WHO:               Ballet Austin presents

WHAT:             Inaugural Season Opener

WHEN:            October 24-26, 2008

                          Friday and Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm

WHERE:         The Michael and Susan Dell Hall at The Long Center for the Performing Arts (701 W. Riverside Drive at the corner of S. 1st St.)

WEB:         http://www.balletaustin.org

MEDIA:            For interviews, images, details, contact david@wyattbrand.com and 512/450.4395

TIX:                   $24-$74 at www.balletaustin.org or at 512/476.2163 

An evening of three works featuring the choreography of Twyla Tharp, George Balanchine, and Stephen Mills.

Twyla Tharp’s "Nine Sinatra Songs" 

Made famous by Baryshnikov’s turn in the lead role in 1984, "Nine Sinatra Songs" is a dazzler of a ballet in which the Tony award winner blends romantic ballroom dancing and the familiar sounds of Frank Sinatra’s swinging style. 

George Balanchine's "Episodes"

Created in 1959 to compositional sketches by composer Anton Webern, Ballet Austin travels to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. to perform "Episodes" with The Suzanne Farrell Ballet.  The Suzanne Farrell Ballet will then visit Austin for a reciprocal collaboration to open the season at The Long Center. 

Stephen Mills "World Premiere"

To cap it all, award-winning and internationally sought-after choreographer, Stephen Mills, will create his first world premiere in the new Long Center, set to the timeless music of Mozart.