Balanchine technique

Definition

The balanchine technique is a style of ballet developed by George Balanchine that emphasizes athleticism, speed, and a unique sense of musicality. It is characterized by its fluid movement and complex choreography, often incorporating elements of jazz and modern dance. This technique revolutionized ballet in the 20th century, influencing how dancers approached both classical and contemporary styles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The balanchine technique focuses on using the entire body, allowing dancers to express emotions and ideas more freely through movement.
2. It incorporates off-balance positions and unexpected leaps, pushing the limits of traditional ballet vocabulary.
3. Dancers trained in the balanchine technique often perform with greater speed and precision compared to those trained in more classical forms.
4. The technique has significantly impacted the development of contemporary ballet, leading to collaborations with modern dance and other art forms.
5. Balanchine's work emphasized the importance of musical timing and phrasing, making musicality a central tenet of this technique.

Review Questions

• How does the balanchine technique differ from traditional classical ballet techniques in terms of movement and expression?
  • The balanchine technique differs from traditional classical ballet by focusing on athleticism, speed, and a fluid use of the entire body for expression. While classical ballet often emphasizes precision and adherence to strict lines, Balanchine’s style allows for off-balance positions and greater freedom in movement. This results in a more dynamic performance quality, as dancers are encouraged to explore their own interpretations of music and choreography.
• Discuss how George Balanchine's contributions to ballet have influenced contemporary dance forms beyond traditional ballet.
  • George Balanchine's contributions have significantly influenced contemporary dance by merging elements from various styles, including jazz and modern dance. His choreography often features innovative structures and unexpected movement patterns that challenge classical conventions. As a result, many contemporary dance works now incorporate balanchine techniques, leading to a richer vocabulary that blurs the lines between different dance forms while emphasizing musicality and expressive potential.
• Evaluate the significance of musicality within the balanchine technique and its impact on dancer training in today's dance institutions.
  • Musicality is a cornerstone of the balanchine technique, as it trains dancers to interpret music through their movements. This emphasis on musical responsiveness has transformed dancer training in today's institutions, making it essential for students to develop strong auditory skills alongside their technical training. By prioritizing musical interpretation, dancers are better equipped to perform complex choreography that resonates with audiences, ultimately shaping the future of both ballet and contemporary dance practices.

Related terms

George Balanchine: A prominent choreographer who co-founded the New York City Ballet and is known for creating numerous ballets that embody the balanchine technique.

Neoclassical ballet: A style of ballet that blends classical ballet with contemporary dance elements, often associated with Balanchine's innovative choreographic approach.

Musicality: The ability to interpret and express music through movement, a key aspect of the balanchine technique where dancers are trained to respond to musical phrasing.