George Balanchine, ballet master and choreographer
May 2, 1983
New York
George Balanchine, one of the greatest choreographers in the history of ballet, established the New York City Ballet and guided it to international pre-eminence during his 34 years as artistic director. Mr. Balanchine, who passed away April 30, elevated choreography to an independent art, introducing the plotless ballet in an age when the storybook ballet held sway.