Tschaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2

(1941)

Choreography

George Balanchine

Music

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

38 minutes

Created in 1941, Tschaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2—also known as Ballet Imperial—is George Balanchine’s magnificent homage to the grandeur of classical Russian ballet. Set to Tchaikovsky’s soaring score, the ballet strips away story to focus on pure dance, transforming traditional steps into an expansive display of musicality, structure, and technical brilliance.

A quintessential neoclassical ballet, the work unfolds in three movements that mirror the concerto’s structure, featuring a commanding leading ballerina and sweeping ensemble passages. Originally created for American Ballet Caravan as a tribute to Imperial Russian ballet, Balanchine revised the staging in 1973 to emphasize the pure relationship between movement and music. Today, it remains a cornerstone of the classical repertory, admired for its brilliance and vitality.

George Balanchine (1904-1983) was a Russian-American choreographer, widely regarded as the “Father of American Ballet”. He revolutionized the art form, and co-founded the New York City Ballet in 1948, creating over 465 ballets.

Balanchine Technique emphasizes athleticism, speed, and expressiveness, shaping a style that highlights the dancer's individual artistry.

Some of Balanchine’s most iconic ballets include Serenade, Agon, Jewels, Firebird, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, and of course, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

At Miami City Ballet, Balanchine’s legacy is at the core of who we are. As one of the few companies to have performed the majority of his works, we are deeply rooted in his innovative vision and timeless choreography.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) was a Russian composer whose sweeping melodies and rich orchestrations made him one of the most beloved composers in ballet history. His scores for Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker remain cornerstones of the classical repertoire.