Balanchine choreographed a unique solo for Violette Verdy in Emeralds. She said that Balanchine was inspired by Michel Fokine’s style of port de bras in her solo. Watch the video below to hear her discuss this, and how she leaves “Valentines” in her dancing .
Violette in Emeralds. Photo by Fred Fehl, 1967. Harry Ransom Center.
To watch Violette perform an excerpt of her solo in practice clothes in an archival recording. If I remember correctly, John Clifford said these recordings were made when a musicians’ strike postponed the season and these library recordings were made sans orchestra and sans costumes. Although costumes add new artistic elements to choreography, it is also wonderful to see Violette’s artistry unobstructed by a tutu!
Violette Verdy in Emeralds. Photo by Fred Fehl, 1967. Harry Ransom Center.
NYPL archival recording of Violette via John Clifford’s YouTube channel
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