‘See the music, hear the dancing’

By Kristen Peterson

Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 | 2 a.m.

If you know who choreographer George 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:

1. Modern master

Considered the “father of American ballet,” the Russian-born Balanchine came to the United States in 1933 to open a dance school in the tradition of European schools. He formed the New York City Ballet in 1948 and was artistic director and principal choreographer until his death in 1983. He transformed the traditions of classical ballet and created more than 400 works.

2. Going Balanchine

No ballet company’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” and “Concerto Barocco” are the first for the company and are being staged by Sandra Jennings, a repetiteur for the Balanchine Trust.

3. 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 that incorporates scenes from Balanchine’s rehearsals with his American students. “Concerto Barocco” is set to Bach’s Double Violin Concerto 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.

4. 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 dancing.’ ”

5. 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.