‘Balanchine Ballerina’ Patricia Neary celebrates 80th birthday

Today marks Patricia Neary's 80th birthday. The former soloist of the prestigious New York City Ballet performed numerous important roles from choreographer George Balanchine's vast repertoire, as well as roles created especially for her. Neary now travels to ballet companies around the world to rehearse Balanchine's works, which she learned from him firsthand.

Patricia Neary was born in Miami, Florida, where she also received dance training before joining the National Ballet of Canada. A year later, in 1960, she made the move to New York City Ballet, where she got promoted to soloist in 1962. She performed a wide variety of roles from the Balanchine repertoire while there, after which the choreographer soon involved her in rehearsing his work with international ballet companies.

Neary has been with The George Balanchine Trust for over two decades. She has already staged Balanchine's works in over 30 countries and is currently assisting Dutch National Ballet in perfecting The Four Temperaments for its next tour programme Balanchine / Van Manen / Arqués.

Dutch National Opera & Ballet sends their heartfelt congratulations to Patricia Neary on her 80th birthday.

Photo: from left; Conrad Ludlow, Patricia Neary and George Balanchine.

New York City Ballet in Amsterdam (1965), Patricia Neary receives instructions from George Balanchine.