George Balanchine
George Balanchine, born in 1904, and passed away in 1983, was a choreographer who is often considered the father of American ballet. Balanchine co-founded the New York City Ballet in 1948 and served as its artistic director for over 35 years. He revolutionized ballet by stripping it down to its purest form, emphasizing speed, flow and the beauty of movement itself. Balanchine's notable works include "The Nutcracker," "Serenade" and "Apollo." His innovative approach to choreography, including the integration of contemporary music and the focus on the ensemble rather than the prima ballerina, had a profound impact on ballet's evolution in the 20th century.