jjares reviewed George Balanchine: The Life and Legacy of One of the 20th Century?s Most Influential Choreographers on + 3294 more book reviews
While reading this, I realized George Balanchine was a genius. Igor Stravinsky (a genius of modernist music) said Balanchine was great because he understood music. These two Russians coordinated their work for many years.
George was born in Russia; by eleven years, he was performing ballet on stage. He also studied piano, advanced music theory, and a host of other subjects that would prepare him for his future. Stravinsky later said George could have been a maestro.
Before George came along, American themes operated in European- style operetta. There was little classical ballet in America. So when George defected to America, he organized sponsors to establish an American ballet school and elite ballet company, the New York City Ballet. George did it all; he danced and or choreographed productions in literally every genre available, including television, film, musical theatre, opera, and operetta.
By the time George died, he was considered the foremost contemporary choreographer in the world of ballet. Many think George to be the Father of the American Ballet.
George was born in Russia; by eleven years, he was performing ballet on stage. He also studied piano, advanced music theory, and a host of other subjects that would prepare him for his future. Stravinsky later said George could have been a maestro.
Before George came along, American themes operated in European- style operetta. There was little classical ballet in America. So when George defected to America, he organized sponsors to establish an American ballet school and elite ballet company, the New York City Ballet. George did it all; he danced and or choreographed productions in literally every genre available, including television, film, musical theatre, opera, and operetta.
By the time George died, he was considered the foremost contemporary choreographer in the world of ballet. Many think George to be the Father of the American Ballet.
