Photo: Auditorium Theatre | James Steinkamp

By Jason Epperson

The Auditorium Theatre and the American Ballet Theatre have announced a four-year partnership between the two institutions which will have the Ballet performing at the Auditorium annualy, beginning with the previously announced engagement of “Whipped Cream” next April.

“As one of Chicago’s major dance presenters, it is exciting and inspiring to partner with the renowned American Ballet Theatre for the next four years as our visiting resident company,” said outgoing Auditorium CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko. “This partnership honors the extended history between the Auditorium and ABT, a company that first appeared at the Auditorium in 1969. We look forward to having the company perform its magnificent story ballets, such as Whipped Cream, on our historic stage for many years to come.”

It’s a delicate time for the Auditorium, as the facility looks to move forward facing the future move of the Joffrey Ballet to the Lyric Opera House. The venue, which is owned by Roosevelt University, also operates under a non-compete agreement with Broadway in Chicago, which keeps it from booking live theater tours.

“American Ballet Theatre’s long relationship with the Auditorium Theatre will be continued with this new partnership, and we look forward to adding to the vibrant array of dance offerings in Chicago,” said American Ballet Theatre Executive Director Kara Medoff Barnett. “ABT’s dancers will shine on the Auditorium’s landmark stage. It is a special privilege for our dancers to perform for Chicago audiences who have so loyally followed the Company for decades.”

Recognized by an act of the United States Congress as America’s National Ballet Company, few ballet companies equal ABT for its combination of size, scope and outreach. Founded in 1940, ABT performs for more than 400,000 people annually. It has made more than 30 international tours to 50 countries, including recent engagements in Hong Kong, Brisbane, Singapore, Oman, and Paris.