#TBT: Suzanne Farrell in "Eight by Adler" (1984)

July 19, 2017

Former New York City Ballet principal Suzanne Farrell is famous as George Balanchine’s muse, yet Balanchine wasn’t the only choreographer whom she inspired. In 1984 her then-husband, Paul Mejia, also a former NYCB dancer, created a piece for her called Eight by Adler, a jazzy ballet set to the music of Richard Adler. Beginning at 0:45 after a short intro, Farrell performs the first movement in this clip from the ballet’s premiere with the Chicago City Ballet.

The slender, long-limbed Farrell saunters across the stage, at moments giving the audience playful smiles and sideways glances. The choreography feels improvisational, befitting Farrell’s proclivity for off-balance, suspended movement. With a full jazz band onstage, the music is equally the star in this solo. Even though the slow and sultry piece is a far cry from Balanchine’s fast footwork, Farrell’s mesmerizing performance in Eight by Adler is a stunning example of Mr. B’s famous slogan: “See the music, hear the dance.” Happy #ThrowbackThursday!