“Slaughter on Tenth Avenue,” “Barber Violin Concerto,” “Diamonds”
New York City Ballet
David H. Koch Theater
New York, NY
May 5, 2019
by Marianne Adams
copyright © 2019 by Marianne Adams
New York City Ballet’s “Barber, Broadway & Balanchine” program, showing Balanchine’s “Slaughter on Tenth Avenue” and “Diamonds,” and Peter Martins’ “Barber Violin Concerto,” at first seemed like an odd mix of repertory give the ballets’ vastly different styles. But combining dance hall theatrics, strong American modern dance flavor, and of course one of the best examples of Balanchine’s nod to classicism, actually made a point about the company itself and its fairly unique ability to present such varied, all-American works.
Photo of Sara Mearns in "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue." Photo © Paul Kolnik