6.3 New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre

Ballet in America flourished with the rise of two major companies: New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. These institutions shaped the landscape of American dance, each with its unique vision and repertoire.

NYCB, founded by Balanchine, championed neoclassical style and abstract works. ABT, on the other hand, embraced a diverse repertoire, from classical to contemporary. Both companies played crucial roles in establishing America as a ballet powerhouse.

History and Development of Leading American Ballet Companies

Development of major American ballet companies

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• New York City Ballet (NYCB) founded in 1948 by choreographer George Balanchine and arts patron Lincoln Kirstein, growing out of the earlier company, Ballet Society, established in 1946
• Balanchine served as NYCB's artistic director and primary choreographer until his death in 1983, emphasizing neoclassical ballet technique and abstract, plotless ballets
• NYCB performed at the New York State Theater (now David H. Koch Theater) at Lincoln Center since 1964
• American Ballet Theatre (ABT) founded in 1939 by Lucia Chase and Richard Pleasant, initially named Ballet Theatre, adopting its current name in 1957
• ABT recognized as one of the world's leading classical ballet companies, known for its diverse repertoire including classical ballets (Swan Lake), neoclassical works, and contemporary pieces
• ABT performed at various venues in New York City, including the Metropolitan Opera House, before establishing its permanent home at the David H. Koch Theater in 2006

Key Figures and Their Roles

Influential figures in ballet institutions

• Lincoln Kirstein co-founded the New York City Ballet with George Balanchine, playing a crucial role in establishing and sustaining the company as its general director, overseeing administrative and financial aspects
• Kirstein collaborated with Balanchine in creating a distinctly American style of ballet, supporting the development of American dancers and choreographers
• Lucia Chase co-founded and served as principal dancer of Ballet Theatre (later American Ballet Theatre), shaping ABT's eclectic repertoire as co-director from 1945 to 1980
• Chase worked to maintain ABT's financial stability and artistic integrity, fostering the careers of numerous prominent dancers and choreographers

Repertoire, Artistic Vision, and Cultural Significance

Repertoire and impact of NYCB vs ABT

• NYCB's repertoire heavily influenced by Balanchine's neoclassical style and abstract ballets, with iconic pieces such as "Serenade," "Symphony in C," and "Jewels" emphasizing musicality, speed, and precision in dance technique
• NYCB collaborated with notable composers (Igor Stravinsky), creating a synergy between music and dance and helping establish New York City as a major center for ballet and modern dance
• ABT's diverse repertoire encompasses classical ballets (Giselle, Don Quixote), neoclassical works, and contemporary pieces, performing full-length classical ballets and commissioning new works from both established and emerging choreographers
• ABT nurtures the development of American dancers, provides opportunities for international guest artists, and is recognized as a cultural ambassador for American ballet, touring extensively both nationally and internationally