Summary

Tape one of two. One in this series on the performing arts. In this program -- one in a series of live broadcasts from the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City -- the American Ballet Theatre performs at the Metropolitan Opera House. Host Robert MacNeil, standing in the wings, welcomes viewers to the program and introduces the production stating that tonight's performance consists of four ballets. The first performance, choreographed by Michel Fokine, is to Chopin's "Les Sylphides" and features Rebecca Wright, Marianna Tcherkassky, and Ivan Nagy. Next, Natalia Makarova and Fernando Bujones dance to Leon Minkus's Grand Pas de Deux from "Don Quixote," choreographed by Marius Petipa. At intermission, Robert MacNeil interviews Natalia Makarova, Fernando Bujones, and Erik Bruhn and they discuss the following topics: how Makarova keeps her dancing spontaneous and fresh; artistic freedom in the West; dancing a classical repertoire, and Makarova's recovery from her recent pregnancy. In addition, all three dancers discuss partnering and what each dancer needs and expects from their dance partner. Continues with T:76086.002.

Cataloging of this program was made possible by The Edward John Noble Foundation.