NYC Gazette

Juilliard Dance is set to present its annual Spring Dances, featuring a mix of historic and contemporary works, at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater from March 26 to 29. The program includes performances by dancers from all four years of Juilliard’s Dance Division. It will showcase a celebrated piece by modern dance pioneer José Limón, a reimagined work by ballet innovator William Forsythe, and a new creation by contemporary choreographer Aszure Barton.

Alicia Graf Mack, dean and director of Juilliard Dance, emphasized the program's blend of tradition and innovation. “Spring Dances bridges tradition and innovation, empowering today’s dancers with classic works and fresh perspectives,” she said. Alumni Logan Kruger and Riley Watts return to restage the works of Limón and Forsythe for current students.

The event will open with José Limón’s "A Choreographic Offering" from 1964, performed by first-year dancers with music by Bach. This work honors Limón's long-standing legacy at Juilliard where he was part of the faculty from 1951 until his death in 1972. Alum Logan Kruger will stage this piece alongside MJ Edwards.

William Forsythe's "Duo (2025, extended)" follows with dancers from the classes of 2025–27 performing in silence under alumni Riley Watts' direction. Originally created in 1996 for two female dancers at Ballett Frankfurt, this version expands to include 14 performers.

The program concludes with a world premiere by Aszure Barton set to music composed by Ambrose Akinmusire. Featuring 28 dancers, this piece represents Barton's third commission for Juilliard Dance.

Performances are scheduled for March 26–29 at varying times at Juilliard's Peter Jay Sharp Theater. Tickets can be purchased through the Juilliard box office or online.