American Contemporary Ballet

==American Contemporary Ballet (ACB)== American Contemporary Ballet (ACB) is a prominent ballet company based in Los Angeles, California, renowned for its dedication to producing and presenting choreographic works of the highest quality that exemplify ballet as a musical art form. The company's mission is to provide new insight into, and unparalleled engagement with, the art for today's audiences. ACB aims to reignite a cultural passion for ballet by merging the greatest achievements of ballet's history with a contemporary artistic imagination. ===History and Founding=== Founded in New York City in 2004 by Artistic Director and choreographer Lincoln Jones, ACB relocated to Jones' hometown of Los Angeles in 2011, where it was co-founded with dancer Theresa Farrell. The company's first performances were in collaboration with LA's The Da Camera Society, held in non-traditional spaces throughout the city. These initial performances were met with critical acclaim, with Los Angeles magazine praising the synthesis of dance and music. ===Artistic Contributions and Collaborations=== ACB's repertory spans over 60 shows each season and includes works by legendary choreographers such as George Balanchine and Fred Astaire, as well as original ballets by Lincoln Jones and reconstructions of seminal works from ballet's history. The company is unique in Los Angeles for performing exclusively to live music, provided by some of the city's finest classical musicians. This commitment to live music enhances the visceral experience for audiences, who are seated at stage level, creating an intimate connection with the performers. The company has worked with respected artists and musicians, including Martin Chalifour and Tereza Stanislav. Notably, ACB collaborated with dance historian Doug Fullington to reconstruct and perform over 100-year-old choreography from Lev Ivanov's original "The Nutcracker" and Petipa's "Raymonda." ===Innovative Programming and Educational Outreach=== ACB is committed to educational outreach, with programs designed to intellectually engage audiences with ballet. The company's Conversations and Dancing School programs are examples of this commitment. ACB's original choreography has been celebrated for its musicality and imagination, with dance reviewer Christina Campodonico lauding Jones as a "magnificently musical and imaginative choreographer." ===Recent Achievements and Expansion=== The company's vision continues to evolve, as evidenced by its expansion to a year-round season in 2017, which included immersive productions such as Jones' "Inferno," "Astaire Dances," and the world's first immersive staging of "The Nutcracker Suite." The success of these productions led to an increase in performances to accommodate audience demand. In 2020, ACB launched "Outsiders," a podcast that extends its groundbreaking cultural programming to a global audience. ===Recognition and Press=== ACB has received widespread recognition for its adventurous and exciting approach to ballet. The Los Angeles Times, KUSC's Jim Svejda, and other critics have praised the company for its innovative performances and contributions to the arts. ACB's season imagery, created by Jones and fashion photographer Victor Demarchelier, further reflects the company's artistic vision. In summary, American Contemporary Ballet stands as a beacon of contemporary classical ballet in Los Angeles, offering innovative performances, educational outreach, and a deep appreciation for the fusion of dance and music. Its commitment to live performances, audience engagement, and the preservation and evolution of ballet make it an essential institution in the world of dance.