Date of Birth: January 22, 1904
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: April 30, 1983
Biography
George Balanchine, born Georgiy Melitonovich Balanchivadze, was a seminal figure in the world of ballet, often considered one of the greatest choreographers of the 20th century. Born on January 22, 1904, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, he began his ballet training at the Imperial Ballet School and later graduated from the Petrograd Conservatory in 1921. After leaving the Soviet Union in the early 1920s, he joined Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, where he quickly established himself as a rising star in choreography. Balanchine moved to the United States in 1933 at the invitation of Lincoln Kirstein, with whom he co-founded the School of American Ballet and later the New York City Ballet (NYCB) in 1948. At NYCB, Balanchine created an extensive repertoire of works that emphasized musicality, minimalism, and innovation, revolutionizing ballet as an art form. His collaborations with composer Igor Stravinsky are particularly noted for their brilliance and creativity. Throughout his career, Balanchine choreographed over 400 works, including “Serenade,” “The Nutcracker,” “Apollo,” and “Jewels,” which are still performed by ballet companies worldwide. He also worked in Broadway and Hollywood, contributing to a wide range of productions. Balanchine’s legacy continues to influence dancers, choreographers, and audiences, making him a monumental figure in the history of dance.
5 Interesting Facts about George Balanchine
1. Balanchine was one of the earliest choreographers to incorporate African-American dancers into his works, breaking racial barriers in the ballet world.
2. He was known for his ability to create complex, musically driven choreography that appeared effortless and fluid.
3. Balanchine was married four times, all to prominent ballerinas, including Tamara Geva and Tanaquil Le Clercq.
4. He became a U.S. citizen in 1939 and spent the majority of his career in the United States.
5. Balanchine was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983, shortly before his death.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Balanchine
1. “See the music, hear the dance.”
2. “Ballet is woman.”
3. “There are no new steps, only new combinations.”
4. “I don’t want people who want to dance; I want people who have to dance.”
5. “The mirror is not you. The mirror is you looking at yourself.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the time of his death in 1983, George Balanchine’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million.
Children
George Balanchine did not have any biological children. However, he mentored many dancers who considered him a father figure in the world of ballet.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Balanchine
2. [New York City Ballet](https://www.nycballet.com/
3. [School of American Ballet](https://sab.org/
4. [Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/performer/george-balanchine
5. [George Balanchine Foundation](http://balanchine.org/
