[1][6] Chase began developing the company's repertoire of well-known full-length ballets, as well as original works, amidst financial issues.

Baryshnikov was replaced in 1989 by Jane Hermann and Oliver Smith, who remained as artistic directors until 1992, when Kevin McKenzie received the appointment.

After a long period of no in-house choreographer, McKenzie appointed Alexei Ratmansky as "Artist in Residence" in January 2009.

Many choreographers have mounted works especially for ABT, including George Balanchine, Adolph Bolm, Michel Fokine, Léonide Massine, and Bronislava Nijinska.

Other renowned choreographers who have worked at ABT include Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, and Alvin Ailey.

ABT's 1976 production of The Nutcracker starring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland was televised the following year and has become a broadcast classic.

[109] It is the top level of the American Ballet Theatre training ladder and is currently an extension of the ABT JKO school.

[109] Project Plié is a diversity initiative launched in 2013 by Rachel Moore, who was then ABT's executive director and CEO.

[112] The initiative is made up of a combination of partnerships within the community and within the industry in addition to scholarships and opportunities for exposure for children of color.