Jerome Robbins's influential 1958 ballet, "N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz," is being reinterpreted by the Miami City Ballet, shedding traditional ballet attire for sneakers, T-shirts, and leggings, mirroring its original street-smart ethos. This groundbreaking production, a highlight of artistic director Gonzalo Garcia's first full season, signifies a fresh direction for the company, blending its rich heritage with innovative contemporary elements. Garcia, who joined the Miami City Ballet last year, seeks to honor the company's legacy while embracing new choreographic voices and creative designs.
The current iteration of "Opus Jazz" is particularly compelling, given Robbins's existing influence within the Miami City Ballet. This version sees Robbins's vision infused with a modern sensibility, notably through Zac Posen's streetwear designs for GapStudio. These costumes represent the first official re-imagining of the ballet's stage wear since its debut almost seventy years ago, transforming the classic into something both familiar and revolutionary. Having first encountered the ballet as a dancer with the New York City Ballet, Garcia was captivated by its intensity and unique atmosphere, a quality he aims to amplify for Miami audiences, especially by juxtaposing it with George Balanchine's "Allegro Brillante" to create a striking contrast.
The reinvention of "Opus Jazz" is a meticulous process, with Jean-Pierre Frohlich, a close associate of Robbins, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the ballet's spirit endures. Frohlich, who oversees Robbins's ballets globally, insisted on contemporary streetwear for the Miami production, believing it would resonate more authentically with today's youth. Zac Posen, a designer with a history in ballet costuming, embraced this challenge, creating designs that blend the durability and flexibility required for dance with the casual aesthetic of modern street clothes. The palette has also been updated to reflect Miami's vibrant character, incorporating saturated colors inspired by Matisse, ultimately transforming the production into a dynamic reflection of its new urban home. This evolution continues the ballet's legacy of adaptation, tracing back to its initial tours as an "American export" and its subsequent appearances on television and film.
The journey of "Opus Jazz" from its 1958 premiere to its contemporary reimagining in Miami illustrates the enduring power of art to evolve and connect with new generations. By embracing modern aesthetics and local influences, the Miami City Ballet is not merely staging a ballet; it is revitalizing a classic, proving that artistic traditions can flourish through innovation. This commitment to fresh perspectives ensures that the magic of dance remains accessible and relevant, inspiring audiences to see the familiar in new and exciting ways, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for the performing arts.