Northrop Presents American Ballet Theatre Program Featuring SONGS of BUKOVINA and More

Five years after celebrating Northrop's grand reopening, American Ballet Theatre will return to Northrop on Tue, Apr 2, with a vibrant program featuring Alexei Ratmansky's Songs of Bukovina, Jerome Robbins' Other Dances, and Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room.

Revered as a national treasure since its founding in 1939, American Ballet Theatre began with a mission under directors Lucia Chase and Oliver Smith to develop a repertoire of the best ballets from the past along with the creation of new works by young choreographers. Today, the Company continues its drive for excellence.

American Ballet Theatre continues its flair for groundbreaking performances at Northrop with a richly varied repertory program including folk, classical ballet, and sheer exuberant motion.

Songs of Bukovina by Alexei Ratmansky creates the environment of a festive village gathering in the Eastern European mountains. Set to music by Leonid Desyatnikov, the ballet features 10 dancers and live piano accompaniment. The Fjord Review describes the essence of the performance: "When you watch Songs you envision the bright rays of the sun illuminating the ground."

Set to a waltz and four mazurkas by Frédéric Chopin, Other Dances by Jerome Robbins was created to highlight the technique and world class strength of Natalia Makarova and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

In the Upper Room by Twyla Tharp is an athletic performance of both power and grace all set to the compelling score of Philip Glass. In a nine-part performance, In the Upper Roomwill close the program with a transcendent experience for its audience.

Northrop will welcome Misty Copeland, celebrated dancer, author, celebrity spokesperson, and the first African-American Woman elevated to ballet's highest title of Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre. Misty will not perform on Apr 2 with ABT but will appear at this special event featuring her personal story of overcoming hardships as a young girl, her meteoric rise in the world of ballet and beyond, and her commitment to empowering youth worldwide. The master of ceremonies for the event is Robyne Robinson and actress and Minnesota native Lea Thompson is a special guest. Proceeds from this event help support Northrop's youth programming which transforms lives through arts enrichment and education.

To order tickets, visit Northrop's website or call 612.624.2345

Special offers: Tickets are 50% off for children 17 and younger when purchased with at least one adult ticket. Many other discounts are available.

Rooted in the belief that the arts are essential to the human experience, Northrop is committed to cultivating intersections between performing arts and education for the benefit of all participants now and for generations to come.

Artist and programs are subject to change.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

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