Balanchine (standing front, holding chair) and Tanaquil LeClercq (behind with arms lifted). Photo by Martha Swope, 1956. "George Balanchine, artistic director of the New York City Ballet and choreographer de luxe, made an unprogrammed appearance in the cast of Jerome Robbins’ new ballet, ‘The Concert,’ at the City Center last night. Because of the illness of Todd Blender, MR. Balanchine took over the mid portions of his role, and Robert Barnett stepped into the dance portions