Billy the Kid (ballet) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Billy the Kid |
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Copland in 1970
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| Choreographed by | Eugene Loring |
| Composed by | Aaron Copland |
| Libretto by | Lincoln Kirstein |
| Based on | Life of Billy the Kid |
| Date of premiere | October 1938 |
| Place of premiere | Chicago, Illinois |
| Original ballet company | Ballet Caravan |
| Characters | Billy the Kid Mother Pat Garrett Alias Sweetheart |
| Designs by | Jared French |
| Setting | Old West |
| Genre | Character ballet |
| Type | Classical ballet |
Billy the Kid is an exciting one-act ballet. It tells a story based on the life of a famous figure from the Old West, Billy the Kid. The story, also called the libretto, was created by Lincoln Kirstein.
The music for this ballet was composed by Aaron Copland. Eugene Loring was the choreographer, meaning he designed all the dances. Jared French created the beautiful scenery and costumes for the show.
The ballet first premiered in Chicago in October 1938. It was later performed in New York City in May 1939. Eugene Loring himself danced the role of Billy in that performance.
The Story of the Ballet
This ballet takes you on a journey through the Old West. It shows different parts of Billy the Kid's life.
Pioneers and Town Life
The ballet begins with a scene called "March." Here, you see pioneers traveling west. They are led by a character named Pat Garrett.
Next, in "Street Scene," the stage fills with many different people. You'll see cowboys, Native Americans, and dance hall girls. They are all busy in a lively town street. Billy and his Mother arrive in town. Soon, a fight breaks out among the crowd.
Billy's Troubles
In a part called "Billy's Soliloquy," Billy gets into a conflict. During a card game, he has a confrontation with a character known as Alias.
Later, in "Card Game on the Desert" and "Gun Battle," Pat Garrett accuses Billy of cheating. Garrett then leaves. A group of lawmen, called a posse, comes closer. This posse is led by Alias, who is now acting as a sheriff. Billy's friends are caught in the conflict. Billy manages to escape, but he is later taken to jail by the posse.
Escape and the End
After a scene called "Macabre Dance," a character known as the Mexican Sweetheart appears. She is looking for Billy. In the "Jail Scene," Billy finds a way to escape from prison. He gets past Alias, who is now acting as the jailer.
In the "Desert" scene, Alias, now an Indian Guide, leads Billy to a secret hideout. This is where the Mexican Sweetheart is. However, Billy seems to only think about himself. Because of this, the Sweetheart leaves him.
The Indian Guide returns, this time with Pat Garrett. In the darkness, Billy lights a cigarette. This small light gives away his position. Garrett then finds and confronts him in "Billy's Death."
Mexican women gather to mourn Billy's passing in a scene called "Pietà." The ballet concludes with "Closing March." In this final scene, Pat Garrett is once again leading the pioneers.
