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Mr. George Balanchine: The 20th Century's Most Influential Choreographer

Robin Powell

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George Balanchine was a Russian-born choreographer who is widely considered to be one of the most influential figures in the history of ballet. He was the artistic director of the New York City Ballet for over three decades, and his work has had a profound impact on the development of dance in the United States and around the world.

Mr. B: George Balanchine's 20th Century

by Jennifer Homans

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4322 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	334 pages

Balanchine was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1904. He began studying ballet at a young age, and he quickly showed a remarkable talent for choreography. In 1924, he joined the Ballets Russes de Diaghilev, one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. Diaghilev commissioned Balanchine to create several ballets, including Apollo (1928) and The Prodigal Son (1929). These ballets were critical and commercial successes, and they helped to establish Balanchine as a major choreographer.

In 1933, Balanchine left the Ballets Russes and moved to the United States. He founded the American Ballet, which later became the New York City Ballet. Balanchine served as the artistic director of the company until his death in 1983. During his tenure, he created over 400 ballets, many of which have become classics of the repertoire. Balanchine's ballets are known for their musicality, their athleticism, and their clarity of form. He was a master of neoclassical ballet, a style that combines the classical ballet vocabulary with elements of modern dance.

Balanchine was also a gifted teacher. He developed a unique method of teaching ballet that is still used by dancers around the world. The Balanchine technique emphasizes the importance of line, precision, and speed. Balanchine's dancers are known for their long, lean bodies, their strong feet, and their ability to perform complex movements with ease.

Balanchine's work has had a profound impact on the development of dance in the United States and around the world. He is considered to be one of the most important choreographers of the 20th century, and his ballets continue to be performed by companies around the world.

Mr. George Balanchine: The 20th Century's Most Influential Choreographer is a comprehensive biography of Balanchine's life and work. The book is written by acclaimed dance critic and historian Jennifer Homans, and it features exclusive interviews with Balanchine's dancers, colleagues, and friends. The book is richly illustrated with rare photographs and drawings, and it offers an intimate portrait of a genius who revolutionized dance.

Mr. George Balanchine: The 20th Century's Most Influential Choreographer is a must-read for anyone interested in dance, music, or art. It is a fascinating and inspiring account of the life and work of one of the most important artists of the 20th century.

Mr. B: George Balanchine's 20th Century

by Jennifer Homans

4.4 out of 5