Ballet: Gem Dandy

When most men visit Van Cleef & Arpels, the jewelry salon on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, the result is likely to be an overdrawn bank account. When George Balanchine visits Van Cleef & Arpels, the result is a ballet. Jeweler Claude Arpels once suggested that Balanchine create a jewel-inspired dance, so the choreographer took a stroll past the store's gleaming showcases, and sure enough, his head filled with visions of bedecked ballerinas. Why not a trilogy, he thought, based on the motifs of emeralds, rubies and diamonds?

Balanchine's polished New York City Ballet troupe gave the untitled work its premiere last week...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!