Jewels Through the Years at PNB: Photo Essay

PNB Company dancers backstage during a performance of George Balanchine’s Jewels, photo © Angela Sterling.
August 2025

PNB first performed George Balanchine’s iconic Jewels in full in 2006. This ballet has a long history with the company, from PNB’s first performance of Rubies in 1988 to the premiere of Jérôme Kaplan’s production in 2017. In preparation for our upcoming performances in September, we are looking back at the history of Jewels at PNB with this beautiful photo essay. 

Emeralds

Emeralds is “an evocation of France—the France of elegance, comfort, dress, and perfume.” – George Balanchine


PNB Company dancers in a 2006 performance of George Balanchine’s Emeralds, photo © Angela Sterling.


Margaret Mullin in a 2014 performance of George Balanchine’s Emeralds, photo © Lindsay Thomas.
Noelani Pantastico in a 2017 performance of George Balanchine’s Emeralds, photo © Angela Sterling.
Leta Biasucci backstage during a 2012 performance of George Balanchine’s Emeralds at Nevada Ballet Theatre, photo © Lindsay Thomas.


Elizabeth Murphy rehearses George Balanchine’s Emeralds with Violette Verdy in 2014, photo © Lindsay Thomas.


PNB Company dancers in a 2014 performance of George Balanchine’s Emeralds, photo © Angela Sterling.

Rubies

Choreographed for Patricia McBride and Edward Villella, two respected, vivacious performers, Rubies effuses glam wit and jazzy chic.


Hugh Bigney and Patricia Barker in George Balanchine’s Rubies, photo © Ben Kerns.


Ariana Lallone in a 2009 performance of George Balanchine’s Rubies, photo © Angela Sterling.
Laura Tisserand onstage before a 2014 performance of George Balanchine’s Rubies, photo © Angela Sterling.
Angelica Generosa in a 2014 performance of George Balanchine’s Rubies, photo © Angela Sterling.


Edward Villella rehearses George Balanchine’s Rubies with PNB Company dancers in 2014, photo © Lindsay Thomas.
Jodie Thomas and Le Yin in a 2006 performance of George Balanchine’s Rubies, photo © Angela Sterling.

Diamonds

Diamonds recalls Balanchine’s youth: the grandeur of St. Petersburg, the Maryinsky Theater, and the Imperial Ballet, where Balanchine trained. 


Patricia Barker in a 2006 performance of George Balanchine’s Diamonds, photo © Angela Sterling.
Carrie Imler and Batkhurel Bold in a 2006 performance of George Balanchine’s Diamonds, photo © Angela Sterling.


PNB Company dancers in a 2009 performance of George Balanchine’s Diamonds, photo © Angela Sterling.


Kiyon Ross backstage during a 2009 performance of George Balanchine’s Diamonds, photo © Angela Sterling.
Kaori Nakamura in a 2012 performance of George Balanchine’s Diamonds at Nevada Ballet Theatre, photo © Lindsay Thomas.
Lesley Rausch backstage before a 2014 performance of George Balanchine’s Diamonds, photo © Lindsay Thomas.


Jacques d’Amboise and Peter Boal during a Diamonds rehearsal, photo © Lindsay Thomas.


Lesley Rausch and Karel Cruz in a 2014 performance of George Balanchine’s Diamonds, photo © Angela Sterling.

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