This program represents three distinct eras of ballet. Serge Lifar’s “Suite en Blanc”, first performed in 1943, is a masterpiece of classical ballet. Lifar, a principal dancer with the Ballets Russes and later the Paris Opera Ballet, choreographed this piece to highlight the pure technique of ballet, devoid of narrative, where form and movement are the primary focus. The ballet, set to Édouard Lalo’s music, is a luminous example of the neoclassical style that bridges the gap between tradition and innovation.

Roland Petit’s “L’Arlésienne”, first staged in 1974, is a dramatic ballet based on the famous story of a young man driven to madness by unrequited love. Petit’s choreography captures the intense emotion of Georges Bizet’s music, blending narrative storytelling with lyrical, expressive dance. Petit, a key figure in post-war French ballet, is known for his ability to merge the theatrical with the classical, creating works that are both visually stunning and deeply moving.

William Forsythe’s “In the middle, somewhat elevated”, created in 1987, revolutionized the world of contemporary ballet. Forsythe’s radical approach to movement and space challenges the boundaries of traditional ballet, and this piece, set to Thom Willems’ electronic score, is a high-energy, abstract work that demands extraordinary precision and athleticism from the dancers. Forsythe’s influence on modern ballet is immense, and his works continue to inspire choreographers and dancers around the world.