"Ballet is important and significant - yes. But first of all, it is a pleasure."
- George Balanchine

Dedicated to programs and initiatives that preserve and extend George Balanchine’s immeasurable contributions to dance.

the
Video Archives

The Video Archives coaching sessions record the tradition of passing on knowledge from dancers who worked directly with Balanchine. As they share their experience being in the studio during the time of creation with dancers who dance the roles today, the intention and context of the choreography are revealed. 

With over 80 sessions since 1995 covering more than 65 of Balanchine’s ballets, the Video Archives represent the heart of the George Balanchine Foundation’s contribution to the preservation and understanding of Balanchine’s work. 

“You’re still learning, making discoveries. It’s never over, and that keeps you alive. Passing it on is just very special to me.”

– Karin von Aroldingen

About
George Balanchine

With over 400 works choreographed during his lifetime, Balanchine was known for the quantity of work he produced and for his abstraction and modernism of classical ballet technique.

Our
Resources

Explore the technique, musicality and history that brings Balanchine and his work to life. Resources include:

  • Notated ballet classes that influenced Balanchine’s style
  • Video series that break down the technique that is essential to achieve the Balanchine Style
  • Interactive database showing where Balanchine works are being performed worldwide
  • Musical analyses of his choreography from music theorist Kara Yoo Leaman
  • Comprehensive research collections of Balanchine’s work in ballet, theater, popular culture and more.

“All of this is how dancers communicate the movement to the audience, how music flows through their bodies and becomes visible.”

– Barbara Walczak

Balanchine
Catalogue

A comprehensive and searchable record of all the works created by Balanchine that contain the premiere casts, production elements, company itineraries and more.

The
Foundation

Established in 1983 alongside the Trust, the Foundation engages in projects that extend and preserve the works of Balanchine. 

The George Balanchine Foundation
Ensure that Balanchine’s legacy remains vibrant and relevant for generations to come
Maria Tallchief, looking towards an outstretched arm in a costume for Firebird with a long red feather headpiece
Ensure that Balanchine’s legacy remains vibrant and relevant for generations to come
Maria Tallchief, looking towards an outstretched arm in a costume for Firebird with a long red feather headpiece