Giorgi Melitonovitch Balanchivadze was born into an artistic family of Georgian Russians in 1904, yet is best known as the “father of American ballet” because, as George Balanchine, he created the NYC Ballet and towered over mid-century American choreography. Indeed, he’s now regarded one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, his name inextricably linked with the modernisation of classical ballet grammar and the notion of musicality in dance.
Even now, 32 years after his passing, his flair continues to inspire and influence. No surprise then that this Manhattan giant is the centrepiece of the WA Ballet’s upcoming season, Embraceable You.
Indeed, principal dancer and choreographer Jayne Smeulders is nothing short of ecstatic to be involved: “He’s one of the most inspiring choreographers ever. I’m greatly influenced by him. His musicality, and the way he uses the music, I find phenomenal. You can see the music through the dance. It’s like the dancers are actually singing the music through their bodies.”
Although born in the capital of Russian ballet, St Petersburg, Mr B, besides refreshing the language, shifted the emphasis, no doubt influenced by the modernist verve America embraced in the 1930s. “Yes, we’re human beings dancing. We’re not playing a character or becoming a role, we’re just dancing to the music. I think he really identified and felt much more comfortable in America and really fitted with the culture and with Broadway.”
As part of Embraceable You, the WA Ballet will be presenting three of Balanchine’s works: Concerto Barocco, Tchaikovsky Pas De Deux and his Gershwin-scored masterpiece Who Cares?, which comes complete with classics like It’s Wonderful, I Got Rhythm and Lady Be Good.
“It’s one the best ballets ever made,” Smeulders raves. “It’s so beautiful to dance and to watch and the music is phenomenal. To hear the orchestra playing that music; you just can’t beat it really. Every dancer wants to dance Balanchine works but we’ve never really done much of it here. It’s very technically challenging for the dancers but it’s also very enjoyable. Also, audiences love it.”
For Perth, the Balanchine magic is assured. “Clean lines and entertainment. The Gershwin music helps too. When the curtain goes up and they’re playing Strike Up The Band, you can’t help but jig along, can you?”
