AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE STUDIO COMPANY
RETURNS TO MHC FOR THREE PERFORMANCES

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. - The ABT Studio Company, a small classical company of 12 young dancers of outstanding potential, returns to Mount Holyoke College for three performances on December 10 and 11, 2004. Performances will take place in Studio Theatre in Kendall Sports and Dance Complex at 8 pm December 10, and 2 pm and 8 pm December 11, with the program to be announced.

Now celebrating its tenth season, the ABT Studio Company prepares dancers to enter American Ballet Theatre and provides opportunities for the emergence of new and established choreographers and composers. Through in-school performances, lecture-demonstrations, and academic residencies, the ABT Studio Company brings the excitement of close contact with a professional company into communities around the country. Last year, the Studio Company performed three sold-out shows at MHC.

"This is an exciting young company with beautifully trained dancers," said Rose Flachs, associate professor of dance. "Last year's performance was a huge success. The repertory ranged from a classical ballet pas de deux to a world-premiere contemporary piece. This dedicated group of young dancers brings energy, excitement, and passion to the stage. Magically each time they perform, the audience is left with a greater appreciation and love for the art of dance."

The dancers, ages 16-20, are handpicked from around the world by the artistic staff of American Ballet Theatre. Studio Company dancers will train in the program for one or two years before joining American Ballet Theatre's main company or other leading national and international professional companies. Dancers also take part in outreach programs for children and other selected groups, and can enhance their experience through performance opportunities with American Ballet Theatre's main company.

Mount Holyoke College gratefully acknowledges the Rosh Foundation Artistic Initiatives Fund and Robin Chemers Neustein '75 for supporting the ABT Studio Company performance at Mount Holyoke.

What: American Ballet Theatre Studio Company
Where: Mount Holyoke College, Studio Theatre, Kendall Sports and Dance Complex
When: Friday, December 10 at 8 pm and Saturday, December 11 at 2 and 8 pm
Price: $15 general admission, $7 student and seniors
Box office: 413-538-2848 or email dancereservations@mtholyoke.edu