American ballet companies flourished in the 20th century, transforming the art form. The School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and New York City Ballet led the charge, establishing a distinct American style.

Regional companies like Houston Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet expanded ballet's reach across the country. This decentralization fostered diverse styles and repertoires, blending classical traditions with innovative approaches.

American Ballet's 20th Century Evolution

Founding of Major American Ballet Companies

• School of American Ballet established in 1934 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein marked new era for American ballet
• American Ballet Theatre (ABT) founded in 1940 by Lucia Chase and Richard Pleasant contributed to ballet growth in United States
• New York City Ballet founded in 1948 by Balanchine and Kirstein became cornerstone of American ballet with neoclassical style
• Joffrey Ballet established in 1956 by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino brought contemporary approach to classical ballet
• San Francisco Ballet founded in 1933 gained prominence in latter 20th century under Lew Christensen and Michael Smuin

Rise of Regional Ballet Companies

• Regional companies emerged in latter 20th century, decentralizing American ballet
• Houston Ballet founded in 1969 expanded ballet presence in Southwest
• Pacific Northwest Ballet established in 1972 brought high-quality ballet to Pacific Northwest
• Boston Ballet (1963) and Miami City Ballet (1985) further diversified American ballet landscape
• Pennsylvania Ballet (1963) and Washington Ballet (1976) strengthened ballet presence on East Coast

Key Figures in American Ballet

Choreographers and Artistic Directors

• George Balanchine revolutionized American ballet through choreography and teaching methods
  • Created over 400 works, including "Serenade" (1934) and "Agon" (1957)
  • Developed distinct neoclassical style emphasizing speed, precision, and musicality
• Jerome Robbins shaped New York City Ballet's style as choreographer and director
  • Created works blending classical ballet with contemporary themes ("Fancy Free", 1944)
  • Brought Broadway influence to ballet with works like "West Side Story Suite" (1995)
• Lucia Chase led American Ballet Theatre as director for over 40 years (1940-1980)
  • Expanded company's repertoire to include both classical and contemporary works
  • Commissioned works from diverse choreographers (Antony Tudor, Agnes de Mille)

Influential Teachers and Supporters

• Russian émigré teachers shaped early American ballet training and aesthetics
  • Mikhail Fokine introduced dramatic narrative and expressive movement to ballet
  • Adolph Bolm established ballet companies and schools across United States
• Lincoln Kirstein's organizational skills crucial in establishing major ballet institutions
  • Co-founded School of American Ballet and New York City Ballet with Balanchine
  • Wrote extensively on dance, promoting ballet as serious art form in America
• Ford Foundation provided significant financial backing for ballet development in 1960s
  • Granted over $7 million to support regional ballet companies and training programs
  • Helped establish professional-level ballet companies across United States

American Ballet's Global Impact

Stylistic Innovations

• American companies introduced neoclassical and contemporary styles influencing global ballet
  • Balanchine's streamlined aesthetic emphasized long lines and athletic movement
  • Joffrey Ballet's incorporation of modern dance techniques broadened ballet's expressive range
• Emphasis on athleticism and speed in technique influenced global training standards
  • American dancers known for quick footwork and dynamic movement quality
  • Training methods adapted to produce more versatile, athletic dancers worldwide

Cultural Exchange and Repertoire Development

• American companies' international tours spread styles and repertoires globally
  • New York City Ballet's 1962 Soviet Union tour introduced Balanchine's work to Russian audiences
  • American Ballet Theatre's frequent international performances showcased American ballet abroad
• Distinctly American ballet repertoire expanded thematic range of ballet internationally
  • Works like "Appalachian Spring" (Martha Graham, 1944) brought American themes to ballet
  • "Rodeo" (Agnes de Mille, 1942) incorporated American folk dance into classical ballet
• Cultural exchange programs facilitated artistic cross-pollination
  • American dancers trained abroad, bringing back European influences
  • Foreign choreographers created works for American companies, diversifying repertoires

Styles and Repertoires of American Ballet

Neoclassical and Contemporary Approaches

• New York City Ballet known for speed, athleticism, and abstract neoclassical style
  • Repertoire includes Balanchine works like "The Four Temperaments" (1946) and "Symphony in C" (1947)
  • Contemporary works by choreographers like Justin Peck continue company's innovative tradition
• Joffrey Ballet recognized for eclectic repertoire blending classical and experimental works
  • Performs reconstructions of historic ballets (Nijinsky's "The Rite of Spring", 1913/1987)
  • Commissions contemporary works addressing social issues ("The Times Are Racing", Justin Peck, 2017)

Diverse Repertoires and Regional Influences

• American Ballet Theatre maintains focus on full-length classics while embracing contemporary works
  • Repertoire includes traditional ballets ("Swan Lake", "Giselle") and modern classics ("Pillar of Fire", Antony Tudor)
  • Commissions new works from diverse choreographers (Alexei Ratmansky, Twyla Tharp)
• San Francisco Ballet known for innovative programming combining classical and cutting-edge works
  • Performs full-length classics alongside contemporary pieces ("Neumeier's The Little Mermaid", 2010)
  • Annual "Unbound" festival showcases new choreographic voices in ballet
• Regional companies like Houston Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet balance tradition with innovation
  • Houston Ballet's repertoire reflects Texas heritage ("Pecos Bill", Eugene Loring, 1982)
  • Pacific Northwest Ballet combines Balanchine works with contemporary pieces and full-length classics