Following Balanchine

Following Balanchine chronicles Robert Garis's experiences watching George Balanchine's choreography and the New York City Ballet over three decades, from 1959 through 1983. The book combines personal observation with dance criticism and history. Garis provides an account of major Balanchine works and documents the careers of principal dancers including Suzanne Farrell, Edward Villella, and Patricia McBride. His descriptions capture specific performances and trace how interpretations of key ballets evolved during Balanchine's lifetime. The author examines Balanchine's artistic development and his impact on twentieth-century dance through detailed analysis of individual pieces and staging choices. The narrative moves between focused studies of landmark productions and broader reflections on Balanchine's style and methods. The book offers insights into how one influential viewer processed and made meaning from Balanchine's revolutionary approach to ballet, contributing to ongoing discussions about dance criticism and spectatorship. Through its combination of historical record and personal response, it explores the relationship between choreographer, performer, and audience.

Most readers note this as a personal, subjective take on Balanchine's work rather than a comprehensive historical account. Reviewers appreciate Garis' firsthand experiences watching New York City Ballet performances from the 1950s-1980s and his detailed analysis of specific ballets. Readers praise: - In-depth descriptions of dance technique - Personal anecdotes about watching Balanchine's works evolve - Insights into individual dancers' interpretations Common criticisms: - Too much focus on the author's own opinions and reactions - Lack of broader historical context - Dense, academic writing style that can be difficult to follow From available online sources: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (6 reviews) One reviewer called it "more a memoir of watching ballet than a biography," while another noted it was "best suited for serious ballet enthusiasts rather than casual readers seeking an introduction to Balanchine." No reviews were found on other major book review sites.

Apollo's Angels by Jennifer Homans This history of ballet traces the art form's evolution through social and political contexts, offering the same deep analysis of ballet's development that Garis brings to Balanchine's work.

Balanchine: A Biography by Bernard Taper This biography presents Balanchine's life and artistic journey through extensive research and first-hand accounts from dancers and collaborators.

Dance Is a Contact Sport by Joseph H. Mazo The book chronicles one year inside the New York City Ballet during Balanchine's era, providing an insider's view of the company's daily operations and artistic process.

Holding On to the Air by Suzanne Farrell with Toni Bentley This memoir by Balanchine's most celebrated muse reveals the working methods and artistic philosophy of the choreographer from the perspective of a principal dancer.

Dancing on My Grave by Gelsey Kirkland This autobiography by a former principal dancer with New York City Ballet presents the complexities and challenges of working in Balanchine's company during its golden age.

🩰 Author Robert Garis watched George Balanchine's New York City Ballet performances for over 30 years, giving him unique insight into how the choreographer's work evolved over time. 🎭 The book offers rare glimpses into Balanchine's rehearsal process, including his famous practice of rarely giving verbal instructions to dancers, instead demonstrating movements himself. 🌟 Balanchine, the subject of the book, revolutionized American ballet by creating what became known as the "Balanchine technique," characterized by speed, precision, and deep musical connection. 📚 Published in 1995, the book combines both memoir and criticism, making it stand out from traditional dance biographies or academic texts. 🎬 Garis details how Balanchine's work was influenced by his early career in Soviet Russia and later collaboration with Igor Stravinsky, shaping what would become American neoclassical ballet.