The Nevada Ballet Theatre kicks off its 2015-2016 season at The Smith Center with A Balanchine Celebration: From Tchaikovsky to Rodgers and Hart to Gershwin. It’s a tribute to the work of famed American George Balanchine, considered to be the greatest choreographer of the 20th Century, said Sandra Jennings, the guest répétiteur for the Nevada Ballet show and a performer who danced for Balanchine in The New York City Ballet.
The tribute will include “Serenade,” featuring a timeless score from Tchaikovsky, “Slaughter on Tenth Avenue,” choreographed for the musical On Your Toes, and “Who Cares?” a lively celebration of the songbook of George Gershwin.
A live orchestra accompanies the dancers, and Jennings explains it is her job not only to “teach the steps to the ballets but also work with the conductor to see that the tempo is correct and ensure that the ballets are exactly like he (Balanchine) wanted them to be,” she said, adding, “The important thing is in the details, it is what brings the ballets to life for the audiences. The ballets come to life the way he wanted them to be seen.”
While ballet dancers today are more athletic than in Balanchine’s time, Jennings said, it is important today that they adapt to the style of the great choreographer so his work will be seen as he created it.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7, 2 p.m. Nov. 8, $29-$139 plus tax and fee. 702.749.2000
