RODEO's 70th Anniversary Highlights American Ballet Theatre's Opening Night Gala, 10/16

American Ballet Theatre's Opening Night Gala at New York City Center tonight, October 16 will celebrate the 70th anniversary of Agnes De Mille's Rodeo with a special tribute to the ballet's premiere. First performed by The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo on October 16, 1942 at the Metropolitan Opera House, de Mille's groundbreaking Western ballet features a unique combination of ballet and Broadway-style dancing set to Aaron Copland's famous score. ABT's Opening Night Gala will also include performances of Mark Morris's Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes, a pas de deux from James Kudelka's Cruel World, and The Company premiere of the pas de deux from George Balanchine's Stars and Stripes.

A Gala Dinner at New York's Pierre Hotel will immediately follow the performance, with special guest Harley Viera-Newton serving as DJ for the evening. Mildred C. Brinn will be honored with the 2012 Melville Straus Leadership Achievement Award, in recognition of her exemplary leadership and outstanding commitment to the arts.

Frederic Franklin, a member of Rodeo's original cast, will serve as Honorary Artistic Chair of the evening. Gala co-chairs include Linda Allard, Victoria Phillips Geduld and Nancy McCormick. Gala junior chairs are Sarah Arison and Daniel Cappello.

For benefit tickets only, call American Ballet Theatre's Special Events office at 212-477-3030, ext. 3311. Performance-only tickets for American Ballet Theatre's Opening Night at New York City Center are priced from $20 and are available online at www.abt.org or by calling CityTix at 212-581-1212. New York City Center is located on West 55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues in New York City.

Saks Fifth Avenue is the sponsor of the Opening Night Gala at New York City Center. MasterCard is the Official Card of American Ballet Theatre. American Airlines is ABT's Official AirlinE. Northern Trust is the Leading Corporate Sponsor of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School. Costumes for Rodeo are generously sponsored through the Ellen Everett Kimiatek Costume Preservation Trust.

Photo Credit: Lois Greenfield

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