Member-only story

Patricia Wilde: George Balanchine and the Rise of New York City Ballet

W. Somerset Maugham

·13.4k Followers· Follow

Published in Wilde Times: Patricia Wilde George Balanchine And The Rise Of New York City Ballet

4 min read

213 View Claps

35 Respond

Save

Listen

Patricia Wilde was an American ballerina, choreographer, and teacher who played a pivotal role in the development of New York City Ballet under the direction of George Balanchine. She was a muse and confidante to Balanchine and helped to shape the aesthetic and technique of the company. Wilde's dedication to Balanchine's vision and her own artistry as a dancer and choreographer left a lasting impact on the world of dance.

Wilde Times: Patricia Wilde, George Balanchine, and the Rise of New York City Ballet

by Elizabeth Vargas

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14980 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	345 pages

Early Life and Training

Patricia Wilde was born on June 19, 1929, in New York City. She began studying ballet at the age of four and quickly showed a natural talent for the art form. In 1941, she joined the School of American Ballet, the official school of New York City Ballet. Wilde studied under Balanchine and other renowned teachers such as Alexandra Danilova and Anatole Oboukhov.

Career with New York City Ballet

Wilde joined New York City Ballet in 1948 as a member of the corps de ballet. She quickly rose through the ranks and became a soloist in 1952 and a principal dancer in 1954. Wilde was known for her elegant and lyrical dancing and her ability to embody Balanchine's choreography with grace and precision.

She originated roles in many of Balanchine's most famous ballets, including "The Four Temperaments" (1946),"Orpheus" (1948),"Swan Lake" (1951),"Firebird" (1954),and "Agon" (1957). Wilde's partnership with Balanchine was both artistic and personal. She was his muse and confidante, and they shared a deep understanding of dance and artistic vision.

Choreographic Work

In addition to her performing career, Wilde also choreographed a number of works for New York City Ballet. Her ballets were often characterized by their musicality, wit, and sense of humor. Some of her most notable works include "Pas de Deux" (1960),"Divertimento No. 15" (1965),and "Echoing of Trumpets" (1966).

Teaching and Legacy

After retiring from performing in 1974, Wilde continued to teach at the School of American Ballet and at the Balanchine Foundation. She was a highly respected teacher who passed on Balanchine's technique and legacy to generations of young dancers.

Patricia Wilde died on January 4, 2019, at the age of 89. She left behind a rich legacy as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher who played a vital role in the development of New York City Ballet and the world of dance.

Patricia Wilde was a true pioneer in the field of dance. Her artistry as a dancer and her dedication to Balanchine's vision helped to shape the aesthetic and technique of New York City Ballet. Her choreographic work and her teaching legacy continue to inspire and influence dancers and audiences alike. Patricia Wilde will always be remembered as a legendary figure in the world of dance.