In the captivating realm where dance and craftsmanship converge, the legacies of George Balanchine and Van Cleef & Arpels intertwine like the intricate steps of a ballet. Their partnership, a transformative force, has illuminated the world of creativity and left an indelible mark on the history of dance and haute joaillerie. George Balanchine, the visionary choreographer whose genius revolutionized ballet, was not only a master of movement but also a connoisseur of elegance and grace. His groundbreaking collaborations with Van Cleef & Arpels in the mid-20th century marked this convergence of dance and design, culminating in the radiant three-part masterpiece ballet performance called "Jewels" inspired by emeralds, rubies, and diamonds with music by Fauré, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky. "From the very early days of Van Cleef and Arpels, the founding family had the idea to capture the concept of the beauty of movement and a particular form of fragility and femininity found in nature, in flowers, in butterflies, dragonflies. Concepts that are also essential sources of inspiration in ballet," explains Nicolas Bas, the group chief executive officer of Richemont. "Expressions of movement, very sophisticated and delicate, would be captured literally or conceptually in their work as jewelers." Fast-forward to today, where iconic dance performances inspire a new chapter in horological splendor: the Lady Arpels Ballerine Musicale watch, part of The Poetry of Time collection. Drawing upon the timeless art of ballet, the enchanting world of Van Cleef & Arpels unveils a trio of exquisite timepieces that pay homage to the magic of dance. The first, the 'Lady Arpels Ballerine Musicale watch,' is a testament to the ballet's whimsy and wonder. Its dial, adorned with shimmering diamonds and vibrant gemstones, depicts the curtain rising on a new ballet production. Each hour is marked by a dance of color and light, making this timepiece a true work of art. The theatrical-inspired dial, a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels' meticulous artistry, features an extraordinary blend of white and rose gold, colored sapphires, blue tourmalines, diamonds, sugilite, onyx, and lapis lazuli. The intricate plique-à-jour and champlevé enamel techniques, sealed and shaped enamel, enamel beads, and miniature painting, all meticulously crafted, bring the dial to life. Once wound, the manual movement holds a power reserve of 40 hours, a testament to the brand's commitment to unexpected excellence. In contrast, the series of three timepieces, "Diamant, Rubis, Emeraude," exudes a regal elegance reminiscent of the ballet's grandeur. A symphony of intricate engravings and celestial motifs adorns the case and dial, evoking the timeless allure of Tchaikovsky's iconic score. TECH DETAILS TK Today, Van Cleef & Arpels' commitment to the world of dance extends beyond horology and haute couture. The Maison proudly sponsors emerging dance groups and champions modern choreography and performances. This dedication ensures that the spirit of innovation and creativity, championed by Balanchine, continues to thrive with the next generation of dancers and choreographers. "We've expanded our support and our collaboration besides traditional ballet in opera houses to more contemporary forms because now it is part of today's repertoire. Still, in 1967, a dance like "Jewels" was a very new, contemporary, and avant-garde piece, and we want to keep that tradition. Over the years we've had many, many collaborations with many different types of artists." In 2020, Van Cleef & Arpels initiated the series, 'Dance Reflections by Van Cleef and Arpels.' This series supports the creations of contemporary choreographers and scenographers, aiming to discover new, experimental forms and a more modern repertoire. It reintroduces and brings avant-garde pieces from the '60s, '70s, and '80s by renowned choreographers such as Lucinda Childs, The Trisha Brown Dance Company, and Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker to a contemporary audience. The romance of dance and haute horlogerie is a testament to the enduring legacy of artistic performance and Van Cleef & Arpels, where innovation meets tradition and artistry knows no bounds. "I strongly believe in a trend of more sophisticated, complex, and diverse offerings for women's watches, including mechanical watches that can be traditional movements revisited or completely new approaches to mechanical watchmaking. For Van Cleef & Arpels, it's been an exciting evolution."
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