This past week, New York City Ballet presented one of Jerome Robbins’ greatest works: Glass Pieces. I find this ballet to be a conceptual masterpiece, laced with movement inspired by the thriving pulse of New York City. I remember coming to see Glass Pieces every chance I got back when I was a student at the School of American Ballet, so it is a nice thrill for me to be up there dancing this work now.
There is a moment of unreserved intensity—freshly-squeezed and illuminant—that I have the opportunity to experience in the ballet. It is a moment that lies on the border of terror and excitement. Right after the 2nd movement adagio section ends, the lights go from dim to blinding. The stage manager gives me a brash and pungent signal that she picks up from the conductor’s monitor, upon which I must burst into a full-sprint out of the front wing and circle the stage to the rhythmic music of what sounds almost like a tribal drumbeat. At that point, its as though I am able to feel the overwhelming saturation of my adrenaline, producing a high unparalleled by any other experience. The men and women of the corps then proceed to perform the third movement, where camaraderie is king and the patterns produced by the corps dancers end up steeling the show.
Glass Pieces will be performed one more time this season on Thursday night. If you haven’t seen it yet, it is well worth checking out.
Hal
Justin:
Can’t wait to see it again on Thursday. It is one of myh favorite Robins works. My other 2 favorites are the Cage and the Concert - which are all on the program with Other Dances. I can’t wait to see that program. I have even talked a friend and his wife into coming for the first time. If that doesn’t sell them on ballet nothing will.
Jun 08, 2009 @ 21:18
Philip
It must be exciting to have the stage all to yourself. You looked great, Justin - really dynamic.
It’s a favorite ballet of mine. One of these days we’ll need to see you dance the adagio.
Jun 08, 2009 @ 21:36
Sandi
Justin, I haven’t gotten to see Glass Pieces, but I just wanted to pass along kudos for your beautiful performance partnering Teresa this weekend in Concerto Barocco. My current favorite ballet- beautifully danced!
Jun 08, 2009 @ 22:03
Evan
It’s wonderful to read that Glass Pieces is as thrilling to dance as it is to watch. I was there on Saturday night, and you and the whole cast transferred your adrenaline rush to the audience. Bravo! It truly is a timeless masterpiece.
Jun 09, 2009 @ 00:49
Susan
My husband and I saw the Sunday, June 7 performance, which was magnificent. Even though we have seen NYCB perform this many times in the past, it never fails to move us. My husband, an artist, was moved to tears on Sunday — always a good guage of the beauty of the work!
Jun 09, 2009 @ 10:54
A Little Tea or Something
Love, love, love that photo; read the Times review. Hope I get to see the ballet someday.
Jun 09, 2009 @ 14:25