The Kennedy Center to Welcome ABT in Alexei Ratmanksy's THE SLEEPING BEAUTY, 1/27-31

American Ballet Theatre (#ABTKenCen) returns to the Kennedy Center Opera House January 27-31, 2016 with the Washington, D.C. premiere of Alexei Ratmansky's new staging of Petipa's beloved classic The Sleeping Beauty. Set to the moving score by Pyotr Ilyitch Tchaikovsky, with choreography after Marius Petipa and staging and additional choreography by ABT Artist-in-Residence Alexei Ratmansky, this present version of The Sleeping Beauty received its World Premiere on March 3, 2015 in California. The production features scenery and costumes by Tony Award-winning designer Richard Hudson, inspired by Russian painter Léon Bakst's 1921 designs for Serge Diaghilev's seminal production for the Ballets Russes, and lighting by James F. Ingalls. All performances will be accompanied by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra.

The treasured story of princess Aurora-cursed to sleep for 100 years by an evil sorceress until awakened by a prince's kiss-features glittering royal waltzes, vibrant storybook divertissements from the likes of Cinderella and Red Riding Hood, and one of the most beloved grand pas de deux in all of ballet. Ratmansky hearkens back to Petipa's original ballet crafted in 1890, the production revives and fleshes out the theatricality of Petipa's historical choreography. Boasting a cast of more than 250 appearing on stage, including close to 100 local dancing supernumeraries, the size and impact of this production elevates this classic, cherished ballet to new heights.

ABOUT AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE

Since its inception in 1939, American Ballet Theatre has developed an unequalled repertoire spanning 19th century classics, early 20th century masterpieces, and acclaimed contemporary dances. Few ballet companies equal ABT for its combination of size, scope, and outreach. ABT is the only major cultural institution that annually tours the United States, performing for more than 450,000 people. The Company has also made more than 30 international tours to 50 countries as perhaps the most representative American ballet company and has been sponsored by the State Department of the United States on many of these engagements. Over its 75-year history, the Company has appeared in a total of 139 cities in 50 countries, and has appeared in all fifty states of the United States. In keeping with ABT's long-standing commitment to bring the finest in dance to the widest international audience, The Company has recently enjoyed triumphant successes with engagements in Abu Dhabi, Brisbane, Hong Kong, Havana, Tokyo, and Beijing. On April 27, 2006, by an act of Congress, American Ballet Theatre became America's National Ballet Company. The company has performed at the Kennedy Center annually since it opened in 1971.

David Koch is the Lead Sponsor of ABT's The Sleeping Beauty. Additional leadership support provided by the Lloyd E. Rigler-Lawrence E. Deutsch Foundation; by Linda Allard, for costumes; and through an endowed gift from the Toni and Martin Sosnoff New Works Fund.

Ticket prices range from $49 to $299. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Kennedy Center box office or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600 or (800) 444-1324.