Jewels - 'Rubies' pas de deux (Balanchine; Sarah Lamb, Steven McRae; The Royal Ballet)

Jewels uses three gem stones as starting points to explore an array of musical and dance styles, each intimately connected to Balanchine’s own life and career. Sarah Lamb and Steven McRae perform the pas de deux from the 'Rubies' movement. Subscribe to our channel and find out more at roh.org.uk.
George Balanchine’s glittering ballet Jewels was inspired by the beauty of the gem stones he saw in the New York store of jewellers Van Cleef & Arpels. He went on to make history with this, the first abstract three-act ballet, first performed in 1967 by New York City Ballet. Jewels was performed in full by The Royal Ballet for the first time in 2007, using costume designs from the original NYCB production and new set designs by Jean-Marc Puissant.
Each of the three movements draws on a different stone for its inspiration and a different composer for its sound. The French Romantic music of Fauré provides the impetus for the lyricism of ‘Emeralds’. The fire of ‘Rubies’ comes from Stravinsky and the jazz-age energy of New York. Grandeur and elegance complete the ballet in ‘Diamonds’, with the splendour of Imperial Russia and Tchaikovsky’s opulent Third Symphony. Each section salutes a different era in classical ballet’s history as well as a distinct period in Balanchine’s own life. Through it all, Balanchine displays his genius for combining music with visionary choreography.

[@RoyalBalletAndOpera]

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[@em.kay21]

I think we can all agree that Sarah Lamb and Steven McRae are just the op partner coupling of ballet

[@sanemiko5848]

they are INCREDIBLE together

[@argella1300]

Aren’t they married IRL?

[@em.kay21]

argella1300 haha no, at least I’m pretty sure, that would be awesome tho.

[@xominari]

@Thora Friganza yeah I think think they have 3 kids or two

[@wingsofindigo4962]

Nah, Steven IS married to a former soloist with Royal Ballet though- Elizabeth Harrod; she just left RB this year

[@multifandomk-nerd9944]

Sarah Lamb and Steven McRae are truly terrific dancers who really embody the roles of which they play.

[@kathymyers7279]

I dont think so.

[@nin-nin2]

@@kathymyers7279 and why is that?

[@eurekamreum5458]

@@kathymyers7279 you obviously haven't seen them performing Mayerling

[@GuilhermeAlves-md6io]

My favorite partnership in ROH. Absolutely the bests

[@eurekamreum5458]

For me it's a tie between them and Vadim/Marianela. Yasmin Naghdi and Matthew Ball have also become one of my favorites.

[@SuicideJade]

I could watch Steven and Sarah dance together forever. They have such great chemistry as dance partners.

[@veronicamoravega7754]

Out of all the ruby pas de deux I´ve ever seen, this couple it's my favorite! Their synchronization its insane, such a delight to watch.

[@bobbibuttons8730]

My 2 all time favourite dancers. They are simply breathtaking

[@pavlaki1]

These two were the real highlight of the first run at the Opera House: just brilliant to watch. It seems that the set has been changed since then; it was previously too fussy, and has fortunately been simplified.

[@savannahmartin3682]

Sarah and Steven perform this piece like no other couple. They are truthfully mesmerizing and this is a performance that really stays with the viewer.

[@henkknaap8781]

A joy to watch these two great dancers, and in this clear and briljant choreogrphy of George Ballanchine ! Emboites by a male dancer,,,it looks so beautiful and makes me smile Wow so joyful and beautiful. 🌷🌷

[@brindmusicnerd]

Her limbs are fascinating - so elegant, so beautiful.... I’m hypnotised!

[@pennywebb867]

It has been awhile since I have seen Stephen dance. Such a pleasure to see these two together.

[@TheDelfinlady]

Love those two together!

[@rosiegreen813]

This is by far the most perfect of all the "Rubies" I have ever seen. Because Lamb and McRae are of similar height, they emphasise the movements extra cleanly and clearly

[@allistairmitchell3845]

The physicality of form between McRae and Lamb is absolutely perfect.

[@ESPHMacD]

After the workshop we saw, I was wondering if we were going to get a full video of them in costume. Yay!

[@rafaelasabchucalovato9439]

Yes yes yesssssssssss

[@gonderage]

It fascinates me to watch the dancers display their technique and control in this performance.

[@BooFlo62]

I'd love to see some recordings of the soloists- maybe a debut video? Like, dancing a role for the first time? It must be both nerve racking and incredible. We know and love the Principals, I'd love to see more of the up-and-coming dancers.

