Mr. Nault was also known as a traditionally trained classical choreographer.

At the same time, it is not true, as is widely said, that there is a dearth of classical choreographers.

But popular music is not where Mr. Martins, one of the few classical choreographers now at work, finds his true center.

In his bias toward linking steps, he shares a crucial method with classical choreographers.

Christopher Hampson is a classical choreographer of long experience, but he, too, responds to the company with something new.

"For me the primary goal is to develop classical choreographers," Mr. Martins said of the institute.

Significantly, he chose to remain a classical choreographer, loyal to ballet's academic vocabulary.

Ashton was a classical choreographer and the more polished the dancer's form the more clearly his choreography reaches its gold standard.

Rather than incorporating classical technique into modern dance as she does, he is a classical choreographer who uses eclectic movement for expressive purpose.

Considered America's greatest classical choreographer, his ballets were notable for their diversity, brilliance, lyric beauty and humor.