Ballet
Apollo
Apollo is one of the earliest Balanchine ballets that people still talk about today, and it helped shape the whole modern look of the art form. It follows the young Greek god of music as he grows into his powers with three muses at his side. If you want to see where a lot of sleek, streamlined ballet began, this is a great starting point.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Igor Stravinsky
- Choreographer
- George Balanchine
- Premiere
- 1928, Paris
- Structure
- One act
- Running time
- About 30 minutes
The story
This is a short, plotless work built around the young god Apollo and three of the muses. Apollo is born, tests out his new gifts, and then meets Terpsichore, Polyhymnia, and Calliope. He gives each muse a small gift and dances with them, and the piece builds to a calm, radiant close. There is no big story to follow, so the pleasure is in the clean lines, the famous group poses, and the way Stravinsky's music and Balanchine's steps fit together.
What Apollo is famous for
- One of Balanchine's earliest signature works
- Stravinsky's crisp string score
- the iconic sunburst group pose
- a turning point toward modern ballet
Companies that perform Apollo
Apollo is in the repertoire of companies including New York City Ballet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apollo tell a story?
Not really. It sketches the young god meeting three muses, but there is no detailed plot, so you can simply enjoy the movement and music.
Who wrote the music?
Igor Stravinsky, who also worked with Balanchine on other ballets over the years.
How long is Apollo?
It is a one act piece that runs around 30 minutes, which makes it a nice introduction to Balanchine.
Who composed Apollo?
Apollo was composed by Igor Stravinsky.
How long is Apollo?
Apollo runs about 30 minutes.