Company Premiere

Moves

(1959)

Choreography

Jerome Robbins

27 minutes

Jerome Robbins’ Moves strips away the usual elements of ballet—costumes, sets, and music—to focus entirely on the raw power of movement. The dancers themselves generate the sounds, adding an unexpected layer of intensity to this minimalist piece. Without the usual musical cues or scenic distractions, Moves invites the audience to experience the dance purely for what it is: the movement itself. By removing external influences, Robbins creates a space where the audience can fully engage with the choreography, responding directly to the gestures, energy, and curiosity of the dancers. It’s a bold exploration of the connection between movement and perception, where the dance speaks for itself.

Photo courtesy of Costas Cacaroukas.

Jerome Robbins (1918-1998), born in New York City, was a master choreographer and director renowned for his innovative contributions to both ballet and Broadway. A protégé of George Balanchine, Robbins trained at the School of American Ballet and went on to dance with the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo. He was a principal choreographer for the New York City Ballet, where his works, including West Side Story and Fiddler on the Roof, bridged the worlds of classical ballet and musical theater.

In Moves (1959), Robbins pushed the boundaries of ballet by stripping away traditional elements like costumes, sets, and music. The work is a daring exploration of movement itself, with the dancers' own sounds creating the rhythmic foundation. Moves invites audiences to focus purely on the dance, revealing the depth of expression that can emerge from the simplest of gestures. Robbins’ fearless innovation continues to influence dance and theater today, solidifying his legacy as one of the 20th century’s most influential choreographers.