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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 Pleasent. In
1956 it became the '''American Ballet Theatre''', and has kept that name till today.
Throughout this time, the company has had several artistic directors:
* 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.
==Repertoire==
Many
choreographers have staged works for ABT, including
George Balanchine,
Adolph Bolm,
Michel Fokine,
Lonide Massine, and
Bronislava Nijinska.
Antony Tudor, the
British choreographer, made his American debut with the company.
Agnes de Mille staged the majority of her ballet works with ABT. Others include
Jerome Robbins,
Twyla Tharp and
Alvin Ailey.
==External Links==
*
American Ballet Theatre Website
de:American Ballet Theater
