Description: For this two-part ballet of waltzes for piano duet and vocal quartet set to poems by Friedrich Daumer and one, the last, set to a poem by Goethe, the dancers are joined on stage by the musicians and singers. All are dressed in period ballroom costumes. During the first set of 18 waltzes the four couples dance in interweaving combinations in an intimate, elegantly-appointed ballroom. For these dances, the women wear dancing slippers. After a brief lowering of the curtain, the couples return to dance 14 waltzes, the women wearing ballet dresses and toe shoes. They leave the stage; returning in their original costumes, then pause to listen to the final waltz set to Goethe's words: "Now, Muses, enough! You try in vain to portray how misery and happiness alternate in a loving heart!" Within the strict three-quarter beat personal and romantic associations between the couples are developed. Of Liebeslieder Walzer, Balanchine said: "In the first act, it is the real people who are dancing. In the second act, it is their souls."

Venue Description:

Upcoming Events at New York City Ballet:

• American Music Festival - All Martins - 05/18/13
  
• American Music Festival - Martins/Robbins - 05/18/13 - 05/19/13