The New Jersey Ballet and the New Jersey Symphony performed groundbreaking shows at Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, New Jersey. The Ballet, inspired by George Balanchine's famous ballet "Serenade," presented with a live orchestra for the first time. The New Jersey symphony also performed another Tchaikovsky ballet score without their music director at the podium. The performances were praised for their live accompaniment, particularly for their ability to blend old-world Russian grace and mid-century American modernism. Constantine Kitsopoulos led the band, providing a robust and energetic accompaniment. The two companies' performances also included a story ballet by Marius Petipa and "Sleeping Beauty".