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Creator
Balanchine, George
Call number
(S) *MGZMD 517
Physical description
17 video recordings
Language
English
Preferred Citation

Balanchine Trust collection of New York City Ballet rehearsal tapes, (S) *MGZMD 517. Jerome Robbins Dance Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

Repository
Jerome Robbins Dance Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.Restrictions apply

The Balanchine Trust collection of New York City Ballet rehearsal tapes contain raw footage shot for the George Balanchine episodes of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) television series Dance in America. Highlights of the recordings include Balanchine rehearsing with Mikhail Baryshnikov for the televised version of Prodigal Son, and recordings of rehearsals for The Steadfast Tin Soldier. Other members of the New York City Ballet also appear in the recordings.

Biographical/historical information

The Balanchine Trust, established after George Balanchine's death in 1983, manages the licensing and staging of his choreographic works. The Trust ensures that his ballets are performed according to his original intentions by providing detailed guidelines and staging support. The organization collaborates with dance companies worldwide, maintaining the integrity and consistency of Balanchine's artistic legacy while facilitating access to his repertoire.

From 1977 through 1984, the Public Broadcasting Service, along with PBS member station WNET-Thirteen, presented several episodes of Great Performances: Dance in America dedicated to George Balanchine's choreography and the New York City Ballet. These broadcasts featured several of his works, showcasing the enduring impact of his artistic vision.

Scope and arrangement

This collection consists of seventeen video recordings which document rehearsals for George Balanchine's choreographic works as captured between 1978 and 1979. They are arranged alphabetically. These tapes include raw footage given over to PBS for the Dance in America series, showing Balanchine working with dancers such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Karin von Aroldingen, and Patricia McBride. Rehearsals for the televised version of Prodigal Son and The Steadfast Tin Soldier are included, with footage focusing on Balanchine's choreographic adjustments for television.

The video recordings also include a selected segment and moving still images produced for Dance in America, which document Balanchine's connection to the New York City Ballet and the preparation of his works for television. The material highlights the rehearsal process, the roles of dancers, and the technical aspects of adapting ballet for broadcast.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Donated by the Balanchine Trust in 2019.

Processing information

Processing begun in 2019 by Amelia Carlin, and completed in 2025 by Tara Strongosky.

Using the collection

Location

Jerome Robbins Dance Division
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498
Third Floor

Access restrictions

Inquiries regarding audio and moving image materials in the collection may be directed to the Jerome Robbins Dance Division (dance@nypl.org). Audio and moving image materials will be subject to preservation assessment and migration prior to access.