The American Ballet Theatre is one of the foremost ballet companies of the 20th century, and a leading company in America.

History

The company was originally founded in 1937 as the Mordkin Ballet, and then reorganized in 1940 with a new name as the Ballet Theatre, with direction from Lucia Chase and Rich Pleasant . In 1956 it became the American Ballet Theatre, and has kept that name till today.

Throughout this time, the company has had several artistic directors:

• 1940-1980: Lucia Chase and Oliver Smith
• 1980-1990: Mikhail Baryshnikov
• 1990-1992: Jane Hermann and Oliver Smith
• 1992-Current: Kevin McKenzie

In 1960, the company became the first American company to dance in the Soviet Union.

Repertoire

Many choreographers have staged works for ABT, including George Balanchine, Adolph Bolm , Michel Fokine , Léonide Massine, and Bronislava Nijinska. Antony Tudor , the British choreographer, made his American debut with the company. Agnes de Mille staged the majority of her ballet works with ABT. Others include Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp and Alvin Ailey.

External Links

• American Ballet Theatre Website