Barbara Bocher. Photo by Walter E. Owen, 1952 "Underneath her treasure chest of jewels was a heart of gold, for she offered to do the costumes at cost as a favor to Mr. Balanchine. I remember going to my first fitting. She had me try on a half-finished costume and asked me to do some steps so she could see if it looked right when I moved. Mr. B was there and they stood together, he looking rather amused at my self-conscious adjustments. I was barefooted and barely covered up

Tonight NYCB's season opens with 3 ballets, one of which being Balanchine's Scotch Symphony. The ballet originally featured Maria...