Mikhail Baryshnikov to Attend National Ballet of Canada's MAD HOT BALLET: NORTHERN LIGHTS Gala

Karen Kain, Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, today announced that special guest Mikhail Baryshnikov will attend this year's annual fundraising gala, MAD HOT BALLET: Northern Lights on June 6, 2017 which celebrates Canada's 150th anniversary.

"Mikhail has always been a truly supportive friend to myself as well as to the company. He has a strong connection with the National Ballet, in fact weeks after he defected in 1974, he performed La Sylphide with Veronica Tennant at Ontario Place for an audience of over 10,000. I am so pleased that he will be with us at MAD HOT BALLET to celebrate Canada's sesquicentennial," says Ms. Kain.

MAD HOT BALLET has raised over $10.5 million to support the artists and activities of the National Ballet to date. MAD HOT BALLET: Northern Lights is anticipated to raise over $1 million in one outstanding evening. This year's gala honours luminaries of Canadian dance, Veronica Tennant, Evelyn Hart, Frank Augustyn and Artist-In-Residence Rex Harrington.

Often cited as one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century, Mr. Baryshnikov has performed with such companies as the Kirov Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet and worked with choreographers such as George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Glen Tetley, Alvin Ailey and Twyla Tharp. He was Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre, the co-founder, with Mark Morris, of The White Oak Dance Project, and current Artistic Director of the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City. The award-winning dancer has also appeared in film, theatre and television.

MAD HOT BALLET begins with an hour-long gala performance featuring repertoire celebrating Greta Hodgkinson's 25th anniversary and 20th as Principal Dancer and Xiao Nan Yu's 20th anniversary with the company. A reception will follow with themed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres for all guests in the Isadore and Rosalie Sharp City Room. VIP guests are invited to a private dinner onstage prepared by Executive Chef Sash Simpson of Mark McEwan's North 44 Caters followed by dancing with the Artists of the National Ballet.

CIBC is the Presenting Sponsor of MAD HOT BALLET: Northern Lights.

This year's gala co-chairs are Emily Burnett and Jonathan Bloomberg.

Tickets are now on sale.

IF YOU GO:

June 6, 2017

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen Street West, Toronto

Tickets:

Sold Out! MAD HOT BALLET VIP Cocktail Reception and Gala Dinner

MAD HOT BALLET Performance PLUS

Single Ticket: From $60

Tickets can be purchased by calling 416 (1 866) 345 9595 or online at madhotballet.ca.

For more, visit the MAD HOT BALLET: Northern Lights website.