Principal Dancer David Hallberg Withdraws from ABT at the Met to Recover from Injuries

Principal Dancer David Hallberg will withdraw from performances with American Ballet Theatre at the Metropolitan Opera House in order to focus on his recovery from recent injuries. It was announced today by Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie. Hallberg was scheduled for 13 performances during the Company's 2015 season at the Metropolitan Opera House.

Hallberg required surgery last fall for a recurring foot injury. "It is with great regret that I must cancel the ABT Spring season, but my complete recovery is of utmost importance," said Hallberg. "I greatly look forward to when I am back on stage and ready to dance with ABT once again."

Guest Artist Vladimir Shklyarov, a principal dancer with the Mariinsky Ballet, will replace Hallberg on Saturday evening, May 23, making his ABT debut as Albrecht in Giselle. Shklyarov previously danced Solor in La Bayadère with ABT in 2014.

Guest Artist Leonid Sarafanov, a principal dancer with the Mikhailovsky Ballet, will replace Hallberg as Solor in performances of La Bayadère on Wednesday evening, June 3 and Saturday evening, June 6, and as Prince Désiré in The Sleeping Beauty on Wednesday evening, June 10. These performances will be Sarafanov's first with American Ballet Theatre.

For additional changes and more information on American Ballet Theatre, visit www.abt.org.