Independent Arts News Reporting 
Pictured Above: New Jersey Ballet’s Artistic Director, Maria Kowroski. Photo Credit: John Emerson.
Bringing Jerome Robbins’ Vision to Life: Christine Redpath, Robbins’ Collaborator, on reviving In the Night
By Guest Writer, Dan Bauer
Robbins’ Masterpiece to be Performed by New Jersey Ballet at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 22
Jerome Robbins’ legacy spans both Broadway and ballet, cementing his place as one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century. Known for his Broadway masterpieces like Gypsy, Fiddler on the Roof and West Side Story, Robbins also brought his keen sense of drama and emotion to the ballet world. His unique ability to blend classical dance with human emotion—making the language of ballet accessible and deeply personal—continues to inspire dancers and audiences alike.
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, New Jersey Ballet will present Robbins’ In the Night as part of the Masterworks in Motion program at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC) alongside works by George Balanchine and Peter Martins.
New Jersey Ballet’s Artistic Director, Maria Kowroski, worked closely with Robbins during her tenure as a principal dancer with New York City Ballet. Kowroski now plays a key role in introducing Robbins’ work to a new generation of dancers. Christine Redpath, a distinguished former ballerina and longtime Robbins’ collaborator, brings a wealth of experience as she coaches the dancers. Known for her deep understanding of Robbins’ choreography, Redpath offers invaluable insights into his ability to use classical form to convey the richness of human experience.
Pictured Above: Christine Redpath coaching NJ Ballet dancers. Photo Credit: Contributed.
In the Night continues Robbins’ exploration of Chopin’s music, a theme that began in his ballet Dances at a Gathering. Redpath explains that Robbins had extra material from Dances at a Gathering and chose to continue working with Chopin’s evocative nocturnes, which are integral to the emotional journey of In the Night. The ballet features three distinct couples, each portraying a different stage of romantic relationships. Robbins’ choreography skillfully evokes a range of emotions, from the exhilarating joy of new love to the deeper complexities of a long-term partnership, and even the turmoil of a troubled relationship.
Redpath explains, “Much of the choreography is quite difficult, but neither the dancers nor Robbins will let you see it. Robbins’ genius was in making this complex movement feel effortless and deeply connected to the emotional core of each relationship.”
She also highlights the artistic leadership of Maria Kowroski, noting that her generosity and discipline bring a special warmth and strength to New Jersey Ballet. “The dancers are top-notch, and they dance In the Night beautifully, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of Robbins’ vision.”
In addition to the emotional nuance required to portray the various stages of love, the dancers also needed to develop a strong connection with the music. As Redpath shares, the relationship between the dancers and Chopin’s nocturnes is vital to the storytelling. “Robbins brought his truth to this work, and the dancers illuminate both his choreography and Chopin’s music,” Redpath says. “The music shapes the dancers’ journey, creating a narrative that is both intimate and universally relatable.”
Pictured Above: Christine Redpath coaching NJ Ballet dancers. Photo Credit: Contributed.
Redpath also emphasizes the collaborative nature of the production, with pianist Barry Spatz contributing immensely to the performance. “Barry’s openness and adaptability to the needs of the dance were invaluable. He was always in service to the choreography and the dancers, enhancing the emotional impact of the piece.”
Having coached many dancers throughout her career, Redpath is passionate about preserving Robbins’ legacy. Her coaching ensures that In the Night continues to resonate with audiences, keeping the emotional depth and technical precision of Robbins’ work alive. The dancers are tasked with peeling away unnecessary layers to reveal the truth of the piece, connecting to their partners, the music and the choreography on a profound level.
Through this process, Redpath ensures that Robbins’ vision is faithfully preserved, beautifully brought to life by New Jersey Ballet. Audiences at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center will experience a performance that transcends the stage, forming a profound connection to the timeless themes of love, longing and human connection.
Pictured Above: Maria Kowroski and Russell Janzen in a prior performance of Jerome Robbins’ In the Night photo by Erin Baiano. Photo Credit: Contributed.
Tickets for the February 22 performances at NBPAC are available by visiting nbpac.org or by calling 732.745.8000.
New Jersey Ballet’s performances of In the Night are made possible by a generous grant from the Jerome Robbins Foundation.
