ClassSchedule

Sparking watercolors-and-ink illustrations dance across the page and spill out onto a horizontal foldout of elephants and ballerinas spotlighted together--in the true story of "Circus Polka," choreographed in 1942 by George Balanchine, with music by Igor Stravinsky and performances by John Ringling North's elephants. Robert Andrew Parker brings his love of theater, dance, and costume to this captivating story. Leda Schubert's background note includes black-and-white photos of the actual performance.

Participants will dance to the Circus polka, color and receive a hair bow printed with…

of course, Elephants.

Sat., Aug., 24th $15. fee

Ages 3.5 – 5 10:30 – 11:30 6 and up 11:45 – 1:00

In 1942 Balanchine received a commission from Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus to choreograph a polka for elephants. Balanchine called Stravinsky and asked him to compose the piece. Stravinsky asked for whom the music was to be composed. “Elephants,” replied Balanchine. “How old?” asked Stravinsky. “Young.” "If they are very young, I will do it,” said the composer. Apparently, he was concerned that older elephants might be startled by the unusual rhythms and harmonies of the music, officially titled Circus Polka for Wind Symphony. Using a 2/4 meter, the music sometimes comically lurches like an elephant out of step. The orchestration — with prominence given to the bass drum, cymbals, and heavy brass — evokes a circus environment.

Morning adult classes which meet on Tues/Thurs run for 4 weeks, beginning July 23.

Fall 2019