George Balanchine once said, “Ballet is important and significant, yes. But first of all, it is a pleasure.” With this in mind, he created myriad works of all shapes and sizes. Raymonda Variations, Balanchine’s 1961 interpretation of a section of the Petipa ballet, shows a sweeter, more charming side of our founding choreographer’s style. The ballet, here performed by Erica Pereira leading the ballet's corps and soloists, returns this fall. | New York City Ballet

On Wednesday night, Principal Dancers Megan Fairchild and Anthony Huxley led George Balanchine’s charming Raymonda Variations. Here they perform a very sweet pas de deux, which captures the wistful and delicate atmosphere of the ballet. See Raymonda Variations on the Balanchine Wheeldon program SEPT 22, 24: nycballet.com/balanchinewheeldon | New York City Ballet

Described as "an adorable confection, concocted of marzipan, diamonds, youth, and nostalgia," Balanchine's Raymonda Variations hearkens back to the choreographer's youth in Russia, with its Glazunov score and classical technique. This past fall, Soloist Sara Adams performed the first pink-tutu-ed solo. #nycbwell #nycbdancebreak | New York City Ballet

Henriette variation from "Raymonda" Act 2 Solist: Holly Dorger The Royal Danish Ballet | Ballet Blanc