Overview
American Ballet Theatre is a leading classical ballet company based in New York City. It presents a regular season at the Metropolitan Opera House in Lincoln Center and spends much of the rest of the year on national and international tours. The company is widely regarded for maintaining a large and diverse repertory that spans 19th-century classics, 20th-century masterpieces, and contemporary works. For official information and schedules see American Ballet Theatre.
Organization and training
ABT operates as an umbrella that includes the main company, a pre-professional Studio Company, and an affiliated training institution. The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School serves as the company’s primary training arm and offers academic and dance programs for students preparing for professional careers; information about the school is available at the JKO School. The company roster typically follows the conventional hierarchical structure of ballet companies: corps de ballet, soloists, and principal dancers.
Repertory and collaborations
The company maintains an extensive repertory that balances full-length classical story ballets and shorter contemporary pieces. Regularly staged titles include works from the canonical 19th-century tradition as well as commissions and revivals by major choreographers. ABT has collaborated with guest choreographers, designers, and conductors to expand its range and to offer new interpretations of established works.
History and development
ABT traces its roots to companies and artists active in the 1930s and was established in New York as a permanent ensemble that could present a wide spectrum of ballet repertoire. Over the decades the organization grew into a nationally recognized institution through touring, high-profile seasons at Lincoln Center, and a commitment to both preservation and innovation in dance. The company’s long-term presence in New York City is closely linked to performances at the Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center.
Significance and recognition
American Ballet Theatre is frequently cited among the world’s leading classical companies for the breadth of its repertory and the prominence of its artists. In 2006 the company received formal national recognition when the United States Congress designated it as "America's National Ballet Company"; details of that designation can be found via related congressional materials. The company’s influence extends through its touring, educational programs, and efforts to keep major ballets in public performance.
Performance life and community role
In addition to mainstage seasons and tours, ABT contributes to dance education and community outreach through master classes, student performances, and partnerships with other cultural organizations. The Studio Company and the school serve as pipelines for young dancers, helping to sustain the professional ranks and to introduce new audiences to classical and contemporary ballet.
Key facts at a glance
- Base: New York City, with a regular season at the Metropolitan Opera House.
- Components: main company, Studio Company, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School.
- Repertory: classical full-length ballets, neoclassical and contemporary works.
- Recognition: designated by Congress as "America's National Ballet Company" in 2006.