Revolutionizing Ballet in America...

George Balanchine, born in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1904, is widely regarded as one of the most influential choreographers in the history of ballet. He began his training at the Imperial Ballet School and later studied at the Soviet Ballet School. In 1924, Balanchine moved to the United States, where he quickly became a prominent figure in American ballet, co-founding the School of American Ballet and the New York City Ballet. His innovative choreography, known for its speed, athleticism, and emphasis on the lines and movements of the body, revolutionized ballet technique. Balanchine favored clean, geometric forms and a more abstract approach to movement, often featuring fast footwork, intricate partnering, and an emphasis on musicality. He passed away in 1983, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped ballet in both the U.S. and globally. His unique style is sometimes called "Balanchine ballet," characterized by its minimalist elegance and technical virtuosity.

George Balanchine instructing his dancers.

George Balanchine and New York City Ballet

Taking Classical technique, and building upon it...

NYC Ballet Presents George Balanchine's SERENADE

George Balanchine's first American ballet:

SERENADE

This link is to a Pointe Magazine article on the "Balanchine Head," a stylistic choice leading dancers to never leave facing their audience for long.

"When you have a garden full of pretty flowers, you don’t demand of them,

“What do you mean? What is your significance?”

Dancers are just flowers, and flowers grow without any literal meaning, they are just beautiful.

We’re like flowers. A flower doesn’t tell you a story. It’s in itself a beautiful thing."

-George Balanchine