Background
In 1924 George Balanchine defected the Soviet Union and joined Diaghilev‚' Ballets Russes as a choreographer, becoming quite well known across Europe. His future partner and financier, Lincoln Kierstein, convinced him to come to the United States in 1934 following the death of Diaghilev, and together with Kierstein, Balanchine founded the School of American Ballet in New York.
During his time in Europe, Balanchine developed his neoclassical style partially as a reaction to the Romantic anti-classicism which had led to increased theatricality in ballet. His style focused more on the dance, with the plot being secondary. In total, he choreographed 465 ballets, and it was this constant work that allowed him to refine his characteristic style. After coming the United States, he became far and away the most prolific force in the nation's ballet community, which led to his long-enduring legacy.
Read more about this topic: Balanchine Method
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