Why are you holding back?

Quote by George Balanchine and image of Yorke Dance’s Wordsworth

George Balanchine exhorted dancers to perform at their best, irrespective of whether they were in rehearsal or on the stage. This quote; “Why are you stingy with yourselves? Why are you holding back? What are you saving for – for another time? There are no other times. There is only now. Right now” is a reflection of this philosophy.

 
In 1946 Balanchine (1904-1983) and Lincoln Kirstein (1907-1986) formed the Ballet Society w performed Balanchine’s works to subscribers. Orpheus, which was presented in 1948, was so successful that Morton Baum (Chairman of the Executive Committee of the New York City Center of Music and Drama) invited the company to join City Center and the New York City Ballet was born.

From then until his death Balanchine, as ballet master, choreographed the majority of the New York City Ballet’s  roughly 425 works.

 I will be posting a dance photograph and dance quote and a little related history every Friday this year. If you would like your favourite quote included then please let me know.