The history of ballet in America is as diverse as the country itself. There are many figures who have contributed to the development of American ballet from its early days, but one name stands out above all others: George Balanchine.
George Balanchine is widely regarded as the father of American ballet. He was born in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1904 and began studying classical ballet at the Imperial Ballet School at age eight. After a successful career as a principal dancer and choreographer with the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, he left Europe for America in 1933.
Upon his arrival in America, Balanchine quickly made an impact on the local dance scene by creating works based on his classical training, but infused with modern elements that had not been seen before. His unique style was highly praised by critics and soon became known as “neoclassicism” – a combination of classical technique with modern sensibilities.
Balanchine was also influential in creating opportunities for young dancers to study the art form. In 1934 he founded the School of American Ballet (SAB) with his wife Lincoln Kirstein, which is still considered one of the most prestigious ballet academies today. Through SAB he also founded New York City Ballet (NYCB), which would become one of America’s premier ballet companies and provide a platform for some of his most famous works such as The Nutcracker and Apollo.
Balanchine was also a talented teacher and mentor who trained some of the most renowned dancers in history including Mikhail Baryshnikov and Suzanne Farrell. He believed that “ballet is music made visible” and was known for his ability to craft intricate choreography that blended seamlessly with music to create a stunning visual experience for audiences.
Due to his immense contributions to American ballet, George Balanchine is widely recognized as its founder and father figure. His legacy lives on through NYCB, SAB, and other organizations dedicated to preserving his work and teaching others about his unique style of neoclassical choreography.
In conclusion, it can be said without doubt that George Balanchine is truly the father of American ballet, having shaped its development since he first arrived in America in 1933 through his unique neoclassical style, influential teaching methods, and founding organizations like SAB and NYCB that continue to promote dance education today.