City Ballet The Podcast

New Combinations host and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan is joined by Principal Dancers Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia, the performers of the latest world premiere work created on the Company: Resident Choreographer Justin Peck's Dig the Say. Roman shares the way in which the ballet was tailor made for the two dancers, in the mode of a "modern day Tarantella," in Tiler's words, that capitalizes on their history of partnering in some of the most challenging works in the repertory. Imbued with a sense of competition yet always playful and fun, they both relish Peck's invitation to contribute to the ballet's shape, invigorated by the live jazz score. (45:18)  Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: "Sisyphus" by Andrew Wegman Bird Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. as agent for Muffet Music Co

This week, NYCB Music Director Andrew Litton leads us on a promenade through the Modest Mussorgsky score to Alexei Ratmansky's 2014 ballet Pictures at an Exhibition. Beginning with a little background on the composer's short but complicated life, colored by contemporary critiques of his "disregard" for musical conventions, Litton is joined by Piano Soloist Stephen Gosling as he demonstrates the ways in which Mussorgsky captured the subjects of a beloved artists' paintings in remarkably challenging piano pieces. (23:31) Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: Symphony in Three Movements (1945) by Igor Stravinsky Pictures at an Exhibition (1874) by Modest Mussorgsky

This week, Hear the Dance host Silas Farley is joined by three dancers who know William Forsythe's 1992 ballet Herman Schmerman well: Original cast members Jeffrey Edwards and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan, and current interpreter Tiler Peck. Edwards and Whelan recall the unique physical and artistic challenges Forsythe's choreography posed, particularly as he called for improvisation and constant change in the studio—sometimes up until the dancers hit the stage. For Peck, Forsythe is as essential a creator as a mentor, particularly as her own career as a choreographer takes off. (59:13) Written by Silas Farley Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: Behind the China Dogs (1988) by Leslie Stuck The Four Sections (1987) by Steve Reich Just Ducky (1992) by Thom Willems 200 Press (2014) by James Blake Reading List: William Forsythe and the Practice of Choreography: It Starts From Any Pointe Edited by Steven Spier William Forsythe Edited by Senta Driver The Oxford Handbook of Contemporary Ballet Edited by Kathrina Farrugia-Kriel and Jill Nunes Jensen

As we prepare for opening night of Spring performances, Associate Artistic Director and New Combinations host Wendy Whelan catches up with sought-after choreographer Amy Hall Garner between rehearsals for her first commission for NYCB, premiering in just over a week. Garner shares the long, dance-rich journey—including summer sessions at the School of American Ballet, studying modern, tap, and jazz, and performing on Broadway—that led to this moment in her dance-making career. "I love being in the studio," she says of the creative process. "I think that's a sacred space." (40:04)  Edited by Emilie Silvestri Music: "Sisyphus" by Andrew Wegman Bird Wixen Music Publishing, Inc. as agent for Muffet Music Co

City Ballet The Podcast is back! In the lead up to the return of two of Pam Tanowitz's ballets to the stage this spring—Gustave le Gray No. 1, from 2019, and Law of Mosaics, which premiered in 2022—Former Principal Dancer Russell Janzen and current Soloist Miriam Miller join Hear the Dance host Silas Farley to discuss working with the singular choreographer. As both dancers describe, Tanowitz's unique approach to ballet and generosity in the studio make familiar steps new, freeing the performers to challenge themselves and discover new aspects of their own artistry. (1:14:37) Written by Silas Farley Edited by Emilie Silvestri Reading List: Reality Hunger: A Manifesto by David Shields Béla Bartók by David Cooper The Prickly Rose: A Biography of Viola Farber by Jeff Slayton Merce Cunningham by Roger Copeland Four Quartets by T.S. Eliot Music: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D major (1931) by Igor Stravinsky Law of Mosaics (2012) by Ted Hearne All music performed by the New York City Ballet Orchestra

NYCB dancers Emily Kikta and Peter Walker discuss the challenges and rewards of partnering in ballet. They share memories of learning from Jock Soto, emphasize the importance of communication, and reflect on the intricate dynamics of dancing pas de deux both onstage and off. The episode highlights the precision, elegance, and deep bond required for successful partnerships in the ballet world.

Jenelle Manzi, a City Ballet Corps de Ballet Member and Get Golden founder, shares her journey dealing with injuries and food allergies, leading her to create anti-inflammatory recipes. She discusses starting her business while performing full-time and the impact of a colleague's comment. Topics include wellness, entrepreneurship, community in dance, and individualized exercise approaches.

NYCB Director of Costumes, Marc Happel, joins The Rosin Box hosts to discuss the history of costume design in ballet, from Balanchine's powderpuff tutu to modern fittings. They explore the importance of fabric choices, collaborations with dancers, and the evolution of ballet costumes. The discussion also delves into Happel's journey from Broadway to NYCB's Costume Director role, showcasing the dynamic relationship between dance, fashion, and collaboration.

Explore the musical complexities and visual inspirations of Stravinsky's Symphony in Three Movements, from major to minor chords, cinematic influences, and the joyous finale symbolizing Allied victory. Delve into the tight construction, tension, dissonance, and the deliberate musical choices made by Stravinsky to convey conflict, tension, and triumph.

Former Principal Dancers Silas Farley, Bart Cook, and Maria Calegari discuss George Balanchine's Liebeslieder Walzer, sharing memories of the iconic ballet's interpretation, challenging choreography, and the gift it was for dancers. They explore the technical demands, emotional depth, and fluid transitions in staging the performance, highlighting the intricate dynamics of dance choreography and music collaboration. The podcast delves into the themes of love, sadness, and unity in ballet, showcasing the artistic growth and unique approach of Balanchine in this timeless piece.