American Ballet Theatre Celebrates 20 Years as "America's National Ballet Company"

American Ballet Theatre (ABT) is commemorating the 20th anniversary of its unanimous recognition by the United States Congress as “America’s National Ballet Company.” Both the Senate and House of Representatives passed resolutions in April and May 2006, celebrating ABT’s significant cultural and educational contributions across all 50 states and internationally.

Founded in 1939 by Richard Pleasant and Lucia Chase, ABT, initially known as Ballet Theatre, debuted professionally in January 1940 at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. The company was established with a vision to present a diverse repertory, blending ballet classics with innovative American-themed ballets, marking the first successful endeavor to create a major American ballet company.

Lucia Chase took artistic control in 1941 and later became co-artistic director with designer Oliver Smith in 1945, a partnership that lasted until 1980. Under their leadership, ABT cultivated a roster of ballet stars and choreographers, with Smith’s Broadway set design expertise enhancing theatrical presentations. Notable commissions included Agnes de Mille’s critically acclaimed “Fall River Legend,” a psychological thriller based on the Lizzie Borden story.

“Fall River Legend,” which premiered in April 1948, showcased the collaborative talents of Smith for set design, Peggy Clark for lighting, and the virtuosity of ballerinas Alicia Alonso and Nora Kaye in the lead role of The Accused. By the end of the 1940s, ABT had produced 70 ballets across various genres, continuing its domestic and international tours, often with U.S. Department of State sponsorship. The company, rebranded as American Ballet Theatre from the 1950s, now celebrates 85 years of bringing dance artistry to global audiences.