Solange Knowles made history as NYC ballet composer and we need to talk about it

In New York City at the Lincoln Center the NYC Ballet celebrated the tenth anniversary of its annual Fall Fashion Gala. the gala was curated by Sarah Jessica Parker but the night began with Play Time, an exceptional tour-de-force set to music by Solange Knowles. Knowles is making history as the first Black woman and the second woman of color to compose a score of a production by the more than 70-year-old company.

The new dance is Reisen’s third for City Ballet, and features costumes by Alejandro Gómez Palomo of Palomo Spain. The Gala paired choreographers with designers. Featuring a premiere by Kyle Abraham, with costumes by Giles Deacon and the first live performance of Justin Peck’s “Solo,” which premiered virtually in 2021 in a film directed by Sofia Coppola. Knowles growing up in Houston once said, “My dream was to go to Juilliard.”

There to support Solange was her sister Beyoncé along with mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson.

After its premiere during the Fashion Gala, the production will be on stage this year on Oct. 1, 8, 11 and 16.