Los Angeles Ballet and The Wallis present 20 Years of Los Angeles Ballet: Rubies, Frank Bridge Variations, World Premiere by Melissa Barak.  Prepare to experience this milestone, triple bill of iconic works and bold new beginnings, all brimming with heart and spirit.

 

The evening includes Balanchine’s jazz-infused delight Rubies—an energetic reprise from our very first season. This is the sparkling second movement of his full-length ballet Jewels, bursting with energy. Set to Stravinsky’s Capriccio for Piano and Orchestra, it blends jazzy rhythms with classical ballet technique, showcasing sharp angles, athletic jumps, and witty choreography. With its bold red costumes and dazzling pace, Rubies captures the glamour of Broadway while remaining rooted in Balanchine’s neoclassical style. It is a celebration of speed, brilliance, and modern American spirit.

 

Also on the program, Hans Van Manen’s Frank Bridge Variations pairs Benjamin Britten’s lush score with an abstract expression of sensuality and, at times, explosive emotion. The ballet weaves together solos, duets, and ensemble work that shift between elegance, wit, and quiet intimacy. Van Manen’s choreography emphasizes clean lines, subtle gesture, and musical precision, allowing the dancers’ relationships to unfold with understated drama. The result is a work of refined beauty that balances restraint with striking expressiveness.

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Finally, in a moment charged with anticipation, LAB’s Artistic Director Melissa Barak will unveil a world premiere, set to music by David Lawrence. This bold new creation embodies the forward momentum that continues to define Los Angeles Ballet.