Jerome Robbins, a pioneering figure in the world of dance, was an original member of the Ballet Theatre when it was established in 1940. During his tenure, he portrayed a diverse range of roles for several years before venturing into choreography, creating his own innovative works such as 'Fancy Free', a groundbreaking ballet that premiered in 1944 at the Metropolitan Opera House.
This seminal piece, which told the story of three sailors on leave in New York, marked the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration with the renowned composer Leonard Bernstein. With Robbins taking on one of the leading roles, the production was met with widespread acclaim, solidifying the duo's status as major talents in the industry.
The success of 'Fancy Free' also paved the way for the adaptation of the play into the iconic film 'On the Town', further cementing the partnership between Robbins and Bernstein. Throughout his illustrious career, Robbins was also responsible for staging numerous ballets for the New York City Ballet, including 'Pied Piper', 'The Cage', and 'Inter Play'.
In 1958, Robbins took the bold step of founding his own company, Ballets: USA, which embarked on extensive tours of Europe, the Middle East, New York, and the national stage. Many of the company's members went on to feature in the film 'West Side Story', which Robbins also choreographed for Broadway, the National Company, and London.
Robbins' remarkable contributions to the world of dance and musical theater continue to be celebrated to this day, leaving an indelible mark on the art forms he so passionately pursued.
