Pictured in a publicity shot for the original production of “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker,” in the role known as Tea, was a young Asian dancer identified as George Li.
For Lin, a veteran newspaper reporter turned documentarian, the picture raised intriguing questions.
In 1954, when the photo was taken, it was rare to see dancers of color on the stage of New York City Ballet, the company Balanchine co-founded.
Who was this young man, this breaker of racial barriers, this pioneer?
And if so, what was he up to?
Persons:
George Lee, he’s, Lee, Jennifer Lin, George Balanchine’s, George Li, Lin, Balanchine
Organizations:
Four Queens, New York Public Library, Performing Arts, New York City Ballet
Locations:
Las Vegas, Casino, New