George Balanchine (born Georgiy Melitonovich Balanchivadze; January 22, 1904 (O. S. January 9) – April 30, 1983) was an ethnic Georgian, Russian-American ballet choreographer who was one of the most influential 20th-century choreographers. Styled as the father of American ballet, he co-founded the New York City Ballet and remained its artistic director for more than 35 years. His choreography is characterized by plotless ballets with minimal costume and décor, performed to classical and neoclassical music.