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Q:
You chose two of George Balanchine’s long-established masterpieces
for this program. What makes these ballets so important as 20th century
American classics?
A:
Serenade
was the first ballet that Mr. B (George Balanchine)
choreographed in the U.S. And his choreography for
Serenade
still looks
innovative and refreshing to today’s audience.
Western Symphony
is one
of the largest ballets. Even though he was born and raised in Russia, he
understood the essence of Western culture and its musicality, and he was
able to adapt the dance routines of American square dancing into his
choreography for this ballet.
Q:
How has the
experience of dancing
under George Balanchine
at New York City Ballet
influenced your current
work as a director, teacher,
and choreographer?
A:
Mr. B was the reason
why I decided to stay in
New York. After studying
at his School of American
Ballet for two years, he
asked me to join New York
City Ballet in 1982. He
created the role of
Mercury for me in his new
ballet “Persephone” for
the Stravinsky Festival that
spring. I was only 17 years
old and so lucky to be
working with him so
Q & A
with Gen Horiuchi, Artistic Director
Gen Horiuchi in “La Vie”
Photo by Hidemi Seto
