DETROIT, Michigan, June 25, 2008...One hundred and seventy-two of the world’s brightest young dancers descended upon Detroit on June 23, 2008 for the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive. The result of a partnership between the Detroit Opera House, Wayne State University and American Ballet Theatre, the annual summer intensive’s final performance is the highlight of the four-week intensive. Following weeks of intense training, these students will present two final performances to the public on the grand stage of the Detroit Opera House Friday, July 18, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

“The mission of ABT’s Summer Intensive is to cultivate a universal understanding of the art form at its highest level,” said Kevin McKenzie, American Ballet Theatre Artistic Director. “We are emphasizing not only the importance of high quality and brilliant technique, but also dance as an expressive vehicle to create art.”

Widely regarded as one of the most rewarding educational opportunities for pre-professional dancers, ABT Summer Intensives are held in only five U.S. cities. Students undergo a rigorous audition process to gain acceptance into the program, which accommodates only the most talented and dedicated students from all over the world. Dancers participate in a minimum of four classes daily, three dance and one lecture, which include topics ranging from dance techniques to yoga, physical conditioning, nutrition, choreography and acting. All courses are facilitated by the acclaimed teaching staff of American Ballet Theatre, and take place at the Margo V. Cohen Center for Dance at the Detroit Opera House and the Maggie Allesee Department of Dance at Wayne State University. During the intensive, students reside in the Wayne State University dormitories.

The intensive attracts dancers from all over the globe, from some 30 states, Canada, Ecuador, Columbia, Korea, and Mexico. The 2008 Detroit program will also include 26 Michigan dancers from Troy, Rochester, Sterling Heights, Shelby Twp., Macomb, Grosse Ile, Livonia, West Bloomfield, Canton, Waterford, Commerce, Holt, Ann Arbor, Oscoda, Adrian, Ada, Sparta, Kalamazoo, Fair Haven, and Battle Creek.

At the summer intensive’s completion, students participate in two professionally structured performances on the grand stage of the Detroit Opera House. These performances include works from ABT’s extensive repertoire, as well as pieces choreographed during the intensive.

“The final performance is always an exciting event,” said Carol Halsted, Director of Dance for the Detroit Opera House. “Dance enthusiasts get a glimpse at up-and-coming, high-level dancers, many of whom will go on to perform professionally in years to come.”

Tickets for the ABT Summer Intensive final performances July 18, 2008 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Detroit Opera House are available at the door prior to the performance. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children under the age of 15.

American Ballet Theatre is recognized as one of the world’s great dance companies. Unparalleled in size, scope and outreach, ABT is considered a living national treasure. Founded in 1940, ABT set out to fulfill the mandate of artistic directors Lucia Chase and Oliver Smith; to develop a repertoire of the best ballets from the past and to encourage the creation of new works by gifted young choreographers. In its 65-year history, the company has succeeded greatly, and accomplished much more.

American Ballet Theatre has developed an expansive repertoire, perhaps unmatched in the history of ballet. In addition to all of the great full-length ballets of the nineteenth century, the company has commissioned works by all of the great choreographic geniuses of the 20th century: George Balanchine, Antony Tudor, Jerome Robbins, Agnes de Mille and Twyla Tharp, among many others. The company resume includes artistic direction by Mikhail Baryshnikov and Jane Hermann, as well as Kevin McKenzie. The company has toured in all 50 states and more than 130 cities throughout 42 countries.

Contact

Rebekah Johnson
(313) 237-3403
rjohnson@motopera.org

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