George Balanchine (1904-1983) is one of the past century's greatest choreographers, and (along with Lincoln Kirstein) the man most responsible for creating ballet culture in America, in his roles as founder of the School of American Ballet and cofounder and balletmaster of the New York City Ballet. In a career spanning more than six decades and three continents, and with more than 400 dance works to his name, Balanchine towers over the field with his repertory of masterpieces such as Apollo, Serenade, The Four Temperaments, Agon, Jewels, his work in film,...