The Balanchine Method

The Balanchine Method is a ballet technique developed by choreographer George Balanchine, a graduate ofVaganova Ballet Academy and initially used at the New York City Ballet. 

It requires extreme speed, very deep plie, unconventional arms and hands, and emphasis on lines, especially in decale. 

Because of musical background, movement in Balanchine Method is fast, staccato, and often syncopated. Requires a dancer with very good rhythm and musicality.

En-dehors pirouettes are often taken from a 4th position (legs) with straightened back leg and extended front arm (i.e., a lunge, as opposed to a plie). 

Also notable is the distinctive arabesque, with the dancer's hip opened towards the audience while the side arm is pressed back, using a spiral to create the illusion of a longer, higher arabesque line. 

Known for releasing the position of the hips to be hinged forward rather than centered. Also took the classical ballet lines and bend the wrists or flexed the feet to change the line.

The overall illusion of the Balanchine Method is that dancers are utilizing more space in less time: speed, height, length and a syncopated musicality are created.

The Balanchine Method is taught at School of American Ballet, the school of the New York City Ballet, and at many schools of Balanchine's disciples, such as Miami City Ballet (Ed Villella), Ballet Chicago StudioCompany (Daniel Duell), and the Suzanne Farrell Ballet in Washington D.C.

Balanchine Method dancers must be extremely fit and flexible. Injuries can be common for those inexperienced with this technique.

Did not believe ballet was a museum of archive dances. Thought ballet was a living art. He took classic technique and performed it in a contemporary manner. 

Did not like over costuming of ballet. He believed the body was beautiful and the movement should be able to show off the body.

Simplified costumes from tutus to tunics, even leotards and tights. 

Ballets he created often did not have plots, or extensive themes. 

"Let dance be the star of the show" -Balanchine