Balanchine and Kirstein: The American Enterprise that Shaped Ballet

The collaboration between choreographer George Balanchine and impresario Lincoln Kirstein is one of the most significant partnerships in the history of American ballet. Together, they founded the New York City Ballet (NYCB) in 1948, which has since become one of the world's leading ballet companies. Balanchine's innovative choreography and Kirstein's savvy business acumen helped to revolutionize American ballet, making it a more accessible and popular art form.

George Balanchine was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1904. He began studying ballet at an early age and quickly became one of the most promising dancers in his country. In 1924, he joined the Ballets Russes de Sergei Diaghilev, where he quickly rose to the rank of principal dancer. Balanchine's work with Diaghilev helped to shape his unique style of choreography, which is characterized by its athleticism, musicality, and strong sense of structure.

Lincoln Kirstein was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1907. He developed a passion for ballet at an early age and became a patron of the art form. In 1933, he founded the School of American Ballet (SAB),which has since become one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. Kirstein's vision for SAB was to create a training ground for American dancers who could compete with the best in the world.

Balanchine and Kirstein's American Enterprise

by James Steichen

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7690 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	312 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In 1948, Balanchine and Kirstein co-founded the New York City Ballet. The company's mission was to create a new kind of ballet that would be both accessible to American audiences and true to the art form's classical roots. Balanchine's choreography for NYCB was groundbreaking, and his dancers were some of the most talented in the world. The company quickly became a success, and it has remained one of the world's leading ballet companies for over 70 years.

Balanchine's choreography is known for its athleticism, musicality, and strong sense of structure. He often used classical ballet technique, but he also incorporated elements of jazz, modern dance, and even folk dance into his work. Balanchine's choreography is often set to music by Igor Stravinsky, but he also collaborated with other composers, such as Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and George Gershwin.

Kirstein was a brilliant businessman who played a key role in the success of the New York City Ballet. He was responsible for managing the company's finances, marketing its performances, and negotiating contracts with dancers and choreographers. Kirstein also played a role in shaping the company's artistic vision. He was a strong advocate for Balanchine's choreography, and he helped to ensure that the company remained true to its mission of creating accessible and innovative ballet.

The partnership between Balanchine and Kirstein was one of the most successful in the history of American ballet. Together, they helped to revolutionize American ballet, making it a more accessible and popular art form. The New York City Ballet remains one of the world's leading ballet companies, and Balanchine's choreography continues to be performed by companies around the world. The legacy of Balanchine and Kirstein is a lasting one, and their impact on American ballet will continue to be felt for generations to come.

The partnership between George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein is a testament to the power of collaboration. Together, they created one of the most successful ballet companies in the world, and they helped to revolutionize American ballet. Balanchine's choreography and Kirstein's business acumen were a perfect match, and their legacy will continue to inspire dancers and audiences for generations to come.

Balanchine and Kirstein's American Enterprise

by James Steichen

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7690 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	312 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE