Virtual and outdoor performances to take the place of previously planned programming 

ATLANTA (Nov. 12, 2020) – Atlanta Ballet announced today that the previously planned remainder of its 2020|2021 performance season will be postponed. The Company will instead present a mix of virtual and outdoor performances featuring new works and past favorites between February and May 2021. All originally announced programming – including Giselle, Firebird, and Stars and Stripes, will be moved to new dates in spring of 2022.

“Considering the current surge in COVID-19 cases and after consulting with health officials, it has become clear that we cannot safely present the remainder of the season in the theatre as planned,” says Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin. “While there is nothing more we want than to perform on-stage and in-person, the health and safety of our patrons, dancers, staff and crew is our absolute priority. We will continue to develop creative ways to evolve and connect with audiences as we all adapt to a new way of living and dancing during a pandemic.”

While the theatre will remain empty this season, Atlanta Ballet has organized alternative ways for audiences to safely experience the joy of dance. In partnership with the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University and GSUTV, Atlanta Ballet will present Silver Linings – a choreographic initiative featuring a variety of original pieces created by Atlanta Ballet dancers on Atlanta Ballet dancers. These two events will be livestreamed to the public via GSUTV on Friday, February 12, and Friday, March 19, 2021.

“The pandemic has produced so many obstacles and challenges, but we continue to trust that it is possible for something good to come from it. In our case, it has provided an opportunity for many of our dancers to discover and experiment with their own choreographic voices,” Nedvigin said. “I was thrilled to learn that eight of our own dancers were interested in adding to the momentum of what seems to be a sort of creative renaissance for the company. I can’t help but consider this kind of creative energy and artistic inspiration a silver lining of this otherwise devastating situation.”

Depending on the status of COVID-19 cases, Atlanta Ballet hopes to safely bring people a little bit closer to the art of dance in the spring. The organization’s artistic and production professionals are currently searching for the best outdoor venues to feature an annual family ballet presented by Atlanta Ballet 2, as well as company programming featuring a mix of new works and favorites from the past. 

“We face a challenging financial reality, but hope that – with the support of our patrons and community – Atlanta Ballet will return to the stage in fall of 2021,” said Atlanta Ballet President & CEO Arturo Jacobus. “Atlanta Ballet has been performing for more than 91 years, and we do not plan to stop now. We will be back stronger and better than ever as we kick off our 92^nd year as the marquee dance company of the city of Atlanta and the State Ballet of Georgia.” 

For more information, visit Atlanta Ballet’s website. For questions about your subscription, call 404.892.3303. To support Atlanta Ballet getting back to the stage, visit here. To see updates Atlanta Ballet’s revised 20|21 Performance Season in real time, follow Atlanta Ballet on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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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 90 seasons, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened its Centre for Dance Education, which 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, visit www.atlantaballet.com, follow us follow Atlanta Ballet on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

 

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