Dance Review by Anna Kisselgoff

AN EVENING OF MEMORIES, BALLOONS AND SURPRISES

It may be hard to believe but American Ballet Theater is 60 years old, a milestone celebrated at the anniversary gala that opened the company’s two - month season on Monday night. It was an event that married past and present and looked to the future. Variations on a Theme by Haydn, a subtle, formal and rich ballet that Twyla Tharp has set to music by Brahms, received its New York premiere.

This look toward new creativity was balanced during the evening at the Metropolitan Opera House by excerpts from the repertory and some surprise guests, notably Alicia Alonso, the Cuban ballerina who was one of Ballet Theater’s earliest stars in the 1940’s...

In her remarks, Ms. Alonso said, "This was the first big classical company in the United States and it was wonderful, we were all together". Speaking of pioneering years for both the dancers and the audience, she concluded, "The most beautiful way to unite people is through art"...

In his own remarks, Mr. McKenzie said, "Sixty is too young to be old and too old to be young". By past standards, it was a sober and simple gala, keeping reminiscences and alumni to the minimum. Nonetheless there was a festive close in a mass curtain call. Gold and silver balloons rained down on the entire company and on the guests, who included the British-born star Frederic Franklin...