George Reich was the first American Classical dancer who lived in France in the fifties; he was very well known among the French entertainment and dance world. He created his own ballet company called "The Ballet HO de George Reich," and introduced the American style of dance to the French. An important part of George's career in France was teaching his style to the French artists.
George was born in Patchogue, Long Island, New York. He danced with The Ballet Markova Dolin Company and appeared on Broadway in several Broadway musicals. George signed a six-month contract with his manager agent Don Arden to dance at The Lido de Paris in France and ended up dancing at The Lido de Paris for two years. He had the glorious honor of being the first principal male dancer to wear a mirrored G-string costume on stage for a number choreographed by the fabulous Gwen Verdon.
Two years later, George danced at the Moulin Rouge, The Olympia Music Hall, and The Ballet De Paris. He joined The Roland Petit Ballet Company and danced in the film "The Glass Slipper" at the MGM with Leslie Caron in 1953. He was offered a seven-year contract to stay with MGM Studios; however, George refused the contract because he wanted to return to Paris, France. He ended up staying in France for 18 years. In 1955, George formed his own ballet company, "Le Ballet Ho."
In 1955, he acted and danced in the movie "School for Love (Future Vedettes)" with Brigitte Bardot and Jean Marais. In 1956, he choreographed and danced in the movie "Naughty Girl (Cette Sacrèe Gamine)" with Brigitte Bardot. In 1956, he played the role of Steve Crown in the movie "Night Lights (Les Lumières du Soir)" with Gaby Morlay, and also he choreographed and danced in the movie "Good Evening Paris" with Dany Robin. In 1957, George played the role of Peer-Rys in the film "La Garconne."
George also danced and choreographed Josephine Baker's show "Paris Mes Amours" at the Olympia De Paris with his dance company "The Ballet HO," in 1957. During this time, he continued touring with his dance company and choreographed many television specials in Spain, Germany, Italy, and England. He choreographed and directed shows for such stars as Josephine Baker, Marlene Dietrich, Edith Piaf, Brigitte Bardot, Liliane Montevecchi, Line Renaud, Michèle Richard, and Muriel Millard, as well as The Folies Bergère in Paris and New York, and major casinos from Monte Carlo to Las Vegas. In 1959 he choreographed and danced the movie "Julie the Redhead." In 1962, George danced the role of Christian in the film "Black Tights." In 1964, he played the role of Ostap in the movie "Taras Bulba (Le fils de Tarass Boulba.)
George choreographed and directed many highly successful production shows in Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe, Reno, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Valley Forge, New York City, Miami Beach, Montreal, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Carnival Cruise Line. His award-winning shows garnered much attention, popularity, and applause on many of the Carnival Cruise Line vessels. George Reich's choreography and direction is still the mainstay for most Carnival cruise ships and has been since the first large-scale shipboard production show! Throughout his career and magnificent shows, George influenced and inspired many dancers, singers, and performers and molded their lives along the way.
