An emerald is a precious stone symbolizing enduring love, commitment, and new beginnings. It is fitting, therefore, that the romantic elegance of Emeralds by George Balanchine will grace the stage as part of the Balanchine & Peck program, inaugurating Atlanta Ballet's 25|26 season. It also marks the first time in Atlanta Ballet's history that Emeralds, the first of Balanchine’s Jewels ballets, will be presented.

Emeralds evokes what Balanchine described as “the France of elegance, comfort, dress, and perfume.” It premiered in 1967 at the New York City Ballet as the first part of a three-act work titled Jewels, featuring Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds. Balanchine was inspired to create Jewels after visiting famed jeweler Claude Arpels at the Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry salon in 1966, where he was captivated by the beauty of the gems.

Set to the softly passionate music by composer Gabriel Fauré, Emeralds evokes the essence of an elegant French court and beautifully reflects Balanchine’s graceful style. On stage, two leading couples, three soloists, and a corps of ten women are dressed in shimmering, gemstone-inspired costumes designed by the esteemed Barbara Karinska.

Karinska frequently collaborated with Balanchine at the New York City Ballet. The simple and elegant costumes are designed to resemble the appearance of a precious emerald—soft, green, and romantic. The calf-length costumes are unusual for Balanchine, who typically preferred shorter tutus. However, this longer length enhances the ballet's romantic feel, creating soft lines, ethereal qualities, and a distinctly French aesthetic. Karinska's costumes perfectly highlight the fluidity and grace of Balanchine's choreography as well as the flowing and expressive melodies of the Fauré score, allowing the dancers' intricate and precise movements to remain the central focus.

Diana White's journey in ballet began with Emeralds, the first ballet she ever performed in with the New York City Ballet. It was also the first Balanchine ballet she saw, at the age of seven. Now a repetiteur, master teacher, and coach for The Balanchine Trust, White is staging Emeralds for Atlanta Ballet. "As a young girl, I already knew I wanted to be a ballet dancer. However, it was when I saw the original cast of Emeralds perform after the New York City Ballet came to Chicago that I realized I wanted to wear those costumes," White recalled. She fulfilled that dream and remarked, "I will never forget wearing the Emeralds dress for the first time. Karinska was a couturier, and it felt like wearing couture adorned with the most stunning jewels. Everything was crafted exquisitely and intricately."

Though real emeralds would have been too heavy to append to the dancers' costumes, Karinska captured the color, richness and multi-faceted quality of the precious green gemstone with delicate jeweled accents.

And while Balanchine once famously said of Jewels, “The ballet had nothing to do with jewels; the dancers are just dressed like jewels,” be sure to look for gemstone nuances on stage as the dancers form sophisticated shapes of tiaras and necklaces.

Will the precious emerald inspire your outfit at Atlanta Ballet's season opener, Balanchine & Peck? If you’re looking to add a little glamor to your attire, be sure to visit Kendra Scott’s boutiques. In an exclusive partnership, Kendra Scott is giving back 20% of all proceeds to support Atlanta Ballet’s 25|26 Season. Use the code GIVEBACK-JTWOB online or in-stores from September 1-14, 2025.

Experience the brilliance of Balanchine & Peck as we launch the season with an extraordinary blend of tradition and innovation. Delve into neoclassical masterpieces, Emeralds and Prodigal Son by George Balanchine, and the abstract ballet In Creases by acclaimed choreographer Justin Peck. On stage at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, from September 12-14, 2025.

Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust.

Emeralds costume photographs by Amber Times.