We were seated about 25 meters from the stage, but we would often watch the video screens that flanked the stage so that we could see the dancers lower their legs, feet and, in “Let Me Sing Forevermore”, their entire bodies as they. stretched out and moved. close to the ground.

This piece, performed to songs performed by Tony Bennett, was performed by ABT directors Devon Teuscher and Cory Stearns.

While browsing “Steppin ‘Out With My Baby”, Teuscher and Stearns found the close romance in “Fly Me To The Moon”, then a cheerful and high exit of “I Got Rhythm”.

The last of the four pieces was the jazz affair of choreographed group Darrell Grand Moultrie “Indestructible Light”

Danced to music by Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Neal Hefti, a native of Nebraska, the contemporary piece found eight dancers in black costumes in striking poses, dancing in coordinating pairs, tight threesomes and, in the exciting finish, each taking solo tours that expressed a happy physique.

When I spoke to Hurlin on Tuesday, she wondered how Thursday’s audience, probably not made up of dance enthusiasts, would react to the performance.

I turned around as the company bowed and watched thousands of people standing and clapping as far as I could see.