Romeo and Juliet (ballet) facts for kids

Galina Ulanova and Yury Zhdanov, 1954

Romeo and Juliet is a famous ballet with music by Sergei Prokofiev. It tells the classic love story written by Shakespeare. The ballet was first shown in 1938 in Brno, which is now part of the Czech Republic. Many different choreographers (people who create the dance steps) have made their own versions of this ballet over the years. Some well-known choreographers include Sir Frederick Ashton, John Cranko, Kenneth MacMillan, and Rudolph Nureyev.

About the Ballet's Story

The Romeo and Juliet ballet brings Shakespeare's play to life through dance. It's a tragic love story about two young people from rival families, the Montagues and the Capulets, in Verona, Italy. Despite their families' hatred, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet fall deeply in love. Their secret romance leads to a series of unfortunate events, ending sadly for both of them.

The Music by Prokofiev

Sergei Prokofiev was a Russian composer who wrote the music for the ballet. He started composing it in 1935. His music is very dramatic and helps tell the story. It has famous parts like the "Dance of the Knights" and the "Balcony Scene." These pieces are often played in concerts even without the ballet.

First Performances and Challenges

The ballet was first performed in 1938 in Brno. However, it was originally planned for the Kirov Theatre in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in 1936. There were some challenges with the dancers and the music at first. Some dancers found Prokofiev's music difficult to dance to. But over time, it became one of the most loved and performed ballets.

Famous Choreographed Versions

Many famous choreographers have created their own unique versions of Romeo and Juliet. Each choreographer adds their own style and interpretation to the classic story.

• Sir Frederick Ashton created a version in 1955 for the Royal Danish Ballet.
• John Cranko made a popular version in 1962 for the Stuttgart Ballet.
• Kenneth MacMillan choreographed a very famous version in 1965 for The Royal Ballet in London. This version is still performed often today.
• Rudolph Nureyev created his own version in 1977, which was known for its strong dramatic elements.

These different versions show how a classic story can be told in many beautiful ways through dance.

Images for kids

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  A 2010 production at the Royal Swedish Opera

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  A 2014 Krzysztof Pastor's production at the Polish National Ballet, dancers: Vladimir Yaroshenko and Maria Żuk

See also

In Spanish: Romeo y Julieta (Prokófiev) para niños