6.2 Influential American Ballet Choreographers

American ballet choreographers revolutionized dance in the 20th century. George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Agnes de Mille pushed boundaries, blending styles and infusing American themes into their work. Their innovations shaped ballet's evolution in the U.S. and beyond.

These pioneers left lasting impacts on dance. Balanchine's neoclassical style, Robbins' theatrical approach, and de Mille's narrative-driven choreography expanded ballet's expressive range. Their influence continues to inspire choreographers and captivate audiences today.

Influential American Ballet Choreographers

Pioneering American ballet choreographers

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  George Balanchine – Vikipeedia View original

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  Jerome Robbins – jeden z otců amerického tance 20. století - Dance Context Taneční aktuality View original

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Top images from around the web for Pioneering American ballet choreographers

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  CLIQUE NOVA YORK: NEW YORK CITY BALLET - THE NUTCRACKER View original

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  George Balanchine – Vikipeedia View original

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  Jerome Robbins – jeden z otců amerického tance 20. století - Dance Context Taneční aktuality View original

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  CLIQUE NOVA YORK: NEW YORK CITY BALLET - THE NUTCRACKER View original

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• George Balanchine
  • Co-founded the New York City Ballet established it as one of the world's premier ballet companies
  • Developed neoclassical ballet style
    • Emphasized speed, clarity, and musicality showcasing the technical prowess of dancers
    • Stripped away elaborate costumes and sets focusing on the purity of movement (minimalism)
  • Choreographed numerous iconic works that remain in the repertoire of ballet companies worldwide ("Serenade", "Apollo")
• Jerome Robbins
  • Choreographed for both ballet and Broadway showcasing his versatility as a choreographer
  • Incorporated elements of jazz, modern dance, and theater into ballet expanding the boundaries of the art form
  • Created works that explored American themes and culture, reflecting the experiences and aspirations of the nation ("Fancy Free", "West Side Story")
• Agnes de Mille
  • Pioneered the integration of ballet with character development and storytelling, adding depth and meaning to dance
  • Choreographed the dream ballet in the musical "Oklahoma!"
    • Revolutionized the role of dance in musical theater elevating it from mere entertainment to an essential narrative element
  • Created works that celebrated American history and folklore, drawing inspiration from the country's rich cultural heritage ("Rodeo")

Choreographic styles and innovations

• George Balanchine's neoclassical style
  • Focused on abstract, plotless ballets emphasizing the beauty and purity of movement
  • Emphasized the beauty of pure dance and movement, stripping away extraneous elements
  • Collaborated closely with composers, such as Igor Stravinsky, to create works where music and dance were seamlessly integrated
• Jerome Robbins' theatrical approach
  • Blended ballet with elements of jazz, modern dance, and theater, creating a more eclectic and accessible style
  • Created ballets with relatable characters and narratives, engaging audiences on an emotional level
  • Explored American themes and social issues, using dance as a means of commentary and critique
• Agnes de Mille's narrative-driven choreography
  • Integrated ballet with character development and storytelling, creating works with complex plots and fully realized characters
  • Drew inspiration from American history, folklore, and culture, celebrating the nation's diverse heritage
  • Collaborated with composers and librettists to create cohesive works where dance, music, and narrative were equally important

Impact on American ballet evolution

• George Balanchine
  • Established the New York City Ballet as a world-renowned company, putting American ballet on the global map
  • Trained generations of dancers in his neoclassical style, creating a distinct American ballet aesthetic
  • Influenced choreographers worldwide to embrace abstraction and musicality, pushing the boundaries of classical ballet
• Jerome Robbins
  • Broadened the scope of ballet by incorporating diverse dance styles and theatrical elements, making it more accessible to mainstream audiences
  • Helped popularize ballet among mainstream audiences through his Broadway works, such as "West Side Story"
  • Inspired choreographers to explore contemporary themes and social issues, using ballet as a vehicle for social commentary
• Agnes de Mille
  • Demonstrated the potential for ballet to convey complex narratives and characters, expanding the expressive range of the art form
  • Elevated the status of dance in musical theater, proving that it could be an integral part of storytelling
  • Encouraged choreographers to draw inspiration from their cultural heritage and history, fostering a distinctly American voice in ballet