American Ballet Theatre Intensive at UA Marks Fifth Year

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – For the fifth consecutive year, one of the world’s premiere ballet companies is at The University of Alabama hosting more than 150 of the country’s finest young dance students during the American Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive, concluding July 27.

The American Ballet Theatre holds the special three-week intensives in only five venues, with UA joining Detroit, Los Angeles, New York and the University of Texas. Representing more than 38 states across the country, the participants — including junior high school, high school and college students — were selected in auditions held in 18 cities this past spring. They are taught by ABT members, guest artists and UA dance faculty members.

In 1997, The University of Alabama was chosen by ABT for the first summer intensive to be held outside of New York or in partnership with a university. Through this partnership, promising young dancers can and have achieved the highest level of dance training with ABT’s renowned summer program and strong academic curriculum of dance studies.

“We have been privileged to associate with one of the elite professional dance organizations in the world,” said Dr. Richard Richards, assistant professor of philosophy and coordinator of this year’s intensive at UA. “As this is now the fifth consecutive year that we have welcomed ABT to our campus, our dance program has greatly benefited from the experience and teaching, and we have jointly delivered a top-notch professional experience to students from across the country. It has been a marvelous relationship and we look forward to working with ABT for years to come.”

The American Ballet Theatre is the nation’s premiere dance company. Founded in 1940, the company has been the home of many of the world’s greatest dancers, including Natalia Makarova, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Cynthia Gregory. ABT is known internationally for establishing the American identity for ballet through works choreographed by such artists as Agnes de Mille, George Balanchine and Twyla Tharp. Today it continues to be the destination of choice for the world’s most accomplished dancers.

As in past years, the three-week ABT intensive at UA will conclude with two public performances. The two performances will be held on Thursday, July 26, and Friday, July 27 at the Moody Music Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $10 (cash or checks only) the week of the performances in 115 Rowand Johnson Hall.

A free talent show is also organized and will be presented by the counselors and participants on Sunday, July 22, at 2 p.m., in the Morgan Hall auditorium. For more information on the intensive or performances, contact Richard Richards at 205/348-5283.