Kirstein, Lincoln Edward (1907-1996), was an important figure in the history of American ballet. In 1933, Kirstein and choreographer (dance creator) George Balanchine helped found the School of American Ballet. Its dance company became the New York City Ballet in 1948. Kirstein served as general director of the dance company and as president of the school.
Kirstein was born on May 4, 1907, in Rochester, New York. He wrote several books on dance, including Dance (1935), the first important history of ballet written by an American. By With To & From (1992) is a collection of his memoirs, criticism, and poetry. Mosaic (1994) is an autobiography. He died on Jan. 5, 1996.
