Guest Attraction: New Jersey Ballet presents Red, White and Blue

Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with New Jersey Ballet in a powerful evening of dance that captures the spirit, energy, innovation and resilience of the nation through the language of ballet. Red, White and Blue brings together iconic masterworks and bold contemporary voices in a program that reflects the many dimensions of the American experience while honoring New Jersey’s essential role in the fight for independence and the shaping of the nation.

Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with New Jersey Ballet in a powerful evening of dance that captures the spirit, energy, innovation and resilience of the nation through the language of ballet. Red, White and Blue brings together iconic masterworks and bold contemporary voices in a program that reflects the many dimensions of the American experience while honoring New Jersey’s essential role in the fight for independence and the shaping of the nation.

Representing the ‘Red’ of the program is Ulysses Dove’s electrifying Red Angels, a landmark of contemporary American dance. Dove’s work is fierce, urgent, and emotionally charged, reflecting courage, sacrifice and the intensity of the American spirit. Widely regarded as one of the great late-20th-century American choreographers, Dove expanded the possibilities of ballet through movement that was both physically fearless and deeply human.

At the heart of the program is George Balanchine’s radiant Allegro Brillante, a work often described by Balanchine himself as containing “everything I know about classical ballet.” Set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s soaring Piano Concerto No. 3, the ballet embodies the brilliance, optimism, and dynamism that define the ‘White‘ of the evening — purity of classical form elevated through unmistakably American speed, musicality and athleticism.

Representing the ‘Blue‘ of the program are two distinctly American works that together reflect both the enduring traditions and evolving spirit of the nation. George Balanchine’s beloved Stars & Stripes Pas de Deux bursts to life with virtuosic energy, precision and humor in an exuberant celebration of Americana set to the marches of John Philip Sousa. Its pageantry and patriotic spirit embody perseverance, optimism and the enduring ideals of the United States. Complementing this iconic work is Penny Saunders’ contemporary ballet Sur le Fil, a lyrical and emotionally nuanced work of sweeping movement that reflects the evolving voice of American choreography today. Balancing delicacy with strength, the ballet speaks to the interconnectedness, complexity and forward momentum of a nation continually redefining itself while remaining grounded in resilience and unity.

As America marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this program holds particular resonance in New Jersey — a state central to the Revolutionary War and the fight for freedom. Known as the ‘Crossroads of the American Revolution,’ New Jersey witnessed more Revolutionary War battles and military engagements than any other colony. Through this uniquely American repertory, New Jersey Ballet honors both the nation’s history and the artistic innovation that continues to define its cultural legacy.

Red, White and Blue is more than a performance — it is a celebration of America through movement, music and the enduring power of the arts to unite, inspire, and reflect the spirit of a nation.

Photo Credit: Stars & Stripes Pas de Deux © Samuel Bouret

New Jersey Ballet is the resident ballet company at MPAC.

Founded in 1958, New Jersey Ballet has been committed to presenting and expanding ballet to communities throughout New Jersey and beyond for over sixty-five years. The Company has built a reputation for excellence, offering audiences a rich tapestry of performances that showcase both timeless classics and cutting-edge contemporary works.

Since 2021, New Jersey Ballet has been expanding under the artistic leadership of Maria Kowroski. Ms. Kowroski, a former principal dancer at New York City Ballet for twenty-five years, brings her vast experience and vision to New Jersey Ballet. Under her direction, the Company’s repertory has grown to include works by choreographers such as George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, Justin Peck, Peter Martins and Gustavao Sansano. Additionally, Ms. Kowroski has commissioned new innovative works by Harrison Ball, a former New York City Ballet principal dancer, and Lauren Lovette, the Resident Choreographer of Paul Taylor Dance Company and former New York City Ballet principal dancer.

Ms. Kowroski’s leadership has elevated New Jersey Ballet to new heights of prominence. The Company has performed at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center in New York for Dance Against Cancer, Kaatsban in Tivoli, New York and Works in Process at the Guggenheim. These performances have not only showcased the extraordinary talent of New Jersey Ballet’s dancers but also highlighted the Company’s commitment to artistic growth and community engagement.

New Jersey Ballet’s long history is marked by a dedication to providing world-class ballet experiences. Through innovative programming, educational outreach and a steadfast commitment to artistic excellence, New Jersey Ballet continues to inspire and captivate audiences, ensuring a vibrant future for ballet in New Jersey and beyond.

Minimum Age Requirements

All patrons, including small children, must have a ticket to enter the theater. All performances are appropriate for ages 5+ as long as guests are not disruptive to other patrons’ enjoyment of the performance. MPAC’s ushers will ask anyone causing a disturbance during a performance to leave the auditorium and view the performance on the screen in the lobby regardless of age.