CINDERELLA, DRACULA et al. Included in Atlanta Ballet 12-13 Season

Atlanta Ballet has announced its 2012-13 season, highlighted by the return of Michael Pink's DRACULA and the North American premiere of the reinterpretation of CARMINA BURANA by choreographer David Bintley.

"Our goal is to have Atlanta Ballet be the destination for what's new, vibrant, and exciting," said John McFall, artistic director of Atlanta Ballet. "Each season we venture to raise the bar artistically, and a major part of that is bringing the world's most dynamic choreographers to our Company. This upcoming season reflects our bold ambitions with works that are provocative, stimulating and poetic, while reflective of our own time and our different cultures. They are special works that will challenge our dancers and hopefully challenge the audience too."

Of particular note is the Atlanta Ballet debut of Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin, known for his innovative "Gaga" movement language that focuses on establishing mind-body connection.

"We've been looking forward to the opportunity to bring an Ohad Naharin work into the repertoire and we hope it's the beginning of a long-standing relationship," said McFall. "He is one of the most remarkable choreographers in the industry and his contributions have made a huge impact on the world of dance."

For the first time ever, Atlanta Ballet will begin its season in December with Atlanta Ballet's NUTCRACKER at The Fabulous Fox Theatre. The Company has also added a one-hour family performance of CINDERELLA at the Gwinnett Preforming Arts Center (a first for the company) and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Atlanta Ballet's 2012-13 Season

BELK PRESENTS ATLANTA BALLET'S NUTCRACKER (Full-evening Ballet)
December 7-26, 2012 | The Fabulous Fox Theatre
Live with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra

The season begins with the return of Atlanta Ballet's NUTCRACKER to the Fabulous Fox Theatre, sponsored by Belk, Inc. Presenting more than 250 of Atlanta's young dancers, this extravagant production ushers in the season with performances by the Dew Drop Fairy, Rat King, Handsome Nutcracker Prince, and Dancing Snowflakes. The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra will perform live for all performances.

CINDERELLA (One-hour Family Performance)
January 4-6, 2013 | NEW VENUE:Gwinnett Performing Arts Center
AND February 16-17, 2013 | Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Atlanta Ballet is delighted to present the classic rags-to-riches tale of CINDERELLA as a magical one-hour ballet experience for the entire family. Featuring the professional company and fellowship dancers from Atlanta Ballet's Centre for Dance Education, this timeless masterpiece is sure to be a family treat.

DRACULA (Full-evening Ballet)
February 8–16, 2013 | Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Live with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra

Back by popular demand is Atlanta Ballet's take on this tale of seduction and surrender. From the original score to the sets and costumes– DRACULA is a work with the Count at its rich and bloody heart.

NEW CHOREOGRAPHIC VOICES (Mixed Repertory)
Featuring Atlanta Ballet premieres by choreographers Ohad Naharin and Gina Patterson
March 22-24, 2013 | Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

These premieres promise a look at the new directions in the world of contemporary dance with Atlanta Ballet at the forefront.

DAVID BINTLEY'S CARMINA BURANA (Full-evening Ballet)
NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
April 12–14, 2013 | Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
Live with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and the Georgia State University Singers

Dazzling and inventive, David Bintley provides a modern interpretation of CARMINA BURANA. Set to an original score by Carl Orff, the ballet follows three seminarians as the pleasures of the flesh lead them to question their faith.

LOVE STORIES (Mixed Repertory)
May 10–12, 2013 | Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Atlanta Ballet explores the theme of love through choreography. Highlighting the athleticism and passion of Atlanta Ballet's dancers, these performances find new meaning in the world's greatest love stories.

Season ticket packages range from $92 to $435 and are on sale now. To order season tickets, call 404-892-3303, or visit www.atlantaballet.com/subscribe. Single tickets go on sale late summer 2012. For more information on Atlanta Ballet's current and upcoming season, visit Atlanta Ballet at www.atlantaballet.com.

Atlanta Ballet 2012-13 Season Special Events:
2012 Corps de Ballet Luncheon
Monday, September 24, 2012 at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead

2013 Atlanta Ballet Ball
Saturday, February 23, 2013 at the St. Regis Hotel Buckhead

About Atlanta Ballet
Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the country and the official state Ballet of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet's eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. After 82 years, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education and is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. The Centre serves over 150,000 people in metro Atlanta each year. Atlanta Ballet's roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city's cultural growth and revitalization. For more information, follow us on Twitter @atlantaballet, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlantaballet.