The debate on who is the best ballet company in the world is one that has been raging for centuries. Many consider the Bolshoi Ballet, based in Moscow, Russia, to be the greatest.
Founded in 1776, it is one of the oldest and most renowned ballet companies in the world. The Bolshoi Ballet has long been celebrated for its highly technical and athletic approach to dance, as well as its innovative choreography.
The Paris Opera Ballet is also widely respected for its exceptional technique and style. Founded in 1669, it is considered to be the oldest ballet company still operating today.
It has a reputation for maintaining a traditional approach to classical ballet while simultaneously introducing new works into its repertoire. The company is known for its high production values and demanding rehearsals that help create stunning performances.
The Royal Ballet is another highly-respected ballet company based in London, England. It was founded by King George I in 1931 and has since become one of the most influential companies in all of classical ballet. It specializes in neoclassical works and has produced some of the greatest dancers of our time including Margot Fonteyn, Anthony Dowell, Darcey Bussell, and Christopher Wheeldon.
The American Ballet Theatre (ABT) was founded in 1940 and quickly rose to prominence as one of America’s leading ballet companies. ABT’s repertoire consists of both classic ballets as well as contemporary works from a variety of choreographers from around the world. The company also boasts an impressive roster of dancers who have won numerous awards over the years including several Tony Awards and four National Medal of Arts recipients.
The San Francisco Ballet is another highly acclaimed American-based ballet company that was founded in 1933 by Russian dancer and choreographer Adolph Bolm. This company focuses on modern works but also features works from some of the great classical choreographers such as Marius Petipa and George Balanchine. The San Francisco Ballet also offers an impressive roster of dancers including two recent MacArthur “Genius” grant recipients: Yuan Yuan Tan and Damian Smith..
So who really is the best ballet company? That answer will depend on individual preferences; however all these great companies contribute to making this art form ever more beautiful with their hard work and dedication to perfecting their craft through years of practice with no end goal but excellence.
Conclusion: With so many incredible companies offering a variety of styles within classical ballet, it’s impossible to definitively declare any one particular company as ‘the best.’ All these amazing companies have worked tirelessly over many years to perfect their art form while inspiring future generations with their innovations – they are all worthy contenders when it comes to being considered among ‘the best.’