The history of the Mariinsky Ballet is closely linked with the history of European choreographic art. The beginnings and the emergence of the St Petersburg Court company are connected with the activities of foreign ballet masters. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the foundations of the theatre's ballet repertoire were laid by productions by choreographers from Italy and France who were invited to Russia and also taught at the ballet school – training Russian dancers to perform their ballets. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Mariinsky Ballet was famed for its galaxy of star performers. Since the late 20th century, the Mariinsky Theatre has actively collaborated with leaders in the field of world choreography. The company has worked with John Neumeier, William Forsythe, Angelin Preljoçaj, Alexei Ratmansky, Sasha Waltz, Wayne McGregor and Hans van Manen. Their ballets, alongside works from the classical legacy, 20th-century masterpieces and productions by young choreographers, comprise the ballet company's repertoire today.