Ballet
Serenade
Serenade holds a special place in ballet history as the first ballet Balanchine created in America. It is set to Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings and is known for its flowing lines of dancers in long blue skirts. Many young dancers dream of performing it because it feels both simple and deeply moving.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
- Choreographer
- George Balanchine
- Premiere
- 1935, New York
- Structure
- One act
- Running time
- About 30 minutes
The story
Serenade is a plotless ballet, so there is no set story to follow. It opens with a famous image of women standing in neat rows, arms raised, bathed in blue light. From there the dancers move through soft, sweeping patterns that rise and fall with Tchaikovsky's music. A few small moments hint at feeling and farewell, but nothing is spelled out. The beauty is in the shapes the group makes and the calm, emotional mood.
What Serenade is famous for
- Balanchine's first ballet made in America
- dancers in long blue skirts
- the striking opening formation
- Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings
Companies that perform Serenade
Serenade is in the repertoire of companies including New York City Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Serenade so famous?
It was the first ballet Balanchine made after arriving in the United States, and its opening image of dancers in blue is one of the best known in ballet.
Is there a plot?
No, it is plotless. The focus is on the music, the group patterns, and the overall mood.
What music is used?
Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings, which gives the ballet its title and its emotional feel.
Who composed Serenade?
Serenade was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
How long is Serenade?
Serenade runs about 30 minutes.