American Ballet Theatre (ABT) is recognized as one of the great dance companies in the world. Few ballet companies equal ABT for its combination of size, scope, and outreach. Recognized as a living national treasure since its founding in 1940, ABT is the only major cultural institution that annually tours the United States, performing for more than 450,000 people. Over its 77- year history, the Company has also performed in a total of 139 cities around the world. As a result of this vast domestic and international reach anchored in its American roots, in 2006, by an act of Congress, American Ballet Theatre became America's National Ballet Company.® When American Ballet Theatre was founded, the aim was to develop a repertoire of the best ballets from the past, and to encourage the creation of new works by gifted young choreographers, wherever they might be found. In October 1992, former American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer, Kevin McKenzie, was appointed Artistic Director. McKenzie is committed to maintaining the Company's vast repertoire, engaging the leading choreographers of our time to create exciting new work, and bringing the art of dance theater to the great stages of the world. With a repertory of the great full-length classical ballets and contemporary one-act ballets, ABT’s performance season includes a Spring season at the Metropolitan Opera House and a Fall season at the Koch Theatre in New York City. ABT also tours in the US and abroad and has a robust Education program which includes the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (JKO) School at ABT, Summer Intensive programs across the US, and the ABT National Training Curriculum, a training program for dance educators.