On August 23 and 24 at 8:30 p.m., Les Grands Ballets Canadiens will present a strikingly contrasting double bill—The Four Temperaments and Désir—as part of the Théâtre de Verdure’s summer programming.
Created in 1946 by George Balanchine, the famed choreographer and co-founder of the New York City Ballet, The Four Temperaments is a masterpiece of neoclassical ballet. Set to music by Paul Hindemith, the choreography explores four human personality types inspired by the ancient theory of the four humors: Melancholic, Sanguine, Choleric, and Phlegmatic. With precise movements and a minimalist stage design, the piece showcases the dancers’ technical prowess.
Désir by James Kudelka, a key work in Les Grands Ballets’ repertoire, premiered in 1991 and was restaged last year. Blending classical and contemporary dance through a series of pas de deux, the piece delves into the intensity of passion and the complexities of human relationships, set to the enchanting waltzes of Sergei Prokofiev.
Nestled in the heart of La Fontaine Park, the Théâtre de Verdure invites audiences to 39 evenings of performances from June 4 to August 24, featuring dance, circus, music, improv, opera, and film. This fourth season celebrates diversity with an eclectic lineup—all offered free of charge.
To ensure the best experience, it is strongly recommended to reserve your free ticket online. Tickets will be available starting Saturday, August 9, 2025, at noon.
The Four Temperaments and Désir
August 23 and 24 at 8:30 p.m.
Doors open: 8 p.m.
Duration: 1:30 min with intermission
The performances of The Four Temperaments, a Balanchine ballet, are presented by permission of The George Balanchine Trust and produced in accordance with the Balanchine Style® and Balanchine Technique®, service marks of The George Balanchine Trust.
