🪩Dance in American Cultures Unit 6 – The Rise of Ballet in America

Historical Context

• Ballet in America emerged in the early 20th century, influenced by European ballet traditions
• Increased cultural exchange between Europe and the United States facilitated the introduction of ballet to American audiences
• Early ballet performances in America were often part of vaudeville shows or opera productions
• The influx of European dancers and choreographers, especially during World War I and World War II, significantly contributed to the development of ballet in America
• The establishment of professional ballet schools and companies in the United States provided a foundation for the growth of American ballet
• The rise of ballet in America coincided with a period of cultural and artistic growth, known as the "American Century"
• Government support through programs like the Federal Dance Project during the Great Depression helped sustain and promote ballet in America

Key Figures and Pioneers

• George Balanchine, a Russian-born choreographer, is considered the father of American ballet
  • He co-founded the School of American Ballet and the New York City Ballet
  • Balanchine's neoclassical style and innovative choreography shaped the direction of American ballet
• Lincoln Kirstein, an American writer and impresario, played a crucial role in the development of ballet in America
  • He collaborated with George Balanchine to establish the School of American Ballet and the New York City Ballet
  • Kirstein's vision and patronage were instrumental in promoting ballet as a serious art form in the United States
• Agnes de Mille, an American dancer and choreographer, made significant contributions to the integration of ballet and musical theater
  • Her choreography for the musical "Oklahoma!" (1943) revolutionized the role of dance in musical theater
  • De Mille's work helped bridge the gap between ballet and popular entertainment
• Jerome Robbins, an American choreographer, director, and dancer, played a key role in the development of American ballet and musical theater
  • He choreographed numerous ballets for the New York City Ballet and created iconic works such as "Fancy Free" (1944) and "The Concert" (1956)
  • Robbins' choreography for the musical "West Side Story" (1957) further demonstrated the successful fusion of ballet and musical theater
• Lucia Chase, an American dancer and co-founder of the American Ballet Theatre, helped establish one of the premier ballet companies in the United States
• Antony Tudor, a British-born choreographer, brought psychological depth and dramatic intensity to American ballet through his works for the American Ballet Theatre

Early American Ballet Companies

• The Metropolitan Opera Ballet, founded in 1883, was one of the earliest professional ballet companies in the United States
  • The company primarily performed as part of opera productions and did not have a distinct artistic identity
• The Chicago Opera Ballet, established in 1910, was another early American ballet company associated with an opera house
• The American Ballet, founded by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein in 1935, was a short-lived but influential company that laid the groundwork for the development of American ballet
• The Ballet Caravan, established by Lincoln Kirstein in 1936, aimed to create ballets with distinctly American themes and styles
  • The company toured extensively throughout the United States, bringing ballet to new audiences
• The American Ballet Theatre, founded in 1939, became one of the leading ballet companies in the United States
  • The company's diverse repertoire included classical ballets and works by contemporary American choreographers
• The New York City Ballet, co-founded by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein in 1948, became the preeminent ballet company in the United States
  • The company's neoclassical style and innovative choreography set the standard for American ballet
• Regional ballet companies, such as the San Francisco Ballet (1933) and the Ballet Theatre of Los Angeles (1940), emerged in various cities across the United States, contributing to the decentralization and growth of American ballet

Artistic Influences and Styles

• European ballet traditions, particularly from Russia and France, heavily influenced the development of American ballet
  • Many early American ballet dancers and choreographers received training in Europe or from European expatriates
• George Balanchine's neoclassical style, characterized by speed, precision, and abstract expression, became synonymous with American ballet
  • Balanchine stripped away elaborate costumes and sets, focusing on the purity of movement and the music
  • His works, such as "Serenade" (1934) and "Symphony in C" (1947), exemplified the neoclassical style
• The integration of ballet with other dance forms, such as modern dance and jazz, contributed to the development of a distinctly American ballet aesthetic
  • Choreographers like Jerome Robbins and Agnes de Mille incorporated elements of popular dance and musical theater into their ballets
• The influence of American music, particularly jazz and popular music, shaped the musical choices and rhythmic qualities of American ballet
  • Balanchine's collaborations with composer Igor Stravinsky, such as "Agon" (1957), demonstrated the innovative use of contemporary music in ballet
• The emphasis on athleticism, speed, and technical virtuosity became hallmarks of American ballet
  • American dancers were known for their energy, dynamism, and ability to execute challenging choreography
• The exploration of American themes, stories, and characters in ballets reflected a desire to create a uniquely American ballet identity
  • Works like Eugene Loring's "Billy the Kid" (1938) and Agnes de Mille's "Rodeo" (1942) drew inspiration from American history and folklore

