George Balanchine: The Dance King

George Balanchine, also known as “the father of American ballet,” was a Russian-born choreographer who revolutionized the classical dance industry in the United States.

Born on January 22, 1904, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Balanchine began his dance career in a rather peculiar way - by pretending to be a girl. Yes, you heard that right! As a boy, he would often dress up in his sister’s clothes and pose as a ballerina. This, apparently, was the beginning of his love affair with dance.

As a young man, Balanchine quickly rose to fame in Russia, choreographing for the Imperial Ballet and even having a romantic relationship with famed Russian ballerina, Tamara Geva. However, his wild and adventurous spirit soon led him to America where he became the artistic director of the School of American Ballet and co-founder of the New York City Ballet.

Balanchine’s choreography was known for its unique blend of athleticism, elegance, and just a touch of weirdness. For instance, in “The Four Temperaments,” he had dancers contort their bodies in bizarre, twisted positions that left audiences scratching their heads in confusion. And in “Agon,” he had dancers perform acrobatic moves while wearing nothing but flesh-toned leotards - a sight that caused many a scandal in the conservative dance world.

Apart from being an innovative choreographer, Balanchine was also a bit of a diva. He insisted on wearing a cape wherever he went, even in the sweltering New York City summer, and would only drink water that had been served to him in a crystal goblet. Rumor has it that he once fired a student from his ballet school simply because they ate a sandwich in his presence.

Balanchine passed away in 1983, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence the dance world to this day. His unconventional approach to choreography, bizarre yet captivating moves, and diva-like behavior have earned him a special place in the hearts of dance enthusiasts everywhere.