in good company...

The featured companies all contributed in their unique way to the development of the art form we know today. From Diaghilev's Ballets Russes to Balanchine's groundbreaking New York City Ballet, the story of contemporary dance is here....

American Ballet Theatre
ABT is the company of Baryshnikov, Nureyev, and Gelsey Kirkland and has long been one of America's "big three" ballet companies, a top tier shared with Joffrey Ballet and New York City Ballet. Now, under the direction of Kevin McKenzie, the ABT is considered by many to be in the midst of a new golden age, a revival that boasts a roster of stars unmatched by any other company, anywhere in the world.
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Ballets Russes
During its 20 year history, between 1909 and 1929, Diaghilev's Russian émigré company rewrote the rules, amazed and shocked world audiences with a continual flow of inspired productions. Originally based in Paris, the cream of that generation's dancers, choreographers, composers and designers redefined ballet.
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The Fokine years, 1909-1914
The Massine years, 1915-1921
Diary of ballets staged during the Paris Seasons
Gallery

Nederlands Dans Theater
Formed in 1959 out of the ranks of Het Nederlands Ballet, NDT has earned a reputation for an uncompromising repertoire built on its dancers breathtaking athleticism and technique. Under its Artistic Director, Jirí Kylián, NDT has collaborated with some of the leading contemporary choreographers in building a large repertoire of innovative and exciting dance.
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New York City Ballet
The company was formed out of the vision of Lincoln Kirstein of an American ballet where young dancers could be trained and schooled under the guidance of the world's greatest ballet masters to perform a new, modern repertoire. Kirstein and choreographer George Balanchine, formed New York City Ballet in 1948, Balanchine invited Jerome Robbins to join the new company as Assistant Artistic Director, and history was born.
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Rambert
Originally Ballet Rambert, founded by former Ballets Russes dancer and choreographer Marie Rambert, the company dramatically changed direction in 1966 to concentrate on contemporary dance. Now one of the most exciting forces in modern dance, Rambert also has a reputation for championing human rights issues and is regularly linked with Amnesty International.
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Christopher Bruce on Ghost Dances and human rights

Main picture: Rambert in Pierrot Lunaire