George Balanchine
Russian-American choreographer
George Balanchine Rank
About George Balanchine
George Balanchine’s influence in ballet dance can still be felt decades after his death. The Georgian-American ballet choreographer was dubbed as the father of American ballet.
Originally trained as a ballet dancer at the Imperial Ballet School in Russia, he went on to establish himself as a choreographer in the 1920s, beginning with his first gig at the Paris-based Ballets Russes. He arrived in the US in 1934 and he set up the School of American ballet within three months.
He also choreographed Broadway musicals and Hollywood films. He co-established the New York City Ballet Company in 1948.
Family Life
His father was the celebrated Georgian opera singer and composer, Meliton Balanchivadze. His mother’s name was Maria Nikolayevna Vasilyeva.
He dated Russian-born American prima ballerina Aleksandra Dionisyevna Danilova. He was married and divorced four times. All four of his ex-wives; Tamara Geva, Vera Zorina, Maria Tallchief and Tanaquil LeClercq were ballerinas.
Honors
He was the recipient of a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1983 and the Kennedy Center Honors in 1978.
George Balanchine’s Death
He died from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease on April 30, 1983.
George Balanchine Rank
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F.A.Q. about George Balanchine
When is his birthday?
George Balanchine's birthday is on January 22, 1904.
In how many days is his birthday?
George's birthday is in 333 days
How old was George when he died?
He was 79 years old.
When did he die?
He died in April 30, 1983.
How old would he be today?
George Balanchine would be 121 years old if he was alive today.
Where was George from?
He was born in Lomonosov, Russia, Georgia, U.S..