American Ballet Theatre

The American Ballet Theatre is one of the foremost ballet companies of the 20th century, and a leading company in America.

History

The company was originally founded in 1937 as the Mordkin Ballet, and then reorganized in 1940 with a new name as the Ballet Theatre, with direction from Lucia Chase and Rich Pleasant. In 1956 it became the American Ballet Theatre, and has kept that name till today.

Related Topics:
1937 - 1940 - Lucia Chase - Rich Pleasant - 1956

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Throughout this time, the company has had several artistic directors:

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• 1940-1980: Lucia Chase and Oliver Smith
• 1980-1990: Mikhail Baryshnikov
• 1990-1992: Jane Hermann and Oliver Smith
• 1992-Current: Kevin McKenzie

In 1960, the company became the first American company to dance in the Soviet Union.

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