American Ballet Theatre (ABT) has been a leader in the world of ballet for over 75 years. The company has earned a reputation for its strong classical technique, daring choreography, and its willingness to explore new directions in the art form. Since it was founded in 1940, American Ballet Theatre has produced some of the most influential and beloved ballets ever seen on the stage.
The repertoire of American Ballet Theatre is vast and varied, ranging from traditional works like The Sleeping Beauty to cutting-edge contemporary pieces. ABT is one of the few companies in the world that performs ballets from all major styles: classical, romantic, neoclassical, postmodern, and contemporary.
Classical ballet is the foundation of ABT’s style. This technique emphasizes precise footwork and turns, often performed with an airy lightness that makes it look effortless.
It includes grandiose adagio sections that require strength as well as grace. Ballets such as Swan Lake and Giselle are examples of classical style choreographed by Marius Petipa or Lev Ivanov.
Romantic ballet adds a heightened sense of emotion to classical technique through expressive mime and delicate gestures. It also features more dynamic jumps and turns that often require extreme extensions or intricate footwork. Famous works like La Sylphide or Coppélia are prime examples of romantic style choreography by August Bournonville or Arthur Saint-Léon respectively.
Neoclassical ballet moves away from strict adherence to classical technique while maintaining its structure and formality. This style features more abstract movements that draw from many different styles including modern dance as well as jazz and hip hop techniques which bring a sense of energy to the stage. Famous works such as Apollo or Western Symphony are examples of neoclassical style choreographed by George Balanchine or Frederick Ashton respectively.
Postmodern ballet combines modern dance with traditional ballet technique to create works that are both dynamic and inventive yet still grounded in its roots in classical technique. Well known works such as In The Middle Somewhat Elevated or Serenade are examples of postmodern style choreographed by William Forsythe or George Balanchine respectively.
Finally, contemporary ballet is an ever-evolving style that draws on all previous forms while also exploring new possibilities for movement on stage through improvisation and experimentation with movement qualities such as speed, weight, texture, etc.. Influential works like Afternoon Of A Faun or Onegin are prime examples of contemporary style choreographed by Jerome Robbins or John Cranko respectively.
What Style Is American Ballet Theatre?
American Ballet Theatre is a leader in dance with a repertoire ranging from traditional ballets to cutting-edge contemporary pieces; drawing from all major styles: classical, romantic, neoclassical, postmodern, and contemporary.
At its core is classical ballet which emphasizes precise footwork and turns; while adding emotion through romantic ballet’s expressive mime; creating dynamic movements with neoclassical; expanding boundaries with postmodern; and finally exploring new possibilities with contemporary.
Conclusion
American Ballet Theatre’s expansive repertoire demonstrates an impressive command over different styles which allows them to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to creating powerful showcases for their dancers.