Ballet
Theme and Variations
Balanchine built this as a love letter to the grand imperial style he grew up with in Russia. It is set to the last movement of Tchaikovsky's Suite No. 3, and it is pure classical dancing with no story to hide behind. If you want to see what technical precision and old-school elegance look like together, this is it.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
- Choreographer
- George Balanchine
- Premiere
- 1947, Ballet Theatre, New York
- Structure
- One act
- Running time
- approx 20 minutes
The story
A plotless, purely classical ballet set to the final movement of Tchaikovsky's Orchestral Suite No. 3. It is Balanchine's homage to the grandeur of Imperial Russian ballet, built around a lead ballerina and her partner supported by an ensemble. The structure follows the music's theme and variations form, building to a brilliant, formal finale.
What Theme and Variations is famous for
- Being Balanchine's tribute to Imperial Russian classicism
- Its demanding lead ballerina role
- The grand polonaise finale
- Pure classical dancing with no plot
Companies that perform Theme and Variations
Theme and Variations is in the repertoire of companies including New York City Ballet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Theme and Variations a story ballet?
No, it is plotless. It is a celebration of classical technique and the grandeur of Imperial Russian ballet.
What music is used?
The final movement of Tchaikovsky's Orchestral Suite No. 3, which is itself a set of theme and variations.
How does it relate to Balanchine's other work?
It is one of his clearest tributes to the Imperial style he trained in, and the Suite No. 3 music was later folded into a larger Balanchine ballet called Tchaikovsky Suite No. 3.
Who composed Theme and Variations?
Theme and Variations was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
How long is Theme and Variations?
Theme and Variations runs approx 20 minutes.