'Moulin Rouge' Launches Atlanta Ballet's 2010-2011 Season

The highly-anticipated Atlanta Ballet premiere of MOULIN ROUGE - THE BALLET will kick off a thrilling 2010-2011 season for Atlanta Ballet on October 22nd, to be followed by four additional shows, including, for the first time ever, a performance at The Alliance Stage.

From contemporary works like MOULIN ROUGE® - THE BALLET and the Bach-African inspired LAMBARENA to classics like THE SLEEPING BEAUTY and the holiday favorite THE NUTCRACKER, the new season promises variety in works and venues.

"This season will awaken the senses and expose audiences to ballet as they've never seen it before," said artistic director John McFall. "We are delighted to share such an eclectic mix of works from some of the world's most talented choreographers in three of Atlanta's premier performing arts venues."

The season begins at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for MOULIN ROUGE® - THE BALLET, followed by the return to the Fabulous Fox Theatre for Atlanta Ballet's NUTCRACKER, presented by Belk. February's production of THE SLEEPING BEAUTY and the March production of FUSION: LAMBARENA & A WORLD PREMIERE will be back at Cobb Energy Centre. The May production, IGNITION: NEW CHOREOGRAPHIC VOICES, will culminate the season at The Alliance Stage of the Woodruff Arts Centre.

Season ticket packages range $44 to $364 and are on sale now. Single tickets start at $22 and go on sale in early August. For current patrons, Atlanta Ballet staff will be on hand in the lobby throughout the run of SHEER EXHILIRATION, May 6 through the 9th at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. To order season tickets, call 404-892-3303, or visit www.atlantaballet.com.

MOULIN ROUGE:
High-kicking Cancan choreography and a story of love, adventure and indulgence revolving around the legendary Moulin Rouge cabaret will ignite Atlanta Ballet's 81st season in the Atlanta Ballet premiere of Moulin Rouge - The Ballet, October 22 through 31 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The production is the original creation of renowned Canadian choreographer Jorden Morris, who sets his full-length ballet in the late 1880s when the Moulin Rouge first opened its doors. Featuring Matthew, an aspiring artist, Nathalie, a young launderette, Zidler, the owner of the Moulin Rouge, and painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, it's a captivating story of young love and rising stardom staged in glamorous Paris. In the spirit of the Moulin Rouge of Paris, Moulin Rouge® is a registered trademark of Moulin Rouge S.A.

THE NUTCRACKER:
One of Atlanta's most treasured and adored holiday traditions, Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker, returns to the Fabulous Fox Theatre, November 27 through December 26. Presenting more than 250 of Atlanta's young dancers, this extravagant production ushers in the season with performances by the Dew Drop Fairy, Rat King, Handsome Prince, and Dancing Snowflakes. The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra will also be back for all performances.

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY
In February, Atlanta Ballet brings the splendor of Tchaikovsky's magical score and the charming fairytale of Princess Aurora and her heroic Prince to life in John McFall's The Sleeping Beauty, Feb 11 through 13, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. It's a magical journey to an enchanted kingdom, where good triumphs over evil with a single kiss. Dashing suitors, spooky ghouls, trap doors, and evil curses create a whimsical experience for the entire family.

FUSION: LAMBARENA & A WORLD PREMIERE
March heats up with a stirring program by two premier choreographers, March 25 through 27 at Cobb Energy Centre. The evening begins with choreographer Val Caniparoli's Lambarena, a blending of traditional African rhythms and dance with melodic passages from Johann Sebastian Bach. It's an emotion-filled work in eight movements that boldly merges the sights and sounds of classical ballet with African Dance. Audiences will then experience a world premiere piece by Christopher Hampson, who created the high-energy Sinfonietta Giocosa for Atlanta Ballet.

IGNITION: NEW CHOREOGRAPHIC VOICES
Keeping with Atlanta Ballet's tradition of premiering edgy, new works, artistic director John McFall has hand-picked an extraordinary crew of young, up-and-coming choreographers to bring a new dance voice to Atlanta in the season finale production of Ignition: New Choreographic Voices, May 13 through 15. With more than seven choreographers already on tap, the show promises a wide variety of movement, music and diversity, all danced in the intimate confines of the Alliance Stage.

Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is the longest continuously-operating ballet company in the United States. Atlanta Ballet's eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. Among Atlanta Ballet's proud and unique 80-year history are its three Artistic Directors, Miss Dorothy Alexander, whose vision brought dance to the South; Robert Barnett, who turned Atlanta Ballet into a professional company; and currently, John McFall.

Under McFall's leadership Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education in 1996 and is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. With diverse class offerings and student population, the Centre serves over 150,000 people in metro Atlanta each year. Atlanta Ballet's roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city's cultural growth and revitalization.

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