ATLANTA (July 1, 2019) – On Monday, October 7, 2019, the Corps de Ballet – a volunteer organization of devoted Atlanta Ballet supporters – will host its 21^st Annual Corps de Ballet Fashion Show & Luncheon at St. Regis Atlanta, co-chaired by Corps de Ballet members Jada Loveless and Keisha Noel.  A celebration of dance and style, the annual luncheon kicks off the Corps de Ballet’s social season in support of Atlanta Ballet and its Centre for Dance Education. In addition to a stunning preview of 2019’s fall fashion highlights by presenting sponsor Neiman Marcus, attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to witness the presentation of the Corps de Ballet’s inaugural Trailblazer Award to American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland.

The Corps de Ballet auxiliary group and guests of more than 400 will assemble to support Atlanta Ballet with its traditional luncheon which, this year, will spotlight the Centre for Dance Education’s commitment to educate, inspire and reach out to youth who may not otherwise be exposed to dance. In addition to a glamorous runway fashion show featuring the latest collections from some of today’s premier designers and an inspired performance by Atlanta Ballet’s training ensemble, Atlanta Ballet 2, the event will include a “Fund the Mission” to raise funds for Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education’s community engagement programs.

“Jada and I are longtime supporters of Atlanta Ballet and passionate individuals who believe in extending the opportunities in the arts to all corners of the Atlanta community. As co-chairs of this year’s luncheon, we wanted to establish an annual award to recognize individuals whose extraordinary contributions to the ballet world will leave a lasting impact on our city and beyond,” says Noel about the inaugural Trailblazer Award. “With her outstanding accomplishments at American Ballet Theatre, her tremendous dedication and passion for giving back, and unprecedented role in helping to diversify the art of ballet, we immediately thought of Misty Copeland. We are overjoyed that she has accepted our invitation, and feel honored to have the opportunity to celebrate her not only as an exceptional dancer, but a genuinely wonderful person who inspires young ballerinas around the world, including so many right here in Atlanta, Georgia.”

“We are thrilled to honor Misty Copeland for her role in and commitment to bringing the art of dance to a broad community, particularly to the youth,” Atlanta Ballet’s Corps de Ballet President Sharon Silvermintz continues. “She is an incredible role model and champion of the power of dance.”

As the nation’s oldest ballet company and Atlanta’s leading dance institution, Atlanta Ballet makes a unique and significant contribution to metropolitan Atlanta. Founded in 1929, its mission is to share the power and joy of dance and serve the community through active engagement.  Founded in 1996, the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education strives to enrich, inspire and empower young people of all backgrounds through dance. The Centre for Dance Education serves more than 22,000 children and adults throughout the metro-Atlanta area through Centre Dance In-School Programs, Kids In Step student matinee performances, Atlanta Ballet’s AileyCamp, field trips, scholarships, Veteran’s tickets and classes for adults with developmental disabilities.

These programs provide a creative outlet to these young people, and aid in the development of life skills, self-esteem and realizing one’s true potential. Atlanta Ballet and its Centre for Dance Education not only strive to create extraordinary performances on stage, but also to help those in underserved communities and schools by providing opportunities to take ballet class, train professionally and experience the magic of seeing ballet performed in a theatre.

“Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education’s community engagement programs have allowed so many young people not only to experience and enjoy the art of dance, but to discover and celebrate who they truly are as individuals,” says Loveless. “Even if the kids who participate in these incredible programs don’t end up becoming principal ballerinas, they can take the lessons they’ve learned through dance wherever life takes them.”

“A big part of my mission is to serve as an example to young people who question whether they belong or if they're capable of achieving their dreams. When they see someone who looks like them or who comes from a similar background, they start to realize that there are opportunities and possibilities for themselves,” says Copeland. “I think it's every generation's responsibility to always be the best example of what's possible for those who come after them. Without the accomplishments of trailblazers like Raven Wilkinson, Virginia Johnson, Lauren Anderson, Delores Browne, Janet Collins, and so many more, there may not have been a place for me on the stage as a brown ballerina. I am grateful to them for doing the work to pave the way for me and I dance in their honor always."

Corps de Ballet membership is $75 annually and members receive single ticket discounts for Atlanta Ballet season programs, a percentage off Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education classes, invitations to all Corps de Ballet special events during the 2019-20 Season, and access to an exclusive e-newsletter that includes behind-the-scenes stories and information.

Luncheon registration begins at 11 a.m., and the luncheon and runway show will begin promptly at noon. There is currently a waiting list for hostess tables. A limited number of individual tickets may be released in late summer. Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit Atlanta Ballet and its Centre for Dance Education. Media sponsor: The Atlantan.

For more information and reservations, please contact Sherren Sandy at 404.873.5811 x1208 or by email at ssandy@atlantaballet.com.

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About Corps de Ballet:

The objective of the Corps de Ballet is to support Atlanta Ballet and to give Corps members an insider’s perspective on what it takes to produce a variety of programs. This up close and personal experience with Atlanta Ballet aims to educate and enrich members’ understanding of dance as an art form.

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 89 seasons, 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, visit www.atlantaballet.com, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @atlantaballet, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlantaballet.

Media Contact:
Julia Berg
Director of Public Relations – Atlanta Ballet
(o) 404.873.5811 x1203
(c) 404.226.1127
jberg@atlantaballet.com