DIVERTIMENTO #15 (Theme and Variations)

Here's a 1986 NYC Ballet performance of the "Theme and Variations" section of Balanchine's masterpiece of classical technique, DIVERTIMENTO # 15 to music of the same name by Mozart. Filmed 3 years after Balanchine died, in 1983, the dancers here were all favorites of his when he was alive, trained daily by him, and they are peerless, in my opinion, in demonstrating pure Balanchine technique and musicality. They don't overdo "rubato," or other affectations that sadly have been creeping into many interpretations of his choreography; seen too much today. Balanchine wanted the audience to "see the music," which I believe these dancers do very well. They don't get in the way. They are in order of variation, 1. Victor Castelli, 2. Peter Frame, 3. Lauren Hauser, 4. Maria Calegari, 5. Stephanie Saland, 6. Darci Kistler, 7. Sean Lavery, and 8. Kyra Nichols. I have staged this ballet for the Paris Opera Ballet and the Zurich Ballet, and always insist on these tempi.