The Stanley Williams Class - A Live Demonstration with Analysis

The iconic ballet classes taught by Stanley Williams were renowned for instilling flowing movement, musicality and clear footwork in his students and the professional dancers also in attendance. His work at the School of American Ballet, from 1964-1997, became integral not only to future Balanchine company members, but also to some of the best dancers of the day, including Peter Martins, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Rudolph Nureyev, and Fernando Bujones.

Peter Stark, president and director of The Rock School for Dance Education, one of Williams’ former students, and a former New York City Ballet dancer, presents a sample class demonstrated by a New York City Ballet dancer. Working from 13 classes notated by author and former NYCB dancer Barbara Walczak, with additional input from Robert Weiss, the demonstration focuses on Williams’ class structure, the purpose of the deceivingly simple combinations, and how the exercises were used to correct and instruct. This program is presented in conjunction with The George Balanchine Foundation.

Please also join us later in the day for a panel discussion on Williams' legacy in the Bruno Walter Auditorium at 6 PM. 

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