This work investigates how George Balanchine’s migration to the United States and his complex personal relationships fundamentally reshaped the trajectory of American ballet. Elizabeth Kendall, a dance historian and scholar, utilizes archival research and personal correspondence to trace the choreographer's transition from the European avant-garde to the creation of a distinctively American neoclassical style. The book argues that his artistic evolution was inextricably linked to his search for a new identity and his interactions with the women who influenced his creative output.

Critics and dance historians recognize this text as a comprehensive look at the intersection of Balanchine’s private life and his public artistic contributions. Scholars frequently note the depth of the archival research, which provides a nuanced view of the choreographer's creative process.