Edwaard Liang’s Tributary is a sweeping celebration of classical ballet’s enduring legacy and its ever-evolving future. Premiered by BalletMet in 2019, the work is set to Jean Sibelius’s haunting Valse Triste and Knudåge Riisager’s vibrant Etudes, creating a rich musical landscape that moves between introspection and exuberance.

Liang’s choreography is both grand and intimate, weaving together solos, duets, and ensemble passages that highlight the individuality of each dancer while honoring the unity of the group. The female dancers—drawn from The Washington Ballet and The Washington School of Ballet—perform on pointe in white tutus, a visual nod to classical ballet.

The title Tributary evokes the image of smaller streams feeding into a greater whole, a metaphor for the convergence of generations, styles, and artistic voices. Liang’s movement language, known for its sculptural partnering and lyrical flow, creates a dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation.

For The Washington Ballet, Tributary is a statement of continuity and transformation. It honors the past while embracing the present, inviting audiences to witness the beauty of ballet as a living, breathing art form. Through its musical contrasts and choreographic richness, Tributary offers a powerful reflection on legacy and the shared journey of dance.

Choreography
Edwaard Liang, ArtisticDirector

Music
Etudes by Knudåge Riisager and Valse Triste by Jean Sibelius

Costumes
Courtesy of BalletMet

Lighting
Jim French, recreated by Liz A. Coco