Jerome Robbins was a genius—there’s no other word for it. His choreography dances on the razor’s edge between precision and spontaneity, between Broadway razzle-dazzle and ballet’s sublime grace. So when a festival dedicated to his work comes along, expectations soar. The recent Robbins celebration delivered moments of sheer brilliance, but also reminded us that even legends have their uneven edges.
### The Sparkling Highlights
Some pieces shone with Robbins’ signature wit and fluidity. *Fancy Free*, his 1944 sailor romp, still crackles with youthful energy—those sailors swagger, stumble, and charm with timeless appeal. And *Dances at a Gathering*, a lyrical masterpiece, felt as fresh as ever, the dancers moving like leaves caught in a gentle wind. Robbins had an uncanny ability to make ballet feel both grand and deeply personal, and these works prove it.
### The Intimate Moments
What struck me most was how Robbins’ choreography breathes intimacy. Even in large ensembles, there’s a sense of private conversations unfolding—a glance, a touch, a fleeting gesture that speaks volumes. In *Other Dances*, the interplay between dancers was so nuanced it felt like eavesdropping on a whispered secret. That’s Robbins’ magic: he turns movement into storytelling without a single word.
### The Imperfections
Not every piece landed perfectly. Some revivals felt under-rehearsed, missing the razor-sharp precision Robbins demanded. And while his Broadway numbers dazzle, a few lacked the raw spontaneity that made them revolutionary in their time. But maybe that’s the point—Robbins’ work isn’t meant to be flawless. It’s alive, human, sometimes messy, just like the emotions he captured so brilliantly.
### Final Thoughts
A Robbins festival is a gift, even when it stumbles. His work reminds us why dance matters—it’s joy, sorrow, chaos, and beauty all tangled together. If you missed this one, keep an eye out for the next. Because Robbins’ choreography? It never really goes out of style.
—*DanceWami*
