George was the son of famous Georgian composer Meliton Balanchivadze.
Entered the Imperial School of Ballet at the age of ten and graduating in 1921. George
was also a musician as well as a Chorographer, Producer and Director. Formed his own troupe
when he started dancing with the Diaghileff company.
Balanchine was instrumental in starting the 'Baby Ballerinas'. Balanchine
formed his own company in 1933 called 'Les Ballets'. Invited to the US in 1934/35 to organize
the American Ballet company and the School of American Ballet. Balanchine was heavily
influenced by Marius Petipa with most of his choreography being abstract. Balanchine choreographed
many Broadway Musicals which was pretty much the start of Ballet choreography in Broadway
.
