Lincoln Kirstein
A wealthy, visionary force who willed American ballet into existence, building the New York City Ballet from an idea into a global institution.
1907–1996 (age 89)·American writer and art connoisseur·Birthday: May 4·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Lincoln Kirstein was not a dancer or a choreographer, but without him, American ballet might have remained a European import. Born into a wealthy Boston family, he was a polymath—a poet, critic, and art collector with an unshakable belief in the cultural destiny of the United States. In 1933, after seeing a performance by a young Georgian dancer named George Balanchine, Kirstein made it his life's mission to bring him to America and give him a company. He navigated wars, financial crises, and artistic disagreements to make that happen, co-founding the School of American Ballet and, ultimately, the New York City Ballet. Kirstein served as its general director, fundraiser, and fierce ideological defender for over forty years, shaping its repertory and securing its home at Lincoln Center. His vision extended beyond the stage; he founded the journal 'Hound & Horn', helped establish MoMA's photography department, and was a relentless advocate for the arts as a public necessity.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Lincoln was born in 1907, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lincoln Was Born
The biggest hits of 1907
Lincoln's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1907Born
Financial panic grips Wall Street
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1912Started school
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1920Became a teenager
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1923Could drive
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1925Could vote
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Turned 21
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1937Turned 30
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1947Turned 40
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1957Turned 50
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 60
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 70
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 80
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1996Died at 89
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
Key Achievements
- Co-founded the New York City Ballet with George Balanchine in 1948 and served as its general director for 43 years.
- Founded the School of American Ballet in 1934, the official school of NYCB.
- Was instrumental in bringing choreographer George Balanchine from Europe to the United States in 1933.
- Helped organize the landmark 'American Negro Ballet' in 1937, showcasing Black dancers and composers.
Did You Know?
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was part of the unit tasked with recovering art looted by the Nazis.
He wrote the libretto for the ballet 'Billy the Kid' for choreographer Eugene Loring.
He had a lifelong fascination with the circus and collected related ephemera.
“The only way you can make a dancer is by giving him a dance.”
