While the Bolshoi Ballet was finishing its New York run in Madison Square Garden last week (see above), the New York City Ballet was staging its season's first new work, providing a striking contrast with the Russians' old-fashioned choreography. The premiere: Episodes, a two-part work set to the symphonic pieces of Viennese Atonalist Anton Webern (1883-1945). Choreographers: two modern masters of the dance, George Balanchine and Martha Graham, who had never worked together before.
Even now, their collaboration was strictly limited. Using mostly her own company and appearing herself in the leading role, Choreographer Graham presented the last struggles of Mary Queen...