For more information on bugaku, visit Britannica.com.

Ballet in one act with choreography by Balanchine, music by Toshiro Mayuzumi, scenery and lighting by David Hays, and costumes by Barbara Karinska. Premiered 20 Mar. 1963 by New York City Ballet, City Center, New York, with Kent and Villella. The ballet, in three parts, illustrates a ritualistic love coupling between a leading male and female dancer. It was inspired by Japanese gagaku court dancers, whom Balanchine had seen in New York. Later performed by Dance Theatre of Harlem (1975) and Royal Ballet, Covent Garden (1988).

IN BRIEF: A stately classical Japanese dance.