George Balanchine’s Jewels showcases three distinct styles of neoclassical ballet in one brilliant evening. Choreographed in 1967, it was inspired by Balanchine’s visit to Claude Arpels’ jewelry showroom in New York City. The costumes were designed by legendary New York City Ballet costume designer Madame Barbara Karinska and showed the essence of each jewel. Each ballet reflects a chapter of Balanchine’s career: Diamonds honors his early years at the Mariinsky Ballet in Russia, Emeralds nods to his time with the Ballets Russes in France, and Rubies celebrates his lasting impact on American ballet with New York City Ballet.

Featured Image: Larissa Ponomarenko and Roman Rykine in George Balanchine’s Diamonds © The George Balanchine Trust, photo by Gene Schiavone, courtesy of Boston Ballet.