Company Spotlight

New York City Ballet

New York City Ballet is the company that basically wrote the rulebook for American ballet. Founded by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, it built its identity around Balanchine's neoclassical style: fast, musical, and often plotless. If you love watching pure movement set to music, this is your company.

Fast facts

Founded
1948
Based in
New York City, New York, United States
Style
Neoclassical (Balanchine)
Home venue
David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center

What New York City Ballet is known for

  • Balanchine's neoclassical repertoire
  • Balanchine's The Nutcracker every December
  • Serenade and Jewels
  • An unusually large repertory of one-act works

Notable figures

Over its history, New York City Ballet has been shaped by dancers and choreographers including George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Suzanne Farrell, Jacques d'Amboise.

How to see New York City Ballet

NYCB performs at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, with a fall and a winter/spring season plus its famous December Nutcracker run.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

What style is New York City Ballet known for?

NYCB is built around the neoclassical style of George Balanchine, which prizes speed, musicality, and abstract movement over storytelling. You will often watch pure dance set to music rather than a plot.

Where does New York City Ballet perform?

The company's home is the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City.

When was New York City Ballet founded?

New York City Ballet was founded in 1948 and is based in New York City, United States.

Where is New York City Ballet based?

New York City Ballet is based in New York City, United States, and performs at David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center.

Who are some notable dancers associated with New York City Ballet?

Notable figures connected with New York City Ballet include George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Suzanne Farrell, Jacques d'Amboise.

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