N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz

Premiered in 1958, Opus Jazz is a landmark work by Jerome Robbins that helped redefine what ballet could be. Often called a “ballet in sneakers,” the piece embraces the rhythms, attitudes, and kinetic drive of American jazz, breaking boldly from classical tradition. Robbins conceived the ballet as a reflection of its time—urban, youthful, and modern—drawing from popular dance forms rooted in Black and Latin American culture and the expressive energy of postwar America.

Structured as a series of distinct sections rather than a narrative, Opus Jazz unfolds like a living jazz suite. Sharp precision meets relaxed swagger as dancers blend balletic technique with grounded movement and syncopated rhythm. Individuals emerge from and return to the group like soloists in a jazz ensemble, highlighting both personal expression and collective pulse. This season marks the ballet’s company premiere for Miami City Ballet, bringing a vibrant and historically significant work into the repertoire.