Ballet

The Sony Classical label has begun issuing 50 CDs of the works of composer and conductor Pierre Boulez. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews three offerings, with Boulez conducting works by Varese, Ravel, and Schonberg.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says a new recording of the ballet, performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Bernard Haitink, lacks sexiness and uniqueness -- but the orchestra's precision allows the musicians to shine.

Dancer and choreographer Jacques d'Amboise (dahm-bwasz). d'Amboise has done more than anyone alive to bring the joy of dance to the public. For over 30 years, he was principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, and a protege of choreographer George Balanchine. While still with NYCB, d'Ambrose founded the National Dance Institute (NDI) as a vehicle to teach dance and other arts to children. d'Amboise has more recently extended his classes to children with physical and emotional disabilities.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews an all-star recording of Stravinsky's jazz-inspired theater piece, which features Sting, Ian McKellen, and Vanessa Redgrave.

Dance writer Deborah Jowitt. In her new book, Time and the Dancing Image, Jowitt approaches dance as an anthropologist, trying to reconnect dance to history by placing dance's major developments in the context of the culture that spawned it. Jowitt, a former dancer and choreographer, is the principal dance critic of The Village Voice.

Two new CDs from the CBS Masterworks series showcase conductor Pierre Boulez's interpretations of classic works by the 20th century composers. Critic Lloyd Schwartz recommends them both.

Legendary ballerina Margot Fonteyn was a member of The Royal Ballet and danced professionally for an exceptionally long time. She has danced with partners such as Rudolf Nureyev. Fonteyn will host a series on public television "The Magic of Dance." Fonteyn joins the show to discuss her life, career, and contemporary ballet.

Bill Irwin's art draws on diverse influences, including the American vaudeville tradition, clowning, and ballet. His unique approach to dance is featured in his new show, Regard of Flight.

In 2013, acclaimed ballerina Wendy Whelan underwent reconstructive surgery that left her hobbled, both physically and emotionally. For Whelan, it wasn't just her career with the New York City Ballet that was at stake; it was also her artistic voice.