Balanchine and Kirstein: The American Enterprise that Changed Ballet Forever

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

Balanchine and Kirstein: The American Enterprise that Changed Ballet Forever is a fascinating and in-depth look at the partnership between two of the most influential figures in the history of dance. George Balanchine was a brilliant choreographer who revolutionized the art form, and Lincoln Kirstein was a visionary impresario who helped to establish ballet as a major force in American culture. Together, they founded the New York City Ballet, one of the world's leading ballet companies.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in ballet, dance history, or American culture. It is a well-written and engaging account of a remarkable partnership that changed the course of dance history.

Balanchine and Kirstein: A Unique Partnership

Balanchine and Kirstein were an unlikely pair. Balanchine was a Russian émigré who had been trained in the classical tradition of the Imperial Russian Ballet. Kirstein was a wealthy American intellectual who had no formal training in dance. However, they shared a common vision for the future of ballet. They believed that ballet could be a vital and contemporary art form that could appeal to a wide audience.

Balanchine and Kirstein's partnership was based on mutual respect and admiration. Balanchine admired Kirstein's intelligence and business acumen, while Kirstein admired Balanchine's genius as a choreographer. Together, they created a unique artistic enterprise that would have a profound impact on the world of dance.

The New York City Ballet

In 1948, Balanchine and Kirstein founded the New York City Ballet. The company was dedicated to presenting Balanchine's innovative choreography. The company's early years were difficult, but Balanchine and Kirstein persevered. They gradually built a loyal audience and established the New York City Ballet as one of the world's leading ballet companies.

The New York City Ballet's repertoire includes a wide range of works, from classical ballets to contemporary pieces. Balanchine's choreography is known for its musicality, wit, and athleticism. His ballets are often abstract, but they are also full of emotion and humanity.

The New York City Ballet has had a profound impact on the development of ballet in the United States. The company has helped to popularize ballet and make it a more accessible art form. The company has also trained generations of dancers who have gone on to become stars in their own right.

Balanchine and Kirstein's Legacy

Balanchine and Kirstein's partnership was one of the most successful in the history of the arts. They created a new kind of ballet that was both innovative and accessible. Their work has had a lasting impact on the world of dance, and their legacy will continue to inspire dancers and audiences for generations to come.

Balanchine and Kirstein: The American Enterprise that Changed Ballet Forever is a fascinating and in-depth look at the partnership between two of the most influential figures in the history of dance. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in ballet, dance history, or American culture. It is a well-written and engaging account of a remarkable partnership that changed the course of dance history.

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