Photo by George Platt Lynes
George Balanchine was born 118 years ago today.
Balanchine was one of the 20th century's most prolific and famous choreographers. Known as the father of American ballet, he co-founded the New York City Ballet and remained its balletmaster for more than 35 years.
Balanchine was a choreographer known for his musicality. He expressed music with dance and worked extensively with leading composers of his time like Igor Stravinsky.
After years of illness, Balanchine died on April 30, 1983 at age 79 in New York City from Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, which was diagnosed only after his death.
He first showed symptoms during 1978 when he began losing his balance while dancing.
As the disease progressed, his equilibrium, eyesight and hearing deteriorated. By 1982, he was incapacitated.
The night of his death, the company went on with its scheduled performance, which included Divertimento No. 15 and Symphony in C at Lincoln Center.
In his last years, Balanchine suffered from angina and underwent heart bypass surgery.