ATLANTA - Back by popular demand, Atlanta Ballet presents choreographer James Kudelka's The Four Seasons, featuring special guest artists and former company dancers Wei Donsheng and Naomi-Jane Clark, October 21-23 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Donsheng captivated ballet-goers for 14 seasons, including his unforgettable title role in Michael Pink's Dracula, which he originated for Atlanta Ballet in 1998.

Clark, formerly Dixon, performed with Atlanta Ballet for 15 seasons and is also the wife of current Atlanta Ballet company member Christian Clark, who will be dancing the principal role of "Everyman" in the performance.

Donsheng and Clark will perform alongside Atlanta Ballet's artistic director John McFall and Atlanta Ballet instructor Carol Szkutek, who will reprise their roles from the 2010 U.S. premiere.

The Four Seasons, touted by critics and patrons as a modern masterpiece, follows the character known only as "Everyman" through the cycles of life, as represented by the different seasons. First comes spring, representing youth, followed by passionate summer, the calmness of autumn, and then the chilling grip of winter as death, which will feature the performances by McFall, Donsheng and Clark.

Regarded as Canada's most celebrated classical choreographer, Kudelka debuted "Four Seasons" in 1997 during his tenure as artistic director with the National Ballet of Canada. Kudelka's piece is set to Antonio Vivaldi's set of four violin concertos, "Four Seasons," and will be performed live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra.

The Four Seasons will be paired with the Atlanta Ballet premiere of Wayne McGregor's futuristic, avant-garde EDEN/EDEN - an innovative exploration of genetic engineering that confronts issues of immortality, choice and individuality.

Tickets start as low as $20. For tickets, call 800-982-2787 or stop by the Cobb Energy Centre box office. To purchase tickets online, visit www.atlantaballet.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

About Atlanta Ballet

Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is the longest continuously-operating ballet company in the United States. Atlanta Ballet's eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. Among Atlanta Ballet's proud and unique 82-year history are its three Artistic Directors, Miss Dorothy Alexander, whose vision brought dance to the South; Robert Barnett, who turned Atlanta Ballet into a professional company; and currently, John McFall. Under McFall's leadership Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education in 1996 and is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. With diverse class offerings and student population, 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.

Contact:
Sigele Winbush - 404.862.2081
publicrelations@atlantaballet.com