American Ballet Theatre to Visit Brisbane's Queensland Performing Arts Center in September

American Ballet Theatre will make a historic trip to Australia for performances exclusively at the Queensland Performing Arts Center (QPAC) in Brisbane, August 28 through September 7, 2014. ABT's first ever engagement on the continent will include two programs of ballets including Swan Lake and mixed repertory, it was announced today in Brisbane by QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas. ABT's tour, exclusively in Brisbane, is part of QPAC's International Series, a joint initiative with Tourism & Events Queensland.

American Ballet Theatre's two-week Australian engagement will be highlighted by nine performances of Kevin McKenzie's Swan Lake, August 28-September 4 and four performances of mixed repertory, September 5-7, including Twyla Tharp's Bach Partita, Alexei Ratmansky's Seven Sonatas and Jerome Robbins' Fancy Free.

"What a thrill it will be for ABT, America's National Ballet Company, to make its first journey to Australia," said Kevin McKenzie, ABT Artistic Director. "This historic tour is most fitting for our Company as it nears its 75th anniversary. I'm especially proud to be bringing ABT's world-renowned artists to Brisbane, as well as a diverse program of repertoire that I think represents the versatility of style we've become so identified with."

"The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is delighted with today's announcement that American Ballet Theatre will present a season exclusively in our city of Brisbane, Australia in 2014," said John Kotzas. "We are also very excited to

be host of ABT's first ever Australian season and believe audiences will travel from across our vast country to witness ABT's renowned delivery of the classic Swan Lake, as well as a triple bill; showcasing the company's contemporary repertoire developed by the finest choreographers of the modern era."

For more information on American Ballet Theatre's performances in Brisbane, Australia, please visit www.qpac.com.au.