Ballet
Dances at a Gathering
This one is just ten dancers, a piano, and a whole lot of Chopin, and somehow it never feels thin. There is no story here, but you walk away feeling like you watched something happen between these people. It is Robbins at his most relaxed and human, and dancers tend to love it.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Frederic Chopin
- Choreographer
- Jerome Robbins
- Premiere
- 1969, New York City Ballet, New York
- Structure
- One act
- Running time
- approx 65 minutes
The story
A plotless work for five men and five women set to a selection of Chopin piano pieces played live onstage. There is no narrative, but the dancers drift in and out of solos, duets, and group sections that suggest friendship, flirtation, and quiet companionship. The mood is warm and unhurried, closing with the whole cast gathered together looking out as if watching the sky.
What Dances at a Gathering is famous for
- Launching a new era of plotless Robbins ballets
- Its intimate, conversational tone
- Live solo piano onstage
- The gentle closing tableau
Companies that perform Dances at a Gathering
Dances at a Gathering is in the repertoire of companies including New York City Ballet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dances at a Gathering have a story?
No, it is a plotless ballet. It suggests relationships and moods between the ten dancers without telling any specific narrative.
What music is it set to?
A selection of solo piano pieces by Frederic Chopin, including mazurkas, waltzes, etudes, and a nocturne, played live onstage.
How many dancers are in it?
Ten, five men and five women, often identified only by the color of their costumes rather than by character names.
Who composed Dances at a Gathering?
Dances at a Gathering was composed by Frederic Chopin.
How long is Dances at a Gathering?
Dances at a Gathering runs approx 65 minutes.