"But First a School"

Book excerpt: This is an account of the rise and growth of the School of American Ballet. The idea was born in London in 1933 when Lincoln Kirstein, then a brilliant and idealistic young Harvard graduate, invited an equally brilliant and young Russian choreographer, George Balanchine, to direct a ballet company in the U.S. Balanchine's reply, "Yes, but first a school," planted the seed that bloomed into one of the most celebrated institutions of its kind. The school has fashioned not only the great dancers of the New York City Ballet but the best teachers, choreographers, directors and performers in ballet companies and studios all over the United States. Dunning vividly describes the extraordinary ambience, the professional vigor and the outstanding influence of this unique institution through its first 50 years. ISBN 0-670-80407-X : $20.00.