American Ballet Theatre (ABT) is a preeminent dance company that has been delighting audiences since 1940. It is one of the world’s leading classical ballet companies and has toured in over 50 countries across the world. ABT is known for its high-caliber performances of classic ballets, from Swan Lake to The Nutcracker, and for pushing the boundaries of contemporary choreography.
The company was founded by Lucia Chase and Richard Pleasant in 1940, and it quickly gained recognition for its grandiose performances and first-rate dancers. Over the years, ABT’s repertoire has been shaped by many talented choreographers including George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Antony Tudor, Jerome Robbins and Agnes de Mille.
George Balanchine is considered one of the most influential choreographers in history. He was born in Russia in 1904 and trained at the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg before moving to New York City with his family at the age of 20.
There he belonged to several impromptu ballet companies before founding his own school—the School of American Ballet—in 1934. His style became known as “neoclassical” because it combined elements of classical ballet with modern techniques such as jazz dance and innovative costuming.
Balanchine created many works for American Ballet Theatre over his lifetime, including Apollo (1928), Serenade (1934), Concerto Barocco (1941) and Jewels (1967). His ballets are characterized by their speed, gracefulness, musicality, precision and expressiveness. He also developed a unique technique called “balletic logic” which focused on spatial relationships between dancers on stage as well as their relationship to music.
ABT continues to honor Balanchine’s legacy through its commitment to neoclassical ballet technique and performance style. The company regularly stages some of his most beloved ballets such as The Nutcracker (1974), Coppélia (1977) and Prodigal Son (1929). It also keeps his works alive through frequent revivals at different theaters around the world.
Given ABT’s long history with George Balanchine’s work and its commitment to neoclassical technique, it can certainly be said that American Ballet Theatre is very much a part of his legacy. Although he passed away in 1983, his influence will continue to live on through this great company’s productions for years to come. In conclusion, it can be said that American Ballet Theatre is indeed closely associated with George Balanchine’s style of ballet.