"Ten Times Better" tells the astonishing and heartwarming story of George Lee, a pioneering Asian dancer who originated a featured role in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker 70 years ago as a teenage immigrant from China.
George Lee grew up in wartime Shanghai, dancing novelty acts in nightclubs for rice while also learning classical ballet from his mother, a Polish dancer trained by Russians. Fleeing war in 1949, they spent two years in a Philippine refugee camp before ending up in New York City. George earned a scholarship at the School of American Ballet and caught the eye of Balanchine as he choreographed The Nutcracker. George’s spins and leaps in the “Tea” divertissement dazzled critics, but he was not granted a spot in the New York City Ballet.
A few years later, Gene Kelly cast him in Flower Drum Song and he embarked on a career in musical theater. Upon retirement, he learned to deal blackjack, which he did up until he passed away on April 20, 2025.
