George Balanchine

Date of Birth: January 22, 1904

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: April 30, 1983

Biography

George Balanchine, born Giorgi Melitonovich Balanchivadze, was a pioneering choreographer and ballet master, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the realm of ballet. Born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Balanchine trained at the Imperial Ballet School before joining the Mariinsky Ballet. His early exposure to the works of Marius Petipa and Michel Fokine deeply influenced his artistic vision. In 1924, Balanchine defected to the West, eventually settling in Paris, where he worked with Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. After Diaghilev’s death, Balanchine’s path took him across Europe before he moved to the United States in 1933 at the invitation of Lincoln Kirstein. Together, they founded the School of American Ballet in 1934 and later the New York City Ballet (NYCB) in 1948, where Balanchine served as Artistic Director until his death. Balanchine’s choreography is known for its musicality, precision, and innovative use of classical ballet vocabulary. He created over 400 works, including iconic ballets such as “Serenade,” “The Nutcracker,” and “Apollo.” His influence extended beyond ballet into Broadway, Hollywood, and opera. Balanchine passed away in 1983, but his legacy continues to shape the world of dance.

5 Interesting Facts about George Balanchine

1. George Balanchine was born Giorgi Melitonovich Balanchivadze in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

2. He co-founded the New York City Ballet (NYCB) with Lincoln Kirstein in 1948.

3. Balanchine choreographed over 400 works, including iconic ballets such as “Serenade” and “Apollo.”

4. He defected to the West in 1924 and initially worked with Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes in Paris.

5. Balanchine’s work extended into Broadway and Hollywood, where he choreographed for several musicals and films.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Balanchine

1. “See the music, hear the dance.”

2. “Why are you stingy with yourselves? Why are you holding back? What are you saving for—for another time? There are no other times. There is only now. Right now.”

3. “Ballet is woman.”

4. “First comes the sweat. Then comes the beauty if you’re very lucky and have said your prayers.”

5. “I don’t want people who want to dance, I want people who have to dance.”