George Balanchine, born in Saint Petersburg on January 22, 1904, and died in New York on April 30, 1983, is one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century. A co-founder of the New York City Ballet, he revolutionized dance by combining classical rigor with modernity. Among his major works, notable pieces include Apollon Musagète, Serenade, Jewels, and The Nutcracker, which have left a lasting mark on the history of ballet.
