# George Balanchine

> American choreographer, dancer and ballet master (1904–1983)

**Wikidata**: [Q310184](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q310184)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Balanchine)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/george-balanchine

## Summary
George Balanchine (1904–1983) was an American choreographer, dancer, and ballet master, born Georgiy Melitonovich Balanchivadze. He is best known as the co-founder of the New York City Ballet and the School of American Ballet, and for his influential work with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. A pivotal figure in 20th-century dance, he created over 400 works, including *The Prodigal Son*, and was recognized with prestigious awards such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Kennedy Center Honors.

## Biography
- **Born:** January 9 or January 22, 1904, in Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire
- **Died:** April 23, April 29, or April 30, 1983, in New York City, United States
- **Nationality:** Held citizenship in the Russian Empire, Soviet Union, France, and the United States
- **Education:** Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet; Saint Petersburg Conservatory
- **Known for:** Founding the New York City Ballet and the School of American Ballet; choreographing *The Prodigal Son*
- **Employer(s):** New York City Ballet, School of American Ballet, Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo
- **Field(s):** Choreography, dance, ballet, scenography, screenwriting

## Contributions
- **New York City Ballet:** Founded the American ballet company in 1948, serving as a central figure in its establishment and artistic direction.
- **School of American Ballet:** Established the American classical ballet school in 1934, headquartered in New York City, to train dancers in a specific aesthetic.
- **Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo:** Contributed to the ballet company following its inception in 1932.
- **Choreographic Works:** Created *The Prodigal Son*, a significant ballet in his repertoire.
- **Artistic Influence:** Influenced by Marius Petipa, a French-Russian ballet dancer and choreographer known for his work in the 19th century.

## FAQs
**Where was George Balanchine educated?**
Balanchine studied at the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, a school of classical ballet in Saint Petersburg, and the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, a music school also located in Saint Petersburg.

**What awards did George Balanchine receive?**
He received the Handel Medallion, the Presidential Medal of Freedom (the joint-highest civilian award of the United States), the Kennedy Center Honors (an annual American honor in the performing arts), and the Austrian Decoration for Science and Art.

**What companies did George Balanchine found or lead?**
He was affiliated with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo (inception 1932) and founded the School of American Ballet (inception 1934) and the New York City Ballet (inception 1948).

**What was George Balanchine's original name?**
His original name was Georgiy Melitonovich Balanchivadze, and he is also known by the alias Balanchivadze-2.

**What are some of George Balanchine's notable works?**
One of his most recognized works is the ballet *The Prodigal Son*.

## Why They Matter
George Balanchine is significant for his role in transforming ballet from a European-centric art form into a major American cultural force through the founding of the New York City Ballet and the School of American Ballet. His work period, beginning in 1929, spanned major geopolitical shifts, moving from the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union to France and finally the United States, allowing him to synthesize various traditions. By establishing institutions in New York, he created a lasting infrastructure for dance training and performance that continues to influence the global dance community. His recognition with awards such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Kennedy Center Honors underscores his impact on the performing arts in the 20th century.

## Notable For
- **Founding NYCB and SAB:** Establishing the New York City Ballet (1948) and the School of American Ballet (1934).
- **Awards:** Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Kennedy Center Honors, Handel Medallion, and Austrian Decoration for Science and Art.
- **Notable Work:** Choreographer of the ballet *The Prodigal Son*.
- **Global Citizenship:** Held citizenship in four distinct political entities: the Russian Empire, Soviet Union, France, and the United States.
- **Nomenclature:** A crater on Mercury is named "Balanchine" in his honor.
- **Influence:** His work was influenced by Marius Petipa, a defining figure in classical ballet.
- **Occupations:** Recognized professionally as a choreographer, dancer, ballet master, ballet dancer, scenographer, and screenwriter.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
George Balanchine was born Georgiy Melitonovich Balanchivadze in January 1904 (records vary between the 9th and 22nd) in Saint Petersburg, which was at the time the capital of the Russian Empire. He received his formal training at two prestigious institutions: the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet and the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. The Vaganova Academy, established in 1738, is a renowned school of classical ballet, while the Conservatory, founded in 1862, is a prominent music school. His education in these institutions placed him within the lineage of the Russian Imperial ballet tradition.

### Career and Affiliations
Balanchine's professional work period began in 1929. His career was marked by affiliations with several major ballet companies across Europe and the United States. He was associated with the **Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo**, a ballet company founded in 1932. Following his time in Europe, he moved to the United States, where he made his most enduring contributions.

In the United States, he founded two critical institutions:
*   **School of American Ballet:** Established in 1934 and headquartered in New York City, this school serves as a primary training ground for classical ballet in the U.S.
*   **New York City Ballet:** Founded in 1948 and also headquartered in New York City, this company became a leading force in American dance.

### Works and Artistic Influence
Balanchine's choreographic output includes the ballet *The Prodigal Son*. His work was notably influenced by **Marius Petipa** (1818–1910), a French-Russian ballet dancer and choreographer who was a central figure in the history of ballet. Balanchine's professional roles were diverse; beyond his primary identity as a choreographer and ballet master, he was also recognized as a dancer, ballet dancer, scenographer, and screenwriter.

### Citizenship and Personal History
Balanchine's life spanned a period of immense geopolitical change, reflected in his citizenship history. He was a citizen of the **Russian Empire** (which existed until 1917), the **Soviet Union** (1922–1991), **France**, and finally the **United States**. He died in April 1983 (records vary between the 23rd and 30th) in New York City.

### Recognition and Legacy
Balanchine received numerous accolades for his contributions to the arts. These include:
*   **Handel Medallion:** An award established in 1959 in the United States.
*   **Presidential Medal of Freedom:** The joint-highest civilian award of the United States, bestowed by the President.
*   **Kennedy Center Honors:** An annual American honor in the performing arts established in 1978.
*   **Austrian Decoration for Science and Art:** An award established in 1955 in Austria.

His legacy extends beyond Earth; a crater on the planet Mercury bears the name "Balanchine." His official website serves as a repository for information on his life and works.

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