“New York’s most celebrated dance company… bursting with stars and glamour” The Times”American Ballet Theatre is one of the triumvirate of great classical companies defining the American style on the world stage today” The Observer Hailed as one of the world’s leading classical ballet companies and recognised by the United States Congress in 2006 as America’s national ballet company, the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) is poised to lift Hong Kong audiences off their feet with an astonishing breadth of dance works ranging from a full-length masterpiece to modern classics that soar across three centuries. Brace yourself for the thrill of the Asian premiere of Shostakovich – Symphony No 9, a new work by Alexei Ratmansky, ABT’s artist-in-residence and the world’s leading ballet choreographer today. Look out as well for José Limón’s stylised and tension-filled take on Shakespeare’s Othello in The Moor’s Pavane, Mark Morris’ witty and virtuosic Drink to Me With Only Thine Eyes, and a delightful selection of pas-de-deux from the great ballet masterworks. The crown jewel of the ABT’s offering is Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet, arguably the best known and most beloved dance version of this enduring Shakespeare romantic tragedy. Visually sumptuous and rich in character, nuance and sensuality, this rendition is regarded as one of ABT’s grandest productions. The work is a promise of precision, grace and versatility, as well as a showcase of ABT’s tradition of passion, innovation and athleticism. Festival Opening is sponsored by HSBC. For further information: http://www.hk.artsfestival.org/en http://www.abt.org/default.aspx