Ensemble Theatre Group

Nationally recognized by other theatres, the American Ballet Theatre brings in thousands of people worldwide. Not only do they perform the greatest ballets from all over the world, but they also offer memberships, the ability to donate and/or volunteer. Focused on bringing in the modern element while keeping with tradition at the same time, there have been many artistic directors from the time of the dance company’s launch in 1939, up to the present day.

The most notable contributors to the arts through this type of dance are, of course, the dancers themselves. The American Ballet Theatre has three levels a ballet dancer can be part of: corps de ballet, soloists and principals, who are typically known as the highest ranking dancers. The most recognizable name in this type of dance is Mikhail Baryshnikov, a Russian born dancer, choreographer and actor.

He performed as a principal ballet dancer at this New York City ballet theatre and was artistic director for ten years. In turn, this theatre company has enhanced New York City purely by existing and making its home here. Every year auditions are held here and all over the country as well. While thousands may audition, only the best of the best are chosen to further enhance this ballet troupe.

This New York City theatre offers a variety of classes and workshops for families, children and teachers. Programs for schools are available and professional training is highly sought after with this ballet company. While other ballet theatres take a great, classical ballet performance and change part of it around to make it more modern, the American Ballet Theatre tends to keep with the original concept of classical performances.

Yet, they also look for new ballets and choreographers to expand their performances and entice new audiences. In 2000, this ballet company took their performance to China.

No matter what your reason for your love of this type of dance, the American Ballet Theatre is a focal point throughout the ballet community. But, you need not travel all the way to New York City to discover the theatres full potential. Their website, at “Abt Org”, has everything you’re looking for.

Get information on locations, auditions and classes, as well as to purchase tickets for up and coming performances. For those more interested in becoming a part of the theatre group, the website also offers the opportunity to purchase memberships or donate your time and/or money. With unforgettable performances and extremely talented dancers, who could resist being part of this national ballet company?

Been to the theatre recently? Maybe a performance of Evita? Or maybe a rock musical?

Do you think those travelling shows are as good as the original shows in the west end?

There are some beautiful Theatres around the country particularly here in the northwest well suited to staging performances from the greatest performers and writers. The Liverpool Empire, The Manchester, Palace Theatre are two outstanding original Victorian establishments capable of rivaling any West End stage. These beautiful theatres should not just be reserved for the Panto at Christmas or the latest travelling kids show. Its nice to see them full to bursting as they were intended, the music filling the auditorium and the applause sounding down every corridor out onto the street.

The income generated by travelling shows allows regional theatres to stage there own shows bringing new writers and new performers to the attention of the general public, so this is an argument definitely on the plus side for theatre loving people.

I love going to the theatre and when the curtain raises and your in your seat in anticipation of the orchestras first note I guess it matters not where you are whether its the Liverpool Empire or the Palladium London. Hard to discount the effort afforded by the producers of these shows when they try to bring the same quality of performance while they take their shows on the road.

What about London theatre then? Does it create that tingling feeling when you hold those tickets in your hand, or there a certain amount of London snobbery when it comes to a comparison with regional theatres? I do admit to a certain amount of snobbery when it comes to going to London. In todays cut price world I still think that a theatre experience should be something that happens occasionally and something to be savoured like a good wine.

After years of theatre going I have come to the conclusion that even though the travelling production offers the general public a taste of London theatre life its never quite as spectacular as in its original place or origin. Its so difficult to take those huge sets on the road or to entice those huge stars we see in the west end to travel the country. Maybe there is an argument to allow young talent to arise though the travelling production but this rarely happens. I always think its better for a regional theatre to stage its own productions and not relying on guest performances. Of course the added bonus of a full theatre when these productions arrive is what keeps many of these theatres alive and without travelling shows there are few who would be able to see those magnificent shows that grace the West End stages.

Do yourself a big favour and go to the the theatre, you might be surpised on how much you enjoy yourself wether you visit a regional production or a major performance at one of Londons top theatres.