Balanchine Teaching

A Ballet Society Publication

Introduction and photographs by Nancy Lassalle, essay and commentary by Suki Schorer

2016

In 1961, Nancy Lassalle was given permission to photograph a two-day teachers seminar led by George Balanchine at the School of American Ballet. The workshop, funded by the Ford Foundation, was intended to elevate the level of ballet education across the United States by offering the highest standard of training to future dancers. Teachers came from around the country to learn directly from Balanchine. The fourteen photographs show Mr. Balanchine demonstrating various ballet positions, doing pliés, making slight adjustments on students, at once articulating his command of the art as well as his generous desire to share that knowledge. They offer a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a pivotal moment in the history of American dance when ballet’s greatest choreographer is deeply engaged with his most fundamental calling: teaching dancers to dance.

Half of the purchase price ($1,000) of each portfolio is fully tax deductible and will be donated to the Cultural Program at the School of American Ballet.