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Why did George Balanchine argue that ballet should not merely illustrate literature?

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Classic performance — dance criticism Dance criticism analyzes all forms of dance, including classic pieces such as *Swan Lake*, to enhance the understanding of the art form.

George Balanchine argued that ballet should not merely illustrate literature because he believed that ballet is a sufficiently rich art form to stand on its own merits without relying on external narratives.1

In the context of 20th-century dance criticism, Balanchine—along with choreographers like Merce Cunningham—challenged the prevailing trend of "Expressionist" modern dance, which prioritized dramatic content, plot, and character. Balanchine maintained that ballet should not function as an illustrator for even the most meaningful or interesting literary sources, asserting instead that "the ballet will speak for itself and about itself".1

By emphasizing formal structure and the development of choreography over narrative or emotional storytelling, Balanchine helped popularize the "abstract," or plotless, ballet. This approach allowed the dance to focus on its own internal logic and movement, rather than serving as a secondary medium for literary interpretation.1