George Balanchine (1904-1983) was a Russian-American choreographer of Georgian descent and one of the defining figures in 20th-century ballet. Born Georgi Melitonovich Balanchivadze in St. Petersburg, he trained at the Imperial Ballet School before joining Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, then moved to the United States in 1934 at the invitation of arts patron Lincoln Kirstein. Together they co-founded the New York City Ballet in 1948, where Balanchine served as artistic director until his death, shaping a neoclassical style that placed dance itself - stripped of elaborate narrative and décor - at the centre of the art form. His catalogue of 465 works is performed by companies across the world.
New York City Ballet announced its 2026-27 season with 24 Balanchine works, including Jewels to mark the ballet's 60th anniversary in 2027.
The George Balanchine Foundation released new Video Archives recordings featuring coaching of cast members from NYCB.
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker opened NYCB's 2025-26 season on November 28, 2025 at David H. Koch Theater and ran through January 4, 2026.
Balanchine Foundation released new Video Archives recordings featuring coaching of soloists from Ballo della Regina and Divertimento No. 15.
Balanchine Foundation released the first Video Archives coaching featuring Ib Andersen, highlighting his work with Mozartiana.
