The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts has opened a comprehensive new exhibit, "The Enduring Legacy of George Balanchine," which explores his background and achievements as one of the most influential of choreographers. Continuing through April 24, 2004, the exhibition at the library in Lincoln Center consists of photographs, dance and scenic designs, costumes, letters, videotapes and models that recall Balanchine's history.
Interestingly, while we think of him primarily for his ballet choreography, the exhibit reminds us that he also did some impressive choreography for the Broadway theater, going back, for example, to "On Your Toes" in 1936 and "The Boys from Syracuse" in 1938. The exhibit is filled with such reminders of Balanchine, from his early work in Russia to through his career in America.
"We are delighted to offer this special exhibition as the Library's centennial tribute to George Balanchine," says Jacqueline Z. Davis, Executive Director of the Library for the Performing Arts. She points out that the library has a history of projects related to Balanchine, such as preservation of rare film, video documentation of repertory and an ongoing oral history project on dancers, designers, staffs and collaborators from the School of American Ballet, Ballet Society and the New York City Ballet."
Balanchine was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1904. He came to the United States in 1933, and lived in New York until his death in 1983. In addition to the formal exhibition, there will be special events open to the public at the Bruno Walter Auditorium. The exhibit is at the library's Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza. Admission is free. For further information phone: 212-870-1630. For information on events at the Bruno Walter Auditorium, phone 212-642-0142.