NYCB Vol. 16 No. 7 - Donizetti Variations

Merrill Ashley in Donizetti Variations. Photo by Martha Swope, 1979.

Said one dancer of Donizetti Variations, ‘It’s like an endless series of finales.’ Violette Verdy mentioned circus horses, and , indeed, the character of the ballet could be compared to a perky little circus exhibition, a kind of prancing , show-off piece, with a nod to a traveling opera troupe. There are many small jumps, beats, precision footwork and hidden technical difficulties. Flourish, jump, hop, smile—the style is easy-going, the accompaniment bouncy and lilting, but virtuoso work is required.”

—Repertory in Review: 40 Years of the New York City Ballet by Nancy Reynolds

Below is footage of Merrill Ashley and Ib Andersen dancing the solos and the coda of Donizetti Variations: