George Balanchine
George Balanchine
=====================================
Full Name and Common Aliases
---------------------------------
George Balanchine was born Georgy Melitonovich Balanchivadze on January 22, 1904, in St. Petersburg, Russia. He is commonly known as the Father of American Ballet or simply Mr. B.
Birth and Death Dates
---------------------------
Born: January 22, 1904
Died: April 30, 1983
Nationality and Profession(s)
---------------------------------
Balanchine was a Russian-American dancer, choreographer, and ballet master who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern dance.
Early Life
---------------
Born into a family of Georgian nobility, Balanchine's early life was marked by a passion for music and dance. He began his training at the Imperial School of Ballet in St. Petersburg and made his professional debut at the age of 18. In 1921, he co-founded the State Academy of Dance with Lydia Sokolova and Nikolai Legat.
Major Accomplishments
-------------------------
Established the School of American Ballet: Balanchine's most enduring legacy is the establishment of the School of American Ballet in New York City, which has produced some of the world's greatest ballet dancers.
Choreographer-in-Residence at the Metropolitan Opera: From 1948 to 1961, Balanchine served as choreographer-in-residence at the Metropolitan Opera, creating numerous iconic works for the company.
Founder of the New York City Ballet: In 1948, Balanchine founded the New York City Ballet with Lincoln Kirstein and Lillian Moore. The company has since become one of the world's leading ballet companies.Notable Works or Actions
-----------------------------
Some of Balanchine's most notable works include:
Apollo (1927-28): A collaboration with Igor Stravinsky, this ballet is considered a masterpiece of modern dance.
Serenade (1934): Set to Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 2, this ballet is a quintessential Balanchine work.
Agon (1957-58): A collaboration with Igor Stravinsky, this ballet is a seminal work of modern dance.
Impact and Legacy
-------------------------
Balanchine's impact on modern dance cannot be overstated. He introduced new techniques, such as the use of speed and precision, which have influenced generations of dancers. His choreographic style, characterized by its lyricism and musicality, has become synonymous with American ballet.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
---------------------------------------------
Balanchine's quotes on dance and art are insightful and often provocative. He is widely quoted for his statement: "I don't want to be a choreographer; I want to be a dancer who makes music with movement." This quote encapsulates his passion for the fusion of dance, music, and visual arts.
As a master ballet maker, Balanchine's legacy extends far beyond his own work. He has inspired countless dancers, choreographers, and directors, cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in modern dance history.
Quotes by George Balanchine
George Balanchine's insights on:
In ballet a complicated story is impossible to tell... we can't dance synonyms.
The pointes for girls, I always say, have to be like an elephant’s trunk; strong and yet flexible and soft.
Put a man and a girl on stage and there is already a story; a man and two girls, there’s already a plot.
Storyless is not abstract. Two dancers on the stage are enough material for a story; for me, they are already a story in themselves.
It’s like the time capsule with everything in it. Or like the seed that when you plant it, becomes the enormous tree with leaves and fruit. Everybody was in that little seed, and so everything can open. The tree of dance is like that. It just takes a long, long time to blossom.
I’ve got more energy now than when I was younger because I know exactly what I want to do.