Jewels – 'Rubies' pas de deux (Balanchine; Sarah Lamb, Steven McRae; The Royal Ballet)

George Balanchine’s glittering ballet Jewels was inspired by the beauty of the gem stones he saw in the New York store of jewellers Van Cleef & Arpels. He went on to make history with this, the first abstract three-act ballet, first performed in 1967 by New York City Ballet. Jewels was performed in full by The Royal Ballet for the first time in 2007, using costume designs from the original NYCB production and new set designs by Jean-Marc Puissant.

Each of the three movements draws on a different stone for its inspiration and a different composer for its sound. The French Romantic music of Fauré provides the impetus for the lyricism of ‘Emeralds’. The fire of ‘Rubies’ comes from Stravinsky and the jazz-age energy of New York. Grandeur and elegance complete the ballet in ‘Diamonds’, with the splendour of Imperial Russia and Tchaikovsky’s opulent Third Symphony. Each section salutes a different era in classical ballet’s history as well as a distinct period in Balanchine’s own life. Through it all, Balanchine displays his genius for combining music with visionary choreography.

[RoyalBalletAndOpera]

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[em.kay]

I think we can all agree that Sarah Lamb and Steven McRae are just the op partner coupling of ballet

[multifandomk-nerd]

Sarah Lamb and Steven McRae are truly terrific dancers who really embody the roles of which they play.

[GuilhermeAlves-mdio]

My favorite partnership in ROH. Absolutely the bests

[veronicamoravega]

Out of all the ruby pas de deux I´ve ever seen, this couple it's my favorite! Their synchronization its insane, such a delight to watch.

[pavlaki]

These two were the real highlight of the first run at the Opera House: just brilliant to watch. It seems that the set has been changed since then; it was previously too fussy, and has fortunately been simplified.

[brindmusicnerd]

Her limbs are fascinating - so elegant, so beautiful.... I’m hypnotised!

[bobbibuttons]

My 2 all time favourite dancers. They are simply breathtaking

[henkknaap]

A joy to watch these two great dancers, and in
this clear and briljant choreogrphy of George Ballanchine !
Emboites by a male dancer, , , it looks so beautiful and makes me smile
Wow so joyful and beautiful. 🌷🌷

[savannahmartin]

Sarah and Steven perform this piece like no other couple. They are truthfully mesmerizing and this is a performance that really stays with the viewer.

[ESPHMacD]

After the workshop we saw, I was wondering if we were going to get a full video of them in costume. Yay!

[pennywebb]

It has been awhile since I have seen Stephen dance. Such a pleasure to see these two together.

[allistairmitchell]

The physicality of form between McRae and Lamb is absolutely perfect.

[rosiegreen]

This is by far the most perfect of all the "Rubies" I have ever seen. Because Lamb and McRae are of similar height, they emphasise the movements extra cleanly and clearly

[gonderage]

It fascinates me to watch the dancers display their technique and control in this performance.

[BooFlo]

I'd love to see some recordings of the soloists- maybe a debut video? Like, dancing a role for the first time? It must be both nerve racking and incredible.
We know and love the Principals, I'd love to see more of the up-and-coming dancers.

[katydidiy]

I have watched this at least a dozen times!

[cynthiafletcher]

It is a pleasure to watch both dancers perform together with their great techniques and attention to details. C❤❤❤

[GiyongAhn]

I am so curious how Yuhui would dance this role. I saw the review that she was terrific.

[НаталіяПечерська-йт]

delightful performance! perfectly precise movements seemed to merge with the music!