Lincoln Kirstein
Co-founder of New York City Ballet

Born
May 4th, 1907
118 years ago
Died
1996
29 years ago — 89 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
A soldier and playwright, contributed significantly to American ballet. Co-founded the New York City Ballet in 1948, collaborating with George Balanchine to bring innovative choreography and classical ballet to the forefront of American culture. Authored numerous books and essays on ballet, influencing future generations of dancers and choreographers. Held various roles in arts administration and education, promoting ballet performance and appreciation across the United States.
Co-founded New York City Ballet
Wrote extensively on ballet and culture
Other People Born on May 4th
Kimora Lee Simmons
Entreed the modeling industry at a young age and gained prominence as a model for high-profile fashion designers. Created the lifestyle brand Baby Phat, which became a significant force in women's fashion during the early 2000s. Also served as an executive in the fashion industry and expanded the Baby Phat brand to include various product lines. Engaged in philanthropy and various business ventures focused on fashion and beauty.
Continue ReadingEric Sykes
A prominent British actor and comedian, contributed significantly to television and film. Sykes had a successful career that spanned several decades, beginning in the 1940s. Gained fame for unique comedic style and memorable performances. Created and starred in 'The Eric Sykes Show', which became a staple of British television. Showcased talent in various roles, particularly in sitcoms and sketch comedy. Also appeared in notable films such as 'The Others' and 'Raising Hitler'. Sykes received recognition for contributions to comedy, including several awards.
Continue ReadingJohn Hanning Speke
An English soldier and explorer contributed to the exploration of East Africa. Speke participated in several expeditions with the goal of discovering the source of the Nile River. In 1858, he reached Lake Victoria, which he identified as the source of the Nile. His work was significant in mapping the interior of Africa during a time of expanding European exploration. Speke's expeditions often faced challenges such as harsh landscapes and encounters with local populations. He published accounts of his journeys, detailing the geography and cultures encountered during the explorations.
Continue ReadingAna Gasteyer
An accomplished actress and singer, this individual gained prominence as a cast member on the sketch comedy show 'Saturday Night Live', where a wide range of characters were portrayed. The individual starred in several theatrical productions, showcasing singing talent in musicals. Additionally, appearances in popular television series such as 'Suburgatory' and 'Mean Girls' expanded recognition. This individual pursued a successful career in music, releasing an album that features a blend of original songs and covers, further highlighting vocal abilities.
Continue ReadingRichard Graves
Born in 1715, this English minister and author contributed significantly to religious literature through writings that addressed moral and spiritual themes. His most notable work, 'The Spiritual Quixote', satirized contemporary religious practices and explored the nature of faith. The text remains a reference for discussions on 18th-century religious thought and literature. Besides this prominent publication, contributions to various periodicals and engagement with academic circles reflected interest in theology and ethics.
Continue ReadingKhwaja Abdullah Ansari
Born in 1006, this Persian mystic and poet contributed significantly to Sufi literature. His works explored themes of love, spirituality, and the human relationship with the divine. One of the most notable accomplishments includes the creation of the 'Munajat Nama', a collection of heartfelt supplications that express profound mystical experiences. He played a pivotal role in the development of Persian Sufi poetry, influencing later generations of poets and thinkers. His teachings emphasized the importance of inner purity and devotion to God, fostering a deeper understanding of Sufism during the medieval period.
Continue Reading