George Balanchine: The Ballet Maker

George Balanchine was one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century. He is known for his groundbreaking work with the New York City Ballet, where he created some of the most iconic ballets in the world. Balanchine was a master of neoclassicism, and his ballets are characterized by their clean lines, intricate footwork, and musicality. He was also a prolific collaborator, working with some of the most famous composers, dancers, and designers of his time. Balanchine's legacy continues to inspire dancers and choreographers around the world.

Early Life and Training

George Balanchine was born on January 22, 1904, in St. Petersburg, Russia. His father was a composer, and his mother was a dancer. Balanchine began studying ballet at the age of five, and he quickly showed a talent for the art form. He studied at the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg, and he graduated in 1921.

George Balanchine: The Ballet Maker (Eminent Lives)

by Robert Gottlieb

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	283 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	226 pages

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Career in Russia

After graduating from the Imperial Ballet School, Balanchine joined the Mariinsky Ballet. He quickly rose through the ranks, and he soon became one of the company's leading dancers. Balanchine also began choreographing ballets, and his early works were well-received by critics and audiences.

In 1924, Balanchine left the Mariinsky Ballet to join the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo. The Ballets Russes was a touring company that performed throughout Europe and the Americas. Balanchine choreographed several ballets for the company, including "Serenade" and "The Prodigal Son." These ballets were critical and commercial successes, and they helped to establish Balanchine as one of the leading choreographers of his time.

Career in the United States

In 1933, Balanchine left the Ballets Russes to join the newly formed American Ballet. The American Ballet was founded by Lincoln Kirstein, and its mission was to create a world-class ballet company in the United States. Balanchine was the company's artistic director, and he choreographed many of its most famous ballets, including "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," and "Apollo."

In 1948, Balanchine co-founded the New York City Ballet. The New York City Ballet quickly became one of the leading ballet companies in the world, and Balanchine remained its artistic director until his death in 1983. Balanchine choreographed over 400 ballets for the New York City Ballet, and his works continue to be performed by the company today.

Legacy

George Balanchine was one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century. His ballets are characterized by their clean lines, intricate footwork, and musicality. Balanchine was also a prolific collaborator, working with some of the most famous composers, dancers, and designers of his time. Balanchine's legacy continues to inspire dancers and choreographers around the world.

Personal Life

George Balanchine was married four times. His first wife was Tamara Geva, a ballerina. His second wife was Vera Zorina, a dancer and actress. His third wife was Maria Tallchief, a ballerina. His fourth wife was Tanaquil Le Clercq, a ballerina.

Balanchine had two children, a son named George Balanchine Jr. and a daughter named Alexandra Danilova.

Death

George Balanchine died on April 30, 1983, in New York City. He was 79 years old.

George Balanchine: The Ballet Maker (Eminent Lives)

by Robert Gottlieb

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	283 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	226 pages

FREE