American Ballet Theatre (ABT) is a leading ballet company based in New York City , New York. Founded in 1939, the company is known for its variety of repertory (works performed) and artists. Through extensive touring and educational outreach programs, ABT has become a cultural ambassador of American ballet. In 2006, the United States Congress officially recognized ABT as America’s National Ballet Company.
American Ballet Theatre grew out of the Mordkin Ballet, established in 1937 by Mikhail Mordkin. Mordkin was a Russian dancer and choreographer who immigrated to New York City in the 1920’s. In 1939, two Americans in Mordkin’s company—Richard Pleasant and Lucia Chase—launched a new company called Ballet Theatre. Pleasant wanted to create a ballet company to present not only the great classics of ballet, but also new and innovative works by contemporary choreographers. Ballet Theatre had its premiere in New York City on Jan. 11, 1940. The company was renamed American Ballet Theatre in 1957.
When ABT was established, its founders envisioned a repertory that included well-established ballets of the 1800’s alongside newer works with American and British influences. The company’s first season presented 21 works—including 6 world premieres—by 11 different choreographers. The focus of ABT’s repertory has shifted a number of times. Overall, however, the company has remained dedicated to the ideal of diversity. It has presented hundreds of traditional and contemporary ballets created and performed by artists from many countries. It also has shown strong support for women choreographers (dance creators). Some significant choreographers in ABT’s history have included Agnes de Mille , Eugene Loring, Jerome Robbins , and Twyla Tharp (all American); British-born Antony Tudor ; and George Balanchine and Bronislava Nijinska (both Russian-born).
Today, the company has regular performance seasons at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. Since early in its history, ABT also has toured extensively in the United States and abroad, at times with sponsorship from the U.S. State Department. By the mid-1960’s, the company had performed in dozens of nations.
ABT has extensive training and community outreach programs. The ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York City provides dance training for young children and for older youths studying to become professionals. The ABT Studio Company prepares students with outstanding potential for careers with ABT or other professional ballet companies. ABT also furthers dance education through the ABT William J. Gillespie School in Costa Mesa, California. Additionally, American Ballet Theatre partners with local schools and other organizations to provide programs that help young children get acquainted with ballet. Still other ABT programs foster ethnic and racial diversity and inclusion in the ballet community.
