A must see

One of American ballet master George Balanchine's most opulent and beloved full-length ballets makes its Kansas City Ballet premiere!

Brightening up the Muriel Kauffman Theatre in spring 2024, this glittering piece is presented in three parts, each with its own distinct music, choreography, and of course, beautifully designed costumes. 

What is the story?

Jewels' three parts begin with Emeralds, a sultry and nostalgic evocation of the French school of ballet. Romance and style abound from the moment the dancers appear in their long tutus, extolling the virtues of courtly love through a haze of perfume and a score by Gabriel Faure.

Conversely, Rubies, the middle section, is a jazzy riff on American modernity as scored by longtime Balanchine collaborator Stravinsky. Humor fizzles in this self-aware piece, the rich heritage of Emeralds evolved into a streetsmart and rhythmic celebration of vim and vigor.

Finally, Diamonds closes the program with shimmering grace and grandeur as inspired by the Imperial Russian ballet of the Mariinsky where Balanchine himself received his training. With the lush tones of Tchaikovsky, a whole era and tradition are captured in an entrancing and heart-soaring climax.