DOWNLOAD BROCHUREThe Australian Ballet in New York
New York"I t is an honour to be the Tour Leader for The Australian Ballet in New York tour, alongside my role as Patrons Manager (VIC/TAS) of The Australian Ballet. I’m looking forward to sharing in the excitement of the performances, parties and behind-the-scenes events of this 50th anniversary New York tour.
I danced with The Australian Ballet in its New York seasons of 1990 and 1999. It was a dream experience – performing in this global dance centre, billed opposite renowned US and international ballet companies, and warmed by the glowing reaction of New York audiences. On these tours the excitement of our Australian supporters provided that extra dash of adrenalin and exuberance that elevated our performances to new heights.
In 2012, I’m thrilled that I’ll be there to cheer on our talented dancers as they make their own stamp on ballet’s history at the opening nights of The Australian Ballet’s two North American premieres. I also look forward to being inspired by performances of the American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet and Houston Ballet, not to mention taking in some New York City sightseeing!
This trip will be one the dancers, audiences and I will never forget. I hope you can join us to add your support to our company at this unique moment."
Lisa Bolte
AT A GLANCE:
- see two performances by Houston Ballet
- see two opening night performances by
The Australian Ballet in New York
- attend three performances of American Ballet
Theater’s spring season
- New York City Ballet’s A Midsummer Night’s
Dream
- attend post-performance parties, lectures and
other special events
Robyn Hendricks and Daniel Gaudiello Dyad 1929
Photo: Jim McFarlane
ITINERARY:
Fri 08 June 2012: Arrive New York
If departing from Australia today you will arrive in New York in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel located in the Midtown area near the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Central Park, MoMa, Times Square and Fifth Avenue's famous shops.
Sat 09 June: New York
This morning is at leisure until 11 am when tour arrangements begin with a welcome briefing and brunch with Lisa Bolte and fellow supporters of the Australian Ballet.
Afternoon at leisure until an evening performance at the Metropolitan Opera House of a new production of Onegin by the American Ballet Theatre. (B,Br)
Sun 10 June: New York
Depart the hotel on a half day at tour of Lower Manhattan. Pass by Wall Street, home of the New York Stock Exchange; Battery Park with views of the Statue of Liberty; Ground Zero; