Balanchine Teaching

In 1961, Nancy Lassalle was given permission to photograph a two-day teachers seminar led by George Balanchine (1904–83) 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 14 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.