Ballet Connoisseurship: Episodes

Ballet Connoisseurship is returning this spring 2023! Experience intimate deep-dives into iconic ballets, led by stars of dance. Learn about the history, creation, music, and other behind-the-scenes details of Balanchine’s Episodes, which is part of the New York City Ballet 2022-2023 performance season. Each session is $50 and light refreshments and wine will be served before and after the event. You can direct any inquiries to balletconn@sab.org.

Wednesday, May 3, 7:15-8:45pm 
with Stephanie Saland and Michael Trusnovec

Episodes was created in homage to Anton von Webern’s complete orchestral works. Balanchine invited modern dance titan Martha Graham to choreograph the first section for her company. Balanchine then choreographed the second section for New York City Ballet, with an additional solo for Paul Taylor, who was then a member of the Graham company and later developed his own technique and choreographic identity. Since 1961, NYCB has performed its section alone, without the solo created for Taylor.

In 2020, New York City Ballet principal dancer (then soloist) Jovani Furlan and, as guest artist, former Paul Taylor company member Michael Trusnovec brought the solo back to New York City Ballet.