Kotyan says he went to work investigating every aspect of the sport, in which horses and their riders perform a sort of equestrian ballet.

WSJ: A Nervy Approach to Retirement Saving | WSJ.Money Summer 2013

In December, principal Cory Sterns will perform with London's Royal Ballet, and soloist Isabella Boylston will go to the Royal Danish Ballet.

WSJ: Protecting Ballet's Global Reach

The Balanchine "Nutcracker" has an exclusive pedigree only seven ballet companies are licensed to perform it world-wide, and it must be executed precisely as the famed choreographer wanted it.

WSJ: Nutcracker Inc.

In 1947, Mr. Balanchine became a guest choreographer with the Paris Opera Ballet Company, and Ms. Tallchief became the first American to perform with the company.

WSJ: Ballet Legend Maria Tallchief Dies at 88