NYCB Tours, 1960s

[researcher33]

A person whose word I consider unimpeachable has described to me a visit of the New York City Ballet--or perhaps a small contingent of the company--to Indiana Univ., in Bloomington, probably 1965, or possibly late 1964. He describes viewing a rehearsal and being taken backstage after the performance, where he was introduced to both Jacques D'Amboise and George Balanchine. Does anyone remember such a tour, or have a suggestion where I might confirm that it occurred--or did not?

Thanks.

jack, aka

researcher33

[Leigh Witchel]

I'd try contacting d'Amboise through the National Dance Institute

Also New York City Ballet (see if they have an archivist on their website) - if not that then perhaps the George Balanchine Foundation.

And also the theater department at IU - or even the dance department, if Violette Verdy is presently there.

Good luck.

[Mel Johnson]

From about 1961 to 1968, the Ford Foundation sponsored many contingents of NYCB dancers to "take ballet to the country", under the leadership of a distinguished principal or other luminary. Groups of 10-12 could take "Allegro Brilliante" out, or "Pas de Dix". Smaller groups (usually about 6) could take out a program of pas de deux and variations. I attended shows headed by Melissa Hayden, Muriel Stuart and Richard Tanner.

[Leigh Witchel]

Violette Verdy happened to be at City Center tonight watching San Francisco Ballet - she confirmed that NYCB did tour to Bloomington in the early sixties "but we performed in the big auditorium" along with other cities (I recall her mentioning Corning, NY) She did not immediately recall if d'Amboise was on that tour, but assumed he was.

You can contact her at IU to inquire further.

[Rackon]

Violette Verdy happened to be at City Center tonight watching San Francisco Ballet - she confirmed that NYCB did tour to Bloomington in the early sixties "but we performed in the big auditorium" along with other cities (I recall her mentioning Corning, NY) She did not immediately recall if d'Amboise was on that tour, but assumed he was.

You can contact her at IU to inquire further.

I remember this occassion as I was a preteen living in Indianapolis - about 12 years old at the time. Our dance teacher took a small group of students down to IU to see the NYCB, (even though she was not a particular fan of Balanchine, she respected him and thought we should see any major ballet company within reach). Much to my profound disappointment, I wasn't able to go with them. NYCB also regularly toured to Chicago in the sixties, often at the Ravinia Festival.

In adition to the Ford Foundation groups, quite a few major companies would have tours or residencies in the Midwest. Tours by the major international companies were not uncommon in secondary markets - the Bolshoi came to Indianapolis, Harkness had a residency at Clowes Hall in Indy, etc etc. I formed a terrible crush on Helgi Tommasson watching him rehearse.

Although I don't know how much she's actualy in Bloomington these days, Violette Verdy has been a wonderful addition to IU. We get at least one or two Balanchine ballets every year by the IU performers, and sometimes a Robbins work too. Being associated with a major music school means yje IU ballets get live music, superbly played by the various student orchestras and choruses, and the dancers are beautifully coached. Now with Michael Vernon (former Royal Ballet, London Festival Ballet, Eglevsky Ballet), we also have Ashton ballets to look forward to (Les Patineurs last season). The IU Ballet Theater program a couple weeks ago was Four Temperaments, Tharp's rarely performed Sweet Fields and a new work by Vernon which featured NYCB principal Daniel Ulbrecht.

It's a bit lonely being a Balanchine junky in Indianapolis. We don't have an active professional company (although Ballet Theater of Indianapolis is trying to launch).Since it's rather dificult to see performances by my favorite troups these days (NYCB, MCB, PNB), I've appreciated the program at IU, which is only a 50 minute drive away.

[carbro]

Sorry.

Violette Verdy happened to be at City Center tonight watching San Francisco Ballet -

Ms. Verdy gets around, oo-la-la! She was at Cynthia Gregory's event at Barnes & Noble/Lincoln Square earlier this evening.