The George Balanchine Foundation
"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 and dance education

The

Video Archives

Maria Kowroski in a white practice tutu mimicking a gesture by coach Mimi Paul from Bugaku

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 is uncovered. 

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 not only for the quantity of work he produced but also for the abstraction and modernism of classical ballet technique.

the
Resources

Explore the resources that bring Balanchine to life with:

  • Classes that influenced Balanchine’s style
  • A breakdown of the technique that is essential to achieve the Balanchine Style
  • Musical analysis of his choreography
  • Comprehensive research collections of Balanchine’s works 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
The George Balanchine Foundation
Ensuring 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
Ensuring 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