The lights dim, the orchestra’s music ascends, and the anticipation in the room becomes palpable. As the audience’s murmuring slows into a hushed silence, the curtain opens, and my eyes become glued to the shining green costumes and long, flowing skirts of the dancers in the first act of Jewels. The extravagance of the Boston Opera House, also known as the Citizens Opera House, is unmatched in my own experience.
Originally built in memory of B.F. Keith, a pioneer of the evolution of American entertainment and show business, its elaborately carved ceilings and gilded interiors reminded me of an older opulence, like an American-made Versailles. The opera house’s extensive history of restoration to increase its longevity has been undertaken by various influential figures, including Live Nation Entertainment, the mayor of Boston, and even a Kennedy.Â
In a theatre that embodies American legacies, Jewels is an homage to the renowned choreographer George Balanchine. It leads the audience through three periods of ballet, reflective of his life and impact on the art form.
- Emeralds
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The first section of the show captures the romantic era of ballet. There were great scenes with an array of dancers as well as more focused solos. The first part of the ballet was beautiful to experience. From the long, green tulle skirts the dancers wear to the flowing music made by a French composer, this part of Jewels dazzles the audience with an alluring picture of Parisian elegance and liberty.Â
- Rubies
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Speaking of liberty, the second installment in this ballet practically embodied it!
Rubies was energetic, with the music and choreography inspired by New York jazz and Broadway becoming dramatically more complex. As I sat in the audience, the word “skill” rose to the top of my mind as the dancers kicked high and leaped as though the higher-energy music coursed through them. This was my favorite section of the ballet, and it felt the most fun in an almost mischievous way.
- Diamonds
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The final section of Jewels was a powerful representation of the grandeur and strength of diamonds, which reflected Balanchine’s early career and education in Russian Ballet. The symmetry and organization of the ballet dancers in scenes with larger ensembles reminded me of the crystalline structures that form classic gems.
As a girl with a passion for fashion, the way the costumes of the main soloists radiated in bursts of starlight captivated me to no end. Literally, I was smiling because they were so, so sparkly. It was a perfect closer to the wondrous show.
Go experience Jewels for yourself this year before November 16th!
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