Pennsylvania Ballet at 50

The Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Ballet was founded in 1963 with support from the Ford Foundation in response to renowned choreographer George Balanchine's call for ballet companies to be created throughout the United States. It quickly emerged as a leader in the regional ballet movement and in May 2013 celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala at the city's Academy of Music featuring the current troupe, along with many former dancers. Substantial excerpts from that performance are presented in this PBS special featuring three major (and highly diverse) pieces: a complete rendition of Christopher Wheeldon's After the Rain; the pas de deux from Margo Sappington's Under the Sun; and “Diamonds” from Balanchine's Jewels. The dance segments here provide a clear demonstration of the high professional standards maintained by the Pennsylvania Ballet, which might not be routinely placed in the top tier among companies in the U.S, but is one that connoisseurs recognize for its high degree of technical polish, wide-ranging repertoire, and continuing espousal of Balanchine's legacy. DVD extras include bonus interviews. Recommended. (F. Swietek)