GEORGIA ON HIS MIND
Re the review of Francis Mason’s “I Remember Balanchine” (June 30), I don’t think Joan Acocella mentioned that George Balanchine was a Georgian.
The review implies that he owed much of his ability to Russia, Russian dance, etc., but he owes it to his Georgian bloodlines.
The Georgians are an ancient race with a deep culture, far predating Balanchine’s passport. Dancing en pointe was exported from the Caucasus to Europe, not the other way around. The Europeans are neophytes.
P.S. Of course Balanchine looked Oriental. He was!
J. HAVILAND, STUDIO CITY
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