Founded in 1940 in New York City, American Ballet Theatre (ABT) has long been
recognized as a living national treasure. ABT tours the United States annually
and has appeared in all 50 States during its 60-year history. Because ABT has
made more than 15 international tours to 42 countries, few ballet companies
equal it as the most representative American ballet company internationally.
In the Fall of 2000, ABT made its first visit to China, Taipei and Singapore.
From 1940 to 1980, under the direction of Lucia Chase and Oliver Smith, the
Company’s repertoire drew from the best ballets of the past and encouraged
development of works by creative young choreographers. The repertoire includes:
all of the great full-length ballets of the nineteenth century, including Swan
Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and Giselle; the finest works from the
early part of the twentieth century, such as, Apollo, Les Sylphides, Jardin
aux Lilas and Rodeo; and, acclaimed contemporary masterpieces such
as Airs, Push Comes to Shove and Duets.
Under the leadership of Mikhail Baryshnikov, who became Artistic Director of
American Ballet Theatre in 1980, numerous classical ballets were staged, restaged
and refurbished, strengthening and refining the Company’s classical tradition.
In 1990, Jane Hermann and Oliver Smith succeeded Mr. Baryshnikov, with an agenda
of maintaining the great traditions of the past while pursuing an innovative
future.
In October 1992, former American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer Kevin McKenzie
was appointed Artistic Director. Mr. McKenzie is committed to maintaining the
Company's vast repertoire and bringing his steadfast vision of ABT as "American,"
to the great stages of the world.
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