George Balanchine was a renowned ballet choreographer, often referred to as the father of American ballet. Born in 1904 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, he co-founded the New York City Ballet and created over 400 works, blending classical ballet with modern influences.
His innovative style emphasized the beauty of movement and the importance of music in dance. Balanchine's collaborations with composers like Igor Stravinsky and Aaron Copland resulted in iconic performances that transformed the ballet landscape, making it more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.