War, Exile, and the Art of Dance: The Life and Work of George Balanchine

In a detailed conversation, Jennifer Homans, author of the Pulitzer finalist Mr. B: George Balanchine's 20th Century, and Mariet Westermann explore the life of George Balanchine, a monumental 20th-century choreographer. Born during the era of Russia's last Czar, Balanchine navigated major historical events, from World Wars to the Russian Revolution. As a co-founder of the New York City Ballet, he advanced American dance to modernism's forefront. The discussion touches on his personal struggles, marriages to dancers, musical prowess, and his revolutionary contributions to dance.

Speakers

• Jennifer Homans, Author, “Mr. B: George Balanchine's 20th Century” (Random House, 2022); Founder and Director of the Center for Ballet and the Arts, NYU

In conversation with

• Mariët Westermann, Vice Chancellor, NYUAD