Jerome Robbins, born Jerome Wilson Rabinowitz in 1918, moved from the New York City Jewish Maternity Hospital to a career defined by his dual mastery of classical ballet and Broadway stagecraft. His professional trajectory bridged the gap between the formal precision of the New York City Ballet and the commercially vibrant rhythms of American musical theater.
Early Development and Training
Born to Lena and Harry Rabinowitz, Robbins spent his youth in Weehawken, New Jersey, and graduated from Weehawken High School in 1935. His formal training began with modern dance instructor Alys Bentley, whose emphasis on improvisation fostered his creative independence. After briefly attending New York University, he left to pursue dance full-time. He studied Spanish, Asian, and ballet techniques under various mentors, including Ella Daganova and Yeichi Nimura, before joining the company of Senya Gluck Sandor.
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In 1937, Robbins began performing at Camp Tamiment and joined Broadway choruses under George Balanchine. By 1940, he transitioned to Ballet Theatre, where he performed roles such as Hermes in Helen of Troy. His choreography for Fancy Free in 1944, featuring a score by Leonard Bernstein, utilized social dance influences to pivot into a successful directorial career on Broadway with productions like On the Town and High Button Shoes.
Institutional Contributions
Robbins joined the New York City Ballet as Associate Artistic Director in 1949, working alongside George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein. Throughout his life, he remained a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His work spanned multiple media, including film and television, resulting in extensive recognition including two Academy Awards in 1962, the National Medal of Arts in 1988, and multiple Tony Awards for his direction.
Fast facts
- Born: 1918, New York City
- Died: 1998, New York City
- Notable work: Fanfare
- Education: New York University; Weehawken High School
- Citizenship: United States
- Key awards: Academy Award for Best Director (1962); National Medal of Arts (1988)
- Tony Award wins: 1965, 1989
Questions readers ask
What were the primary artistic fields of Jerome Robbins?
He worked as a ballet dancer, ballet master, theatrical producer, choreographer, film director, scenographer, and theatre director.
Which major awards did Robbins receive during his career?
His honors included two Academy Awards in 1962, the Kennedy Center Honors in 1981, the National Medal of Arts in 1988, and the Handel Medallion in 1976.
Achievements
- National Medal of Arts — 1988
- Academy Award for Best Director — 1962
- Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical — 1989
- Notable work: Fanfare
- Educated at New York University and Weehawken High School
- Worked as choreographer, ballet dancer and ballet master
