Posted by Rebecca King on 08.23.2010
Get the book I am reading: George Balanchine The Ballet Maker by Robert Gottlieb.
While with the company, George would go on to create masterpieces that he would later re-create in America. In 1928 and 1929 two favorites still performed today were born: “Apollon Musagete” (now “Apollo”) and “The Prodigal Son”. When performed by New York City Ballet in 1960, years after it’s American debut, “The Prodigal Son” would become the signature role of Miami City Ballet’s Director, Edward Villella. This period in Balanchine’s career would also foster his budding relationship with composer, Igor Stravinsky. Balanchine fell in love with his music and would go on to create many ballets working directly with him.
After Serge Diaghilev’s death in the summer of 1929, Balanchine decided that it was time for him to venture out on his own. Where would he go? What would he come up against? Check back for the next installment, coming soon.
Earlier George Balanchine Series posts:
What Would Balanchine Think?
George Balanchine: Ballet in Russia.