George Balanchine: Ballet Master

A portrait of one of the greatest choreographers of all time chronicles his career as a dance student in Russia, his work with Diaghilev and on Broadway, and his founding of the School of American Ballet and The New York City Ballet

This addition to the Balanchine literature is by British dance critic Buckle (biographer of Nijinsky and Diaghilev) and Taras (assistant ballet master under Balanchine at the New York City Ballet). The book documents Balanchine's growth as a dancer/choreographer in Russia, ballet master for Diaghilev, innovator in the American musical theater, and artistic director of the New York City Ballet. The strength of the book is in new information on the early relationship between Lincoln Kirstein and Balanchine and inclusion of previously unpublished photos and letters. Though the writing style is choppy and slavishly chronological, the biography is responsible and will be enjoyed by dance fans. Joan Stahl, Enoch Pratt Free Lib., Baltimore
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.