The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will present a two-week, six-company tribute to legendary choreographer George Balanchine, as a part of its 2000–01 dance season.

The Balanchine retrospective, which runs from Sept. 12–24, will feature dancers from the San Francisco, Pennsylvania, Joffrey, Bolshoi and Suzanne Farrell ballet companies.

In addition, the Miami City Ballet will dance Balanchine's full-length Jewels during its May 29–June 3, 2001, engagement at the center.

One of the companies conspicuous by its absence from the tribute is the New York City Ballet, which Balanchine founded in 1948 and directed until his death in 1983. The center announced that the company's contract with its musicians made their appearance financially impractical.

During his long and illustrious career, Balanchine changed the course of ballet history with his innovative productions. He was also renowned for his dance interpretations of Stravinsky's later ballets including Orpheus, Jeu de Cartes and Agon.