Balanchine's "Stars and Stripes": Ultimate Patriotism

Although many consider George Balanchine to be one of American Ballet's greatest choreographers, his view on contemporary dance has earned him a spot within the category of modernism. Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, this pioneer co-founded the New York City Ballet in 1948 and was virtually the first to provide new choreography that countered classical ballet while still maintaining traditional technique. While most of his pieces are not overtly political, it was interesting for me to look at Stars and Stripes in relation to the Cold War tension of the time, because he certainly intended to evoke a feeling of cultural superiority, patriotism, and overwhelming nationalism each time this piece was performed both here and abroad.

Premiered on January 17th, 1958, Stars and Stripes embodied an original cast adorned with ballet celebrities. Allegra Kent, Diana Adams and Jacques d'Amboise were just some of the few. In addition to a truly American message, it contained some of the best aspects of pure dance. The work is divided into five campaigns all demonstrating a different American theme. "Liberty Bell" and "El Captain" are two of the sections. 28 minutes of leaps and bounds, enthralling music, uplifting gestures, dancers clothed in red, white and blue and enthusiastic presentations of camaraderie and hard work, this work just screams to shed a positive light on the United States. It's not a surprise that the United States State Department sent Stars and Stripes on tour. Attempting to bolster our image abroad and compete with the Soviets, the American government saw this work as a political asset. Ironically, Balanchine was once considered Russian but from the choreography presented here, one understands that his yankee spirit fueled this piece.

Without a doubt, Stars and Stripes was created and performed at a poignant time in history. Post World War II, the economic competition existing between the Communist world and capitalist societies generated international strife that was heightened especially during the 1950s. These years were filled with proxy wars, espionage, propaganda and extreme rivalry in the Space Race. The allied powers within the axis so forcefully disagreed with the political makeup of the Soviet Union and felt threatened about democracy's future. Attempting to shape the minds of all people, propaganda could be seen all over. Today, the word propaganda is considered to be one that is vulgar, during this time period is was more widely accepted for what it was. When one thinks of agit-prop materials, I too think of classic communist images like the one to the left. But it can definitely be argued that American propaganda equally matched this image. Stars and Stripes was and is a politically charged message. Meant to emphasize the grandness of the United States, and almost forcefully strike audience members abroad, this piece brought baggage far beyond it's surface movement. With diplomats oftentimes in the audience, the U.S. State Department planned strategically with Balanchine to construct a pleasurable program that would leave an impact. Stars and Stripes did just that.