New York City Ballet is taking a refreshing approach to the new season: Before the usual slew of premieres, it's devoting a week to George Balanchine's "black and white" ballets. often also called teh "leotard ballets" (no tutus, no tiaras), the modern classics on display—like the ultrasexy, spare Agon and the sublime Symphony in Three Movements (pictured)—best show how the master's eye for complex ensemble patterns, witty view of personal dynamics, and innate response to the music created works that remain bracingly fresh.
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