Question

When did ballet come to the United States? What was it like? Did any Romantic Era ballerinas perform here?

Who were a few of the main early American ballet dancers?

Answer 1

Ballet came to the United States in the late 1700s and early 1800s with the arrival of European dancers and companies. The first ballet performance in the US was in 1827 in New York City.

Early American ballet was heavily influenced by European traditions, but it began to develop its own unique style in the 20th century.

Yes, some Romantic Era ballerinas did perform in the US, including Fanny Elssler and Marie Taglioni.

Some of the main early American ballet dancers include Maria Tallchief, who was the first Native American prima ballerina, and George Balanchine, who founded the New York City Ballet and is considered one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century.