Other Dances

Jerome Robbins created Other Dances in 1976 for the international stars Natalia Makarova and Mikhail Baryshnikov. The exquisite Chopin duet was intended as an occasional work, but was so successful that both American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet took it into their repertoire that same year. The fact that Dutch National Ballet is now following suit is no coincidence, says artistic director Ted Brandsen. “Our company has several principal couples at the moment for whom this special work is not only a wonderful gift, but whose talent and skill will make it a true gift for the audience as well.”

Graceful and compelling 

The premiere duet is preceded by Ted Brandsen’s highly acclaimed The Chairman Dances (2023), to the compelling music of the same name by John Adams. Like the composer, Brandsen gives a nod to ballroom dance in his creation. Swathed in transparent, gender-neutral white dresses, the dancers perform the graceful choreography for an ensemble, from which individuals regularly break free. “As if they dance the spotlight for a moment, while the others make way for them.” 

Bordering on the impossible

The grand finale of Other Dances is David Dawson’s The Four Seasons (2022), which was received at its premiere with standing ovations. To Max Richter’s atmospheric re-interpretation of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Dawson explores the cycles of life in a work that combines all the elements of his unique artistry: lyricism, emotion, ecstasy and a movement idiom that borders on the physically impossible.