Ms. Kombe's opening solo, in silence, distills the astounding physical daring that the other dancers will pick up as they enter.

His own opening solo is typical in its martial-arts kicks, and the company later dances against the music.

But Ms. Hong's opening solo was an effective example of choreographic economy.

Kyra Nichols made "Preghiera," the opening solo, a prayer in motion.

She gave a sparkling account of her opening solo, making all the steps clear yet taking care that none had unnecessarily sharp edges.

The clearest part of the evening came first, in the opening solo of "Lightbulb Theory," the piece seen last year.

The opening solo, for a fey Maile Okamura, sets the tone.

Her opening solo was short, fast and flamboyant.

Then he began the opening solo.

And the opening solo of the "Rigoletto" quartet, which is not easy, was fairly well done.