When Did Pennsylvania Ballet Change Its Name?

Ballet

The Pennsylvania Ballet, one of the largest and most influential ballet companies in the U.S., has had a long history since its inception in 1963.

Established by Barbara Weisberger and Balanchine-trained dancer Patricia Wilde, the company was originally known as The Philadelphia Civic Ballet. Weisberger and Wilde sought to bring classical ballet to a wider audience in Philadelphia and beyond, while also providing a home for dancers to train and perform.

In 1965, Weisberger renamed the company The Pennsylvania Ballet, with the intention of better reflecting its mission of being a “people’s ballet” – accessible to all people regardless of their background or financial means. This was especially important to Weisberger, who wanted the company to be accessible to communities throughout Pennsylvania rather than just those in Philadelphia.

In subsequent years, the company has established itself as one of the premier dance companies in America. It has grown from a small troupe of dancers into an internationally renowned organization with a range of artistic offerings that span from classic ballets like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker to new works created by some of today’s leading choreographers.

Conclusion:

The Pennsylvania Ballet changed its name from The Philadelphia Civic Ballet to The Pennsylvania Ballet in 1965 under the leadership of Barbara Weisberger. This change was made with the intention of better reflecting its mission as a “people’s ballet” – accessible to all people regardless of their background or financial means – while also expanding its reach beyond just Philadelphia. Since then, it has grown into an internationally renowned organization with a wide range of artistic offerings that have captivated audiences around the world.