Review: Jewels (The National Ballet of Canada)

Ending the 2023/2024 season at the National Ballet of Canada is George Balanchine’s Jewels, a plotless ballet that centers around three precious stones: Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds. Each gem is represented in a separate act, with costumes designed by Barbara Karinska that match their brilliance, and are brought to life by music from renowned composers: Fauré, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky. This ballet is a showcase of three distinct styles that have shaped Balanchine’s illustrious career: French Romanticism, Contemporary American, and Russian Classicism. 

With only grand white curtains framing the stage, the focus remains firmly on the dancers and choreography in this propless and setless dance extravaganza. Jewels is a unique ballet in Balanchine’s repertoire, recognized as the first full-length abstract ballet. Balanchine’s work often revolved around his muses, several of whom he married. In Jewels, each act is not only inspired by his training but was created on three different famous muses: Violette Verdy for Emeralds, Patricia McBride for Rubies, and Suzanne Farrell for Diamonds. There is truly something for everyone in Jewels, the dancers included!

The first act, Emeralds, focuses on 19th-century dances of French Romanticism, set to the music of Gabriel Fauré. It looks like a scene straight out of a Degas painting, with many beautiful tableaux and picture-perfect moments. This act is romantic, soft, and unhurried, taking its time with beautiful, expressive hand movements and a few playful elements to keep you engaged. My favorite moment was the clock-like motion of the leg in arabesque—a quick, staccato movement around like a clock, reminiscent of a ballet version of the comfy couch stretch. The men in this act truly shine, particularly Kota Sato, whose technique is simply gorgeous.

Next up, my favorite act of them all, is the Rubies act, which brings a unique jazzy layer to the work. This act feels the most quintessentially Balanchine, with hip thrusts and ballet technique that is tilted and twisted, even mid-jump. Red and ballet go together like apple pie and ice cream, creating an atmosphere that feels as if it were made for the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. The hands and feet flex, emphasizing sharp angles, and the dancers resemble wind-up dolls or characters from the ragtime era. This act really centers on the women, with the stunning Koto Ishihara and Monika Haczkiewicz at its forefront. 

The music is composed by Igor Stravinsky, my favorite of the three composers in Jewels, and its uniqueness and energy perfectly complements the choreography. Although it is only act two, the dancers received a standing ovation for this act due to its tricky choreography and their beautiful performances.

Lastly, we are met with the Diamond act, following Balanchine’s time with the Imperial Ballet of Russia, set to music by ballet's favorite composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This act embodies what people often imagine when they think of ballet—pristine white costumes, sparkles, romantic dancing, and a wealth of beautiful shapes and patterns. The choreography is filled with arabesques, bourrées, and fantastic pointe work.

The main pas de deux is performed by Heather Ogden and Ben Rudisin. Both dance beautifully, but it is Ogden who truly shines. She dances with such a deep connection to the music and movement. It feels like this is her ballet and that the role was created for her. I found their pas de deux almost trance-like, forgetting anyone else was in the room. The two are supported by a large corps de ballet, who demonstrates near-perfect synchronization and also enhance the grandeur and elegance of the Diamonds act.

Jewels, to me, is one of the ultimate works for teaching students about the different styles and eras of ballet, showcasing such great stylistic diversity. I highly recommend this ballet to any teachers or student groups with dance or arts units. It's an ideal choice for end-of-the-year field trips - if only the University classes I teach went until June!

What an ending to a fabulous season! I must say that the audience at the National Ballet this year has truly been a highlight. Each act of Jewels opened to audible oohs and aahs, creating a fun and communal experience. The standing ovations were heartfelt and enthusiastically started by the audience—and they were well deserved.

Bravo to a great season!

Jewels, presented by the National Ballet of Canada at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 4G1) is playing until June 22, 2024. Tickets range from $46 to $256. Tickets can be purchased online here.

National.Ballet.ca | Socials: @nationalballet

• Photo 1: Ben Rudisin and Heather Ogden in Diamonds from Jewels. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
• Photo 2: Tina Pereira and Donald Thom in Emeralds from Jewels. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
• Photo 3: Monika Haczkiewicz with Artists of the Ballet in Rubies from Jewels. Photo by Karolina Kuras.
• Photo 4: Heather Ogden and Ben Rudisin in Diamonds from Jewels. Photo by Karolina Kuras.

Written by Deanne Kearney. DeanneKearney.com @deannekearney