Balanchine and Constructivism: The Path to Neoclassicism

This article explores the dances that George Balanchine created in Russia between 1920 and 1924 and places them within the short movement of constructivism in dance. It concentrates on the choreographic conventions used by Balanchine and other constructivist choreographers. Moving beyond an assessment of how constructivism influenced Balanchine's work, the article proposes that he was an influential player in the movement, not merely influenced by it. A foundation is laid through a detailed review of both primary and secondary source material, as well as by examining the work of other artists who were pivotal to the development of constructivist ballet.