[@xtineg780]

There's a few videos of them rehearsing this on the ROH page.

[@cynthiafletcher9845]

It is a pleasure to watch both dancers perform together with their great techniques and attention to details. C❤❤❤

[@katydidiy]

I have watched this at least a dozen times!

[@yealim99]

As always she is perfect

[@kathymyers7279]

Shes stiff.

[@yealim99]

@@kathymyers7279 lol i dont think so

[@GiyongAhn]

I am so curious how Yuhui would dance this role. I saw the review that she was terrific.

[@anabeatrizapsepaes7175]

my favorite duo attacks again - so exuberant!!!

[@Sandrah326]

Que execução primorosa! Lindooooo!🙏👏👏👏❤️💐🇧🇷

[@carolineheard5641]

Please please please put up the rest of it! It is so amazing!

[@euphemiaprotopapas4220]

One of my favorite pas de deux!!!❤

[@angelai.k3744]

Are we ever going to get dvds for jewels? Im dying to see the whole thing and i know they were on live cinema!

[@multifandomk-nerd9944]

*claps vigorously behind computer screen*

[@trendymaths2467]

Robert Lee, Countertenor that was unnecessary if you ask me. And people do watch KZbin on a computer for your information. It’s not like computers are extinct nowadays.

[@tink6225]

@Robert Lee, Countertenor im literally watching on my computer and i was born 2006

[@user-zg4gw1wx7s]

delightful performance! perfectly precise movements seemed to merge with the music!

[@barnabyrt1012]

What a great dancer, Steven McRae, and handsome.

[@Ken.Kaleidoscope]

Their bodies are so hypnotic

[@themaybeso6117]

I know people can be hyperbolic about ballet but this really was a moment

[@karenness5588]

Generally I admire male physical prowess more than women's; it's more ubiquitous. But ballerinas take the cake when it comes to absolute grace. Wow.

[@teijaflink2226]

I love the power and speed in male dancers bur too the incredible crace and beauty from the female dancers. Our bodies with bit different natural capabilities compliment each other.

[@karenness5588]

@@teijaflink2226 Male and female, the original team, the original society. Complimentary division of labor.

[@pedinurse1]

Sarah is stunning always

[@emilyhardin2307]

So beautiful!

[@yuhjupiter]

her extensions🥺🥺❤️

[@deemathews2048]

So strangely beautiful...

[@therrykeasberry425]

wow just beautiful!! and those legs,,,,,on both of them,,,,absolutely great dance team👏🏼👏🏼

[@marktwain380]

A truly stunning pair!

Please release it as a DVD!!!

[@wendynerd1199]

I can't stop staring at her legs!

[@kaelaalvarez9358]

Wendy Nerd and her feet?!?!??!! Her feet are amazing

[@wendynerd1199]

@@kaelaalvarez9358 I know, right? She is the queen of everything from the waist down!

[@edinshealtiel3754]

And Me....wow..

[@gillschmid5267]

Magnificent, everything is sublime. Thank you.

[@adaliia]

Her costume is so pretty

[@teijaflink2226]

I don't know if it's the point but there is sort of humour in this choreography, it's different, captivating to watch these two dancers.

[@tee1951]

What a dream team

[@chasingamurderer]

He is amazing

[@divakimmy]

Beyond gorgeous!

[@AlamannoCapecchi]

Stupendamente bello!

[@kunoichihawaii146]

They're in everything together🤣

[@acbelton19]

So amazing 😍

[@monongahelacats]

I love the dancers, but detest Rubies. I just can't stomach the choreography. I know this an unpopular opinion.

[@LH-ro2ot]

I agree with you. It does nothing for me either.

[@823112coffeebean]

I can’t disagree. This version is beautifully executed and the costumes are gorgeous. It just isn’t my favourite choreography. I’m looking for more of their work now as they are wonderful ❤️

[@ev3977]

I find the choreography interesting in all of its goofiness. But the rubies costumes are just really absurd looking to me. Maybe that suits the choreography though

[@madiseniman8013]

Wait, I'm glad it's not just me because what am I watching. I hate this.

[@carolinerhiannon5309]

To be completely honest with you...if someone gave me a thousand dollars, I usually say [a huge library] [traveling the world] [charities] [etc.] but when all is said and done I would probably spend it all on going to professional ballets. (I've only been to one and I LONG for more!!)

[@SS-ui7by]

Bruh this is AWESOME ASF✋🏽😵💯💯💯

[@friendusesthisaccountnocom9928]

I like the costume colours,

[@xMia311]

So lovely! I’ve been wondering, why no Nutcracker this year?

[@glynnwright1699]

It was broadcast on the 17th December. Coppelia is equally 'feel good' and has been missing from the repertoire of the RB for a very long time. Sadler's Wells had a production for those who needed their 'fix'.

[@lauraalvisi5013]

Because we've been fed with Nutcracker for 4/5 consecutive years, and people want to watch something different every once in a while.

[@xMia311]

Oh I understand that, but hadn’t they been putting it on every year since 1982?

[@chibamoon6410]

I wasn't ready

[@allisonanderson3373]

This was captivating.

[@erinthomasent]

Sarah is INCREDIBLE but she needs to take off her arch enhancers for flexed feet choreography.

[@claireschweizer4765]

This is sooooooo jazzy😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@doctorfuller9514]

Skimbleshanks!

[@candelagonzalez9917]

Saludos desde España

[@Cat-no8ts]

Umm....I was seriously waiting for more!

[@lashuerfanitasadorables8453]

Amazing!

[@theoptimistvibe3678]

This is lovely ❤️ could you post Nunez’s diamonds pas?

[@2co125]

wonderful

[@zacharyfarr5044]

Please release this on Blu-ray through OPUS ARTE. Currently the only 2 performances of JEWLS are marred by horrible video artifacts.

[@Guims83]

Sarah Lamb is truly a beautiful ballerina, but somehow I don't feel that Rubies is suiting her, she looks so delicate and soft... The technique is perfectly executed but the spirit is not here for me. Steven Mc Rae on the other hand gets the style easily in my opinion. Seduction and a bit of snobbish (in a good way).

[@dmmchugh3714]

Is McRae back at ROH ? I understand he had severe injury: is he training or rehabbing ? He is my favorite male dancer , can't wait to see him back on stage (even virtual stage ).

[@bernardmansire8642]

wow

[@kathymyers7279]

I dont know. Something about her moving isnt jazzy enough. Like a slight stiffness in her upper body or something. But I shouldnt compare an English dancer with a American. Shes lovely !

[@TsiTsiLP]

Kathy Myers exactly. It hardly looks like the same ballet! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqiwm6qbqqqJfNU

[@cathyb46]

You cannot compare she is an American

[@TsiTsiLP]

@@cathyb46 so English can't be jazzy?

[@cathyb46]

@@TsiTsiLP didn't say that, was answering the comment that was implied she was English as I understood the statement made re comparrison🙂

[@noblesetsentimentales]

@@cathyb46 Sarah may be an American, but her training was Russian. Her teacher was Tatiana Legat. Great training for sure, but very different, to say the least, from what it's taught at the School of American Ballet.

[@momof2momof2]

She is very good. He just wants to wear her crown

[@montserratlimaperez2203]

Hermoso yo solo habia visto cortes en la serie de en cuerpo y alma

[@paulaz.flaquer9570]

Es la misma flesh and bone cierto?

[@GrixieKong]

What’s up with the music? Is it making some grand statement that I’m not getting... or is it just discordant and hard to listen to?

[@kathymyers7279]

Its Stravinsky. Either you like him or you dont.

[@GrixieKong]

That makes sense- I actually DON’T care for Stravinsky! I didn’t realize the score was his. Thanks!

[@KyokiPon]

My new found love is men in leotards dang

[@dancingpenguin9955]

Steven mcray

[@jackson5802]

It looks like she's pushing too far over her pointe shoes at times. I don't know if the choreographers intended this, but every time she pushes over I'm terrified for her ankles.

[@letoilee8906]

Bof. On voit trop l'inquiétude technique.

[@angelicpearlie]

Hello I’m the first comment

[@manoharmano3600]

hello! and I'm the first one to reply to the first comment.

[@ElizabethGlasby]

Dancing is weird

[@leslyetrejo6836]

i love ballet but this dance wasnt it.

[@MrTsetso]

Is it really necessary he to look so gay-ish? The costume I mean.

[@amandadevasconcellos]

Yep

[@wendynerd1199]

Lmao what does that even mean?

[@bookmilla8616]

Let me guess, you know nothing about ballet.

[@SuicideJade]

The tights are the way that they are so you can focus on the beautiful strength and movement. Sexuality has nothing to do with it. There are many heterosexual male ballet dancers. This man is one of them.

[@evetei]

Mr. Tsetso It’s just in your mind...

[@miariny]

bu üçlü ço(ü)k güçlü

[@meryemsanl4352]

🍆 çok güçlü çok