Technical Developments

• The establishment of professional ballet schools, such as the School of American Ballet (1934), provided rigorous training for aspiring American ballet dancers
  • These schools emphasized technical proficiency, musicality, and artistic expression
• The codification of ballet technique in the United States, influenced by the Vaganova method from Russia and the Cecchetti method from Italy, provided a systematic approach to ballet training
• The development of distinctive American ballet pedagogy, exemplified by teachers like Muriel Stuart and Thalia Mara, contributed to the training of generations of American ballet dancers
• Advances in dance notation, such as Labanotation, allowed for the preservation and transmission of ballet choreography
  • This facilitated the restaging of ballets and the dissemination of choreographic ideas across the United States
• Improvements in dance flooring, such as the use of sprung floors and Marley surfaces, enhanced the safety and performance of ballet dancers
• The integration of cross-training techniques, such as Pilates and yoga, helped ballet dancers maintain strength, flexibility, and prevent injuries
• The use of video technology for recording and analyzing ballet performances and rehearsals became an important tool for dancers and choreographers

Cultural Impact and Popularity

• The rise of ballet in America coincided with a growing appreciation for the arts and a desire for cultural sophistication
  • Attending ballet performances became a symbol of social status and cultural refinement
• Ballet's popularity was fueled by the star power of American ballet dancers, such as Maria Tallchief, Melissa Hayden, and Jacques d'Amboise
  • These dancers became cultural icons and helped to popularize ballet among mainstream audiences
• The inclusion of ballet in Hollywood films, such as "The Red Shoes" (1948) and "An American in Paris" (1951), brought ballet to a wider audience and showcased the talents of American ballet dancers
• Television broadcasts of ballet performances, such as "The Nutcracker" and "Dance in America" series, made ballet more accessible to the general public
  • These broadcasts helped to democratize ballet and expose new audiences to the art form
• The incorporation of ballet into musical theater productions, such as "Oklahoma!" and "West Side Story," demonstrated the versatility and popular appeal of ballet
• Ballet's influence extended beyond the stage, inspiring fashion, advertising, and popular culture
  • The grace, elegance, and athleticism of ballet dancers became idealized images in American society
• The rise of regional ballet companies and the decentralization of American ballet allowed for greater access to ballet performances and training across the United States

Notable Performances and Productions

• George Balanchine's "Serenade" (1934), set to Tchaikovsky's "Serenade for Strings," was one of the first ballets created in the United States and became a signature work of American ballet
• Agnes de Mille's choreography for the musical "Oklahoma!" (1943) revolutionized the integration of dance and storytelling in musical theater
  • The "Dream Ballet" sequence, featuring the character of Laurey, became an iconic moment in American dance history
• Jerome Robbins' "Fancy Free" (1944), featuring three sailors on shore leave, captured the energy and spirit of wartime America and launched Robbins' career as a choreographer
• George Balanchine's "The Four Temperaments" (1946), set to music by Paul Hindemith, showcased Balanchine's neoclassical style and became a staple of the New York City Ballet's repertoire
• Agnes de Mille's "Fall River Legend" (1948), based on the story of Lizzie Borden, explored themes of oppression and violence through dramatic choreography
• Jerome Robbins' choreography for the musical "West Side Story" (1957) seamlessly integrated ballet with jazz and Latin dance styles, setting a new standard for dance in musical theater
• George Balanchine's "Agon" (1957), a collaboration with composer Igor Stravinsky, pushed the boundaries of ballet technique and showcased the athleticism of American ballet dancers
• Alvin Ailey's "Revelations" (1960), though primarily a modern dance work, incorporated elements of ballet and became one of the most widely performed pieces of American dance

Legacy and Modern Relevance

• The rise of ballet in America established ballet as a significant art form in the United States and paved the way for future generations of American ballet dancers and choreographers
• The works of George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Agnes de Mille continue to be performed by ballet companies worldwide, serving as a testament to their enduring artistic value
• The American ballet aesthetic, characterized by speed, athleticism, and innovation, continues to influence contemporary ballet choreography
• The integration of ballet with other dance forms, as pioneered by American choreographers, has become a hallmark of contemporary dance
• The legacy of American ballet can be seen in the success and international recognition of American ballet companies, such as the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and San Francisco Ballet
• American ballet dancers, such as Misty Copeland and David Hallberg, have become international stars and role models, inspiring new generations of dancers
• The increasing diversity and inclusion in American ballet, both on and off stage, reflect ongoing efforts to make ballet more accessible and representative of contemporary society
• The continued popularity of ballet in America, as evidenced by sold-out performances, thriving ballet schools, and the success of ballet-themed films and television shows, demonstrates the enduring appeal and relevance of this art form