John Neumeier was already an internationally recognized choreographer and Director of the Hamburg Ballet when, in 1996, he agreed to create a new work for the students of Canada’s National Ballet School. Through its exploration of youthful innocence and sense of adventure, Yondering, set to music and lyrics by 19th-century American songwriter Stephen Foster, was an ideal vehicle for young dancers soon to embark on their professional careers.
In celebration of the 20th anniversary of this seminal event in its history, Canada’s National Ballet School will be performing Yondering in its 2016 Spring Showcase. The School will also be livestreaming some of the rehearsals leading up to the performances.
The Beginnings
Yondering had its North American premiere in Toronto at Canada’s National Ballet School on May 29, 1996. It was choreographed by John Neumeier to music by Stephen C. Foster, as sung by Thomas Hampson, and had costumes designed by Caroline O’Brien and John Neumeier
- Click here to hear Mavis Staines, Artistic Director of Canada’s National Ballet School who commissioned the work, discuss the importance of Yondering to the school.
- Original Cast
- Click her to see a copy of the original program, listing the names of all the young dancers who took part in the initial performances
- Link to YouTube to see selections from Yondering
- Link to livestream of rehearsal
What does it mean to yonder?
The word “Yondering” comes out of the American Frontier. This was a time during which the frontier was a discernible line, on one side of which there were towns, farms, schools, etc. and on the other side there was wilderness. From Daniel Boone to Davey Crockett to Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild Bill Hickock, people set out to find whatever was “over yonder”. They had no particular destination because there was nothing out there, only the “out there”. Eventually, this kind of travel became known simply as “yondering”; going from one place to anyplace. (Original program note by Jim Peck)
