The Balanchine Method is a ballet training technique developed by choreographer George Balanchine. The Balanchine Method is the method of teaching dancers at the School of American Ballet (the school associated to New York City Ballet) and focuses on very quick movements coupled with a more open use of the upper body.
The Balanchine Method is characterized by intense speed, deep plie, and a strong accent on lines. Balanchine ballet dancers must be very fit and extremely flexible. The method has many distinct arm positions and distinct and dramatic choreography. The arm positions of the Balanchine Method (often referred to as "Balanchine Arms") tend to be more open, less curved, and often "broken" at the wrist. Plies are deep and arabesque positions are usually uneven, with an open hip facing the audience to achieve the illusion of a higher arabesque line. Because of the extreme nature of the Balanchine Method, injuries are common.
George Balanchine developed the ballet training method for which he is known and co-founded the New York City Ballet. Regarded as the foremost contemporary choreographer in the world of ballet, Balanchine's passion and creativity have resulted in timeless classical ballets. Balanchine is often considered as the pioneer of contemporary ballet. Many of his ballets reflect a contemporary style of dancing. Some of his famous works include Serenade, Jewels, Don Quixote, Firebird, Stars and Stripes, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
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