Who Cares? is a one-act ballet choreographed by George Balanchine to music by George Gershwin, orchestrated by Hershy Kay. It premiered on February 5, 1970, at the New York State Theater, Lincoln Center. The New York City Ballet was the first company to perform it.
The ballet is a celebration of American popular song and a tribute to New York City. It is a plotless ballet, featuring a principal cast of three women and one man, as well as a corps de ballet. The score incorporates several well-known Gershwin tunes, including "I Got Rhythm," "Embraceable You," and "The Man I Love."
Who Cares? is considered a neo-classical ballet, blending classical ballet technique with modern sensibilities and American jazz idioms. The choreography is known for its speed, complexity, and lightheartedness. The title, while seemingly flippant, is attributed to Gershwin's supposed reaction to those who criticized his use of popular music in a concert hall setting. It can also be interpreted as a statement of joyous abandon and carefree attitude.
The original cast included Patricia McBride, Marnee Morris, Susan Pilarre, and Jacques d'Amboise. Who Cares? remains a popular and frequently performed work in the New York City Ballet's repertoire and has been staged by numerous other ballet companies worldwide.