Three family-favorites, a world premiere of Peter Pan and ground-breaking new works highlight 2009-10 season

MILWAUKEE - March 12, 2009 - From family favorites to exciting world premieres, Milwaukee Ballet's 40th anniversary season promises to take audiences on a thrilling adventure. The Company today announced its 2009-10 season, which includes a repertoire illustrating the Ballet's commitment to showcasing innovative new works, provides family-friendly entertainment and world-class performances, all at a great value. Last year's very successful family ticket package is back and includes three magical productions for audiences of all ages to enjoy: Cinderella, The Nutcracker and Peter Pan. Milwaukee Ballet and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts also welcome back the popular Trey McIntyre Project for an exclusive one-night-only performance of Ma Maison.

"Our community's commitment to sustaining world-class ballet is stronger than ever as we celebrate this milestone year," said Artistic Director Michael Pink. "Over the years, Milwaukee Ballet has set itself apart through an unyielding commitment to showcasing new works. In addition to family-favorites and classical ballet, audiences will continue to see inventive pieces by internationally acclaimed choreographers."

The season begins October 22-25, bringing a family favorite to life, Michael Pink's Cinderella. This classic tale combines the magic of fairy godmothers and spells, with the true emotions of love and heartache. Prokofiev's score, period costumes, glass slippers and a pumpkin carriage whisk audiences away to an enchanting world.

Forty years of magic continues December 11-27 with the timeless holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. Pink's visual fantasy comes to life as Clara, Fritz and Marie find themselves awake in their own dream on a magical journey around the world. Elaborate scenery, stunning choreography and beautiful costumes capture the imaginations of young and old. Played live by the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra and sung by the Milwaukee Children's Choir, Tchaikovsky's magnificent score elevates the production to a new level. Dancers from the Milwaukee Ballet School highlight the youthful joy of The Nutcracker.

Running February 11-14, 2010 at the intimate Pabst Theater, Innovative Motion begins with Salvatore Aiello's Clowns and Others. Set to Prokofiev's humorous piano score, this charming ballet features vignettes of 10 clowns portraying human traits such as compassion, grief and wonder. Innovative Motion also features world premieres by choreographer Luc Vanier and the winner of Milwaukee Ballet's 2009 Genesis: International Choreographic Competition.

Pure Dance, March 25-58, 2010, will express emotion and story-telling using a vivid combination of music and dance. This triple bill includes Jerry Opdenaker's award-winning Coeur de Basque, and two world premieres from Company member Petr Zahradnícek and Val Caniparoli. Fusing Hispanic, Arabic and non-traditional melodies, Coeur de Basque is a lively choreographic tour of Spanish dance halls and Gypsy villages.

As the culmination of a truly magical 40th anniversary season, the world premiere of Peter Pan, May 13-16, 2010, features choreography by Artistic Director Michael Pink and an original score composed for the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra by internationally acclaimed Philip Feeney. Lavish costumes, magical lighting and imaginative sets are being created especially for Milwaukee Ballet's original production. The performance includes members of the Milwaukee Children's Choir and young dancers from Milwaukee Ballet School.

All performances of Cinderella, The Nutcracker, Pure Dance and Peter Pan will take place at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Innovative Motion will be performed at the Pabst Theater.

The Ballet offers four flexible ticket packages for subscribers, including the popular Family Package. For more information about becoming a Ballet subscriber or to purchase single tickets, please contact Milwaukee Ballet at (414) 902-2103 or visit www.milwaukeeballet.org. Opening night dinner packages are available for patrons looking to make a night out of their Ballet experience.

Milwaukee Ballet has two shows remaining in the current 2008-09 season, Genesis: International Choreographic Competition, March 26-29 at the Pabst Theater and Live & Kicking, May 15-18 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Single tickets for both shows are still available.

Trey McIntyre Project

As part of a two-week residency with Milwaukee Ballet and the University of Wisconsin-
Milwaukee, the versatile Trey McIntyre Project returns for a one-night-only performance March 9, 2010 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Dance enthusiasts will experience the Milwaukee premiere of Ma Maison featuring dancers from Milwaukee Ballet Academy and the Nancy Einhorn Milwaukee Ballet II program. Commissioned in 2008 by the New Orleans Ballet Association, this performance is set to jazz music by the renowned New Orleans' Preservation Hall Jazz Band. This exclusive engagement is a unique collaboration between Milwaukee Ballet and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets range from $32-$48 and can be purchased by calling the Marcus Center box office at (414) 273-7206.

Milwaukee Ballet

Founded in 1970, Milwaukee Ballet strives to inspire its audiences to think within and beyond traditional ballet through the presentation of quality performances and the implementation of educational opportunities. Milwaukee Ballet and Milwaukee Ballet School are recognized among the top companies in the nation. Milwaukee Ballet School is the only professional dance school in the Midwest accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. With an annual operating budget of more than $5 million, Milwaukee Ballet presents more than 40 performances to more than 50,000 people each year. Its resident company includes 25 professional dancers along with 18 trainees in its Nancy Einhorn Milwaukee Ballet II program and is one of the few dance companies in the country to maintain its own symphony orchestra. Milwaukee Ballet School, the official school of the Ballet, has an enrollment of nearly 900 students at three locations throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

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Note to Editors: Interviews with the Milwaukee Ballet's Artistic Director Michael Pink and Executive Director Dennis Buehler are available. High-resolution images are also available upon request.