Reaching seventy-five years is a remarkable milestone for any organization, especially for a ballet company. The New York City Ballet, now three-quarters of a century old, is not only one of the premier dance companies in the world but also a cornerstone of American ballet.
The company comprises 90 dancers and boasts an unparalleled repertory of over 500 ballets, known for their playfulness, liveliness, and spontaneity. This vibrant energy has been integral to the company’s ethos since its inception in 1948. Founded by art connoisseur Lincoln Kirstein and choreographer George Balanchine, the company aimed to modernize the 15th-century art form. Balanchine believed that part of his mission was to educate an audience that was largely unfamiliar with ballet.
One of Balanchine’s muses, Suzanne Farrell, mastered his signature fast-paced, athletic ballets, which focused more on music and movement than on plot. Today, Balanchine’s ballets are performed worldwide and are considered a benchmark for a dancer’s or company’s prowess. Viewing a Balanchine ballet is said to be a transformative experience.
Following George Balanchine’s death in 1983, dancer Peter Martins led the company for over three decades before stepping down amid misconduct allegations, which he denied. Since 2019, Wendy Whelan and Jonathan Stafford have co-directed the company. Surviving as a dance company today is challenging, especially for a nonprofit performing arts organization. Each year, the company must work to bring back its audience, sell tickets, and raise funds, continuously striving to enhance its offerings.
Part of this effort involves training the next generation at the affiliated School of American Ballet in New York. It also includes continuing the tradition of creating new works by contemporary choreographers, with noteworthy collaborations with artists ranging from Sir Paul McCartney to Solange Knowles to Valentino.
Today, the ballet attracts a significant number of young people. For the first time, the largest single-ticket demographic is age 30 to 39. The company strives to keep performances fresh and unexpected, continually evolving to maintain its relevance.
This ongoing evolution ensures that the New York City Ballet remains vibrant and deserving of an encore.
Source: CBSNEWS