Ballet: Lady Bouniful's Bounty

For a country with little history of balletomania, the U.S. has made amends in grand fashion since 1945. In the post war years, the U.S. has brought forth first-rate dance companies in breath-taking abundance—and the latest to appear belongs near the top of the list. Currently in its first Manhattan engagement after three years of barnstorming, the Harkness Ballet has generated among audiences a brand of excitement that brings back memories of the early days of the New York City Ballet.

Founded and sponsored by Oil Heiress Rebekah Harkness, a longtime ballet buff,...