Have you ever seen the opening of George Balanchine’s Serenade? It is absolutely breathtaking! The movement is very simple; mostly arms. Yet, you are drawn to the beauty.

I have told my young students that it is not always about the spectacular steps.  Yes, it’s important to be able to do multiple turns without falling out of them. And the leg lifted to split-like heights is amazing to see. But, there is so much more to dance.

I wish my students were at the NYC Ballet performance of Serenade at Saratoga Performing Arts Center the other night.  Then they would understand what I keep telling them.

I did find a YouTube video of Pacific Northwest Ballet performing the opening. However it doesn’t do it justice. It is more beautiful when you see it live.

Video clip of  opening piece of Serenade  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4ra_L_wPo0