San Francisco Ballet - Jewels

George Balanchine's sensational ballet

Inspired by gemstones emeralds, rubies, and diamonds, Jewels is a glittering ballet performed in three parts by the renowned San Francisco Ballet. Choreographed by George Balanchine, the performances are danced to the music of French composer Faur, Russian composer Stravinsky and famed musician of the Romantic period, Tchaikovsky.

Balanchine's masterpiece

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 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.