Stravinsky Violin Concerto is among what came to be known as Balanchine’s “black and white” ballets. The term describes not only the simple costumes that the dancers wear, but also the contrast to the ornate, classical-styled ballets of the era that preceded these works. Balanchine removes the narrative, characterization, costumes and set, while retaining the rigor of classical ballet technique.

What emerged was far from minimalist, rather, Balanchine’s vocabulary created an intricate relationship between dance and music, through choreography that invites one to, as he had said, “See the music, hear the dance.”

The Balanchine Black & White

Recipe makes 1 drink

• 1 coffee ice cube
• 1/2 ounce amaretto
• 1 ounce vodka (we recommend New Deal Vodka)
• 1 ounce coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlua)
• 1 ounce organic half-and-half

1. Place the coffee ice cube in the bottom of an old-fashioned or rocks glass. Top with 1/2 ounce amaretto, 1 ounce vodka, and 1 ounce Kahlua. Stir to combine.
2. Top off with 1 ounce half-and-half; you will get a lovely layered look as the cream will sit atop the liqueur layer.
3. Stir to combine before drinking.