Edward Villella and Patricia McBride. Photo by Fred Fehl, 1961. Harry Ransom Center. Edward Villella on Symphony in C: “I loved ending with this ballet. It was something I knew I could really do—it suited my abilities. I could hear the audience gasp and hear the round of thunderous applause when I made my first exit during the movement. The gasp and the applause rang out again when I did the repeat. It stirred me up, higher than I'd ever been. (left) Francisco Moncion & Melis

Robert Lyon. Photo by Costas, Arlene Croce: "In his latest work for New York City Ballet, Jerome Robbins uses a Glass score; he even uses...