The music in choreographer Justin Peck’s work has always taken center stage alongside the dancers. Much like his predecessor, George Balanchine, Peck understands the powerful role that music plays in ballet. Since its 2012 New York City Ballet premiere, In Creases has continued to inspire audiences with its simple set and costuming, complemented by the winding melodies of Phillip Glass’ Four Movements for Two Pianos. Peck’s captivating choreography reflects the hypnotic rhythms of the dual pianos, which almost act as a set piece themselves. The pair of pianists are no strangers to each other or to In Creases as they return to perform this piece after its Atlanta Ballet debut in 2022.

This musical duo consists of Atlanta Ballet’s Company Pianist, Western-Li Summerton, and Dr. Hyunjung Rachel Chung, Chair of Music at Spelman College. Atlanta Ballet had the pleasure of sitting down with these two talented musicians to get their thoughts on returning to this energetic piece and collaborating once more again.

While Dr. Chung is busy at Spelman College, the dancers rehearse mostly with Summerton. "As Atlanta Ballet’s full-time company pianist, I pretty much live and breathe with the dancers," he explains. He also has been consolidating both piano parts into one rehearsal score , ensuring that the dancers hear all their necessary cues and remain prepared for when Dr. Chung joins them. “So, he's been serving as translator between the dancers and myself,” Dr. Chung shares.

As they return to this piece, the two also reflect on their experiences. “In some ways, this piece feels like home,” Summerton comments. “It brings back feelings of nostalgia from when I first moved to Atlanta and evokes a sense of new beginnings and excitement.” Dr. Chung was also pleasantly surprised to be welcomed back. "I was very happy to return because Atlanta Ballet is one of the nation’s top companies, with wonderful dancers, leadership, and artistic staff.”

Dr. Chung also recalls the unique challenges she faced the first time she rehearsed with Atlanta Ballet dancers in 2022. “This was my first time playing for a ballet, and the biggest challenge was that the dancers were already rehearsing to a recording by the time I joined. As a pianist, I am used to dictating the tempo, so it was a huge adjustment to have that very important musical element already set. It’s like we are in this box, but still, we have to be creative.”

Now performing In Creases for a second time, Dr. Chung has decided to allow herself to really have fun with the piece. “Last time I was just so focused on being perfect,” she shares. This time around, I am enjoying the performance more. As musicians, we don't want to just mechanically play the notes; we need to be inspired. So, I am constantly searching for new things that will excite me.”

Dr. Chung and Summerton are excited to perform with the dancers again this fall. Justin Peck’s In Creases is a testament to the legacy and future of ballet by highlighting the piano as a core instrument to the art form. The production breaks down the wall between performer and accompanist by placing the pianos on stage and having the dancers interact directly with the musicians for a truly mesmerizing performance. As Summerton puts it, “I'll always appreciate Justin Peck for honoring pianists.”

In Creases was part of Atlanta Ballet’s season opener, Balanchine & Peck, and showed September 12-14 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.