Timeless Masterpieces at the Count Basie Center for the Arts
This May, the Count Basie Center for the Arts welcomes New Jersey Ballet to present "Timeless Masterpieces," "an extraordinary evening of ballet, celebrating the beauty, grace, and innovation of some of the most iconic works in ballet history," as the company explains.
This author respects the ballet as it is one of the most athletic art forms under the sun. The sheer stamina and strength, let alone talent, to excel in ballet is unimaginable for a doubly left-footed woman like myself. While my latest obsession with the new Amy Sherman-Palladino television series “Étoile” has me using words like coupé, plié, chassé and other new, less couth, French words and imagining that I too live in a world of grace and ethereality, I am not the foremost authority on the ballet. I am, however, lucky enough to speak to two talented individuals who have mastered the medium, New Jersey Ballet’s Artistic and Executive Directors. Their words will best describe what audiences can hope to expect from "Timeless Masterpieces."
The program will feature two of George Balanchine’s masterpieces, "Serenade" and "Rubies" from "Jewels", showcasing his signature blend of musicality, precision and dynamic movement. Balanchine is recognized as one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century and is considered the "father of American ballet." As New Jersey Ballet’s Artistic Director, Maria Kowroski explains, these pieces "closely adhere to George Balanchine’s original choreography. Each ballet is staged by repetiteurs authorized by The George Balanchine Trust. Balanchine’s works are protected under specific licensing agreements that require any company performing them to maintain the integrity and style of the original choreography, musicality, and staging."
Complementing these works will be the "timeless romance of 'Swan Lake Act 2', a portrayal of ethereal beauty and the enchanting story of love and transformation."
Executive Director David Tamaki, believes the evening to be the perfect invitation to the art form for those new to ballet. "It offers a rich and accessible experience that showcases ballet’s incredible range — from the lyrical beauty of 'Serenade', to the timeless storytelling of 'Swan Lake Act 2', to the immense energy of Rubies. Each piece is visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and easy to enjoy even without prior ballet knowledge.
“We encourage new audiences to come with an open mind and simply allow themselves to be moved by the music, the movement and the atmosphere. This program offers something for everyone – beauty, excitement, drama and joy, all brought to life by world-class dancers. It’s a unique opportunity to experience some of the most celebrated works in ballet history.”
Its accessibility to new audiences does not preclude its appeal to the seasoned ballet aficionado. Rather, "this program offers a rare and compelling opportunity to experience three masterworks that each demand a deep appreciation for style, musicality, and history. What makes this experience even more special is the opportunity to see these masterpieces right here in New Jersey at Count Basie. It is rare to have access to works of this caliber, choreographed by the greatest masters of ballet and staged with such attention to authenticity. Bringing these iconic ballets to the local stage offers a unique chance for longtime ballet lovers to experience the emotional power, technical brilliance, and historical significance of these works in New Jersey."
I asked Maria Kowroski what she feels makes each of these works unique. Her response demonstrates not only her love of the art form but of its history.
"Each of these works holds a distinctive place in ballet history and showcases a unique aspect of the art form. 'Serenade' was Balanchine’s first ballet created in America and is revered for its sweeping lyricism and emotional depth. Originally conceived as a lesson for students, it evolved into a masterpiece that blends classical technique with Balanchine’s hallmark musicality and inventive patterns, creating a poetic, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
"'Swan Lake Act 2' represents one of classical ballet's most iconic and hauntingly beautiful scenes. Featuring the celebrated corps de ballet of swan-maidens and the poignant pas de deux between Odette and Prince Siegfried, this act captures the purest elements of romantic ballet: ethereal movement, dramatic storytelling and the enduring themes of love, loss and transformation.
"'Rubies,' the second section of Balanchine’s full-length ballet Jewels, bursts with energy, sharpness, and jazz-inflected movement. Set to Stravinsky’s Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra, Rubies embodies the vibrant, modern spirit of New York, contrasting strikingly with the romanticism of Serenade and Swan Lake. Its athleticism, speed and playful sophistication make it a thrilling and distinct experience for audiences. Together, these performances offer audiences a rich journey through the emotional, technical and stylistic range of ballet."
Tamaki sings the praises of his Artistic Director, adding that "New Jersey Ballet’s repertory curation is deeply inspired by Maria’s vision to build a company that honors the rich traditions of classical ballet while embracing the innovation and creativity that define the art form today. Each season is designed to offer a dynamic balance between timeless masterpieces, important works by 20th-century choreographers like George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, and exciting new commissions from emerging and established voices in dance.
"Maria's inspiration comes from her desire to challenge and develop the dancers artistically, to engage audiences with a wide range of emotional and stylistic experiences, and to position New Jersey Ballet as a nationally recognized company with a bold and ambitious repertory. She seeks to curate programs that are not only technically and artistically demanding, but also resonate with contemporary audiences, offering both the comfort of beloved classics and the excitement of fresh, original work."
The repertory is curated to reflect excellence, diversity of style and a forward-looking artistic spirit, ensuring that each season is vibrant, relevant and deeply impactful.”
When I asked Tamaki how this production speaks to this moment in time, his response took me aback as he reflects on our ever changing world in need of a sense of calm and of peace. Perhaps a part of me needed to hear it, and see it.
“This program resonates powerfully with the current cultural and seasonal moment by offering a celebration of both timeless beauty and contemporary spirit. In a world increasingly marked by change and complexity, Serenade offers a sense of peace, hope and emotional reflection through its sweeping, dreamlike choreography. Swan Lake Act 2 reminds us of the enduring human longing for connection, belonging and transformation. The program invites the audience to reflect on the past, embrace the present and look forward with renewed imagination. Rubies, with its sharp energy and vibrant flair, mirrors the dynamic, fast-paced world we live in today—capturing the modernity, creativity and bold individuality that define contemporary culture.”
The talented New Jersey Ballet will grace the stage of the Count Basie Center for the Arts at 7:30 PM on May 8, 2025, in Red Bank, New Jersey. They will also bring Timeless Masterpieces to the Mayo Performing Arts Center stage Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM and Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM.
