The Ballet Foundation, established in late 1939, was formed to stimulate interest and support for ballet in the United States. The foundation, sponsored by Universal Art, Inc., owners of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo sought to enlarge it support base beyond New York City by establishing committees in the various large American cities the company visited during its tours. The initial trustees were Julius Fleischmann, president of Universal Art, Edward Wardell, patron of the arts, and Watson Washburn, counsel for Universal Art. Since moving its base from Europe to New York, the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo proclaimed itself as an American company. One of the foundation's first projects was the production for Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo of Ghost Town, music by Richard Rodgers, choreography by Marc Platoff (later Marc Platt), and décor by by Raoul Pène DeBois. The foundation continued to support the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo until its dissolution in 1962. The orchestral scores and parts were a gift to the Dance Collection by Irina Pabst, The Ballet Foundation, and Michel Subotin
From the guide to the Ballet Foundation collection of orchestral scores and parts, ca. 1938-1962, (The New York Public Library. Jerome Robbins Dance Division.)
