The Atlanta Ballet is headed to China for two weeks this fall, launching its first major overseas tour in almost 15 years as it kicks off the 2013-14 season.
The company will be the sole U.S. representative at the inaugural International Ballet Season hosted by the National Ballet of China. One of 12 companies attending, the Atlanta Ballet will present seven performances at various venues in the Chinese capital.
“The birth of this festival speaks volumes about the energy, enthusiasm and vision of the Chinese dance community, and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of the movement,” John McFall, the Atlanta Ballet’s artistic director, said in a news release. “We are also looking forward to being a part of the rich exchange of ideas and culture.”
“Dance From America” will be the theme of the performances, featuring four works that highlight the 19 Atlanta Ballet dancers scheduled to make the trip.
The trip is to help the company make its mark on the global stage, a goal established when touring was added into its five-year strategic plan in 2010.
“The company has evolved significantly since our last trip overseas, and we feel poised to reintroduce ourselves to the international dance community,” Atlanta Ballet Executive Director Arturo Jacobus said in the release.
The group’s last international performance was “Peter Pan” in London in 1999.
The China trip is to begin on Oct. 29, with the dancers slated to return Nov. 11.
Visit www.atlantaballet.com for more information.
Atlanta Ballet is the presenting sponsor of Global Atlanta's Culture Channel. Subscribe here for monthly Culture newsletters.
