Balanchine first learned about Charles Ives in 1934, despite his works being rarely performed at the time. Later, he attended a concert of Ives' works conducted by Léon Barzin. While he was fascinated, he also found Ives' works "incredibly difficult, far too complex for dancing." Years later, after completing a ballet to music by Arnold Schoenberg, Balanchine decided to choreograph to Ives' works. Balanchine stated that he found the rhythm in Ives' works most interesting, and also found "the shock necessary for a new point of view." Balanchine was "saddened" by the fact that he never met Ives or tell him he planned to use his music, as Ives "seemed inaccessible." The ballet is titled Ivesiana as a tribute to Ives. The dancers were dressed in practice clothes. The original lighting was designed by Jean Rosenthal.
