American Ballet Theatre donating archives to Library of Congress

American Ballet Theatre is donating its sizable archives to the Library of Congress, which will open an exhibition focused on the renowned dance company in Washington on Aug. 14. The exhibition is scheduled to travel to Los Angeles next year.

“American Ballet Theatre: Touring the Globe for 75 Years” is scheduled to go on view at Walt Disney Concert Hall starting in March and running for about six months. The exhibition will be in the Library of Congress Ira Gershwin Gallery at Disney Hall.

Officials at ABT said on Thursday that the New York company is donating its archives of more than 50,000 items of visual and written documentation to the Library of Congress. The donation coincides with ABT’s coming 75th anniversary celebrations.

The exhibition will feature a small sample from the archives -- 43 artifacts including photographs, scores, costume sketches, posters and programs. A selection of filmed performance clips will also be part of the exhibition.

Since its founding in 1940, ABT has established itself as among the preeminent ballet companies in the world, touring the U.S. and globally. In Southern California, the company has frequently been seen at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as part of the Dance at the Music Center series and at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.

Twitter: @DavidNgLAT