Editing Philadelphia Ballet

'''Philadelphia Ballet''' (formerly Pennsylvania Ballet) is Philadelphia's premier ballet company, presenting classical and contemporary dance at the Academy of Music and other venues. Founded in 1963 by Barbara Weisberger, the company has developed into one of America's leading ballet companies, maintaining a repertoire that spans the classical tradition while commissioning contemporary works. The Nutcracker has become a Philadelphia holiday tradition since the company's first production in 1968.<ref name="ballet">{{cite web |url=https://www.philadelphiaballet.org/about |title=About Philadelphia Ballet |publisher=Philadelphia Ballet |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Founding ===

Barbara Weisberger founded Pennsylvania Ballet in 1963 with support from the Ford Foundation's program to develop regional ballet companies across America. Weisberger, a student of George Balanchine, brought Balanchine's neoclassical approach to Philadelphia. The company's early repertoire emphasized Balanchine works, establishing a stylistic foundation that continues to influence the company.<ref name="ballet"/>

=== Development ===

Through the 1970s and 1980s, Pennsylvania Ballet grew in size and reputation, developing a diverse repertoire while maintaining strength in Balanchine. The company expanded its Philadelphia audience and developed touring capacity. Artistic directors built on Weisberger's foundation while introducing new choreographic voices.<ref name="ballet"/>

=== Contemporary Era ===

Angel Corella became Artistic Director in 2014, bringing his experience as a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre. Under Corella's leadership, the company has balanced classical showpieces with contemporary commissions. The rebranding from Pennsylvania Ballet to Philadelphia Ballet in 2021 emphasized the company's identity with its home city.<ref name="ballet"/>

== Repertoire ==

=== Classical Ballet ===

The company maintains classical full-length ballets including Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and Giselle. These productions showcase technical achievement while connecting to ballet tradition. Classical programming attracts audiences seeking traditional ballet experience.<ref name="ballet"/>

=== Balanchine ===

The Balanchine repertoire reflects the company's founding connection to the choreographer. Works licensed from the Balanchine Trust remain central to programming, providing artistic continuity and training dancers in the neoclassical style.<ref name="ballet"/>

=== The Nutcracker ===

Philadelphia Ballet's Nutcracker has become a Philadelphia holiday tradition since the first production in 1968. Annual performances at the Academy of Music attract tens of thousands of audience members, many attending as family tradition. The production provides significant revenue supporting other programming.<ref name="ballet"/>

=== Contemporary Work ===

The company commissions and presents contemporary choreography alongside traditional repertoire. These works introduce audiences to current dance developments while challenging dancers and demonstrating the company's artistic range.<ref name="ballet"/>

== Training ==

Philadelphia Ballet School provides training for aspiring dancers, from children through pre-professional students. The school's most promising students may join the company's second company (Philadelphia Ballet II) and ultimately the main company. This training pipeline develops dancers suited to the company's repertoire and style.<ref name="ballet"/>

== See Also ==
* [[Academy of Music]]
* [[Philadelphia Performing Arts]]
* [[Avenue of the Arts]]
* [[Dance in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

{{#seo:
|title=Philadelphia Ballet - Ballet Company
|description=Philadelphia Ballet (formerly Pennsylvania Ballet) is Philadelphia's premier ballet company, known for classical repertoire and The Nutcracker.
|keywords=Philadelphia Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, ballet, Nutcracker, Academy of Music, Angel Corella, Balanchine, dance
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Culture]]
[[Category:Performing Arts]]
[[Category:Dance]]
[[Category:Philadelphia Institutions]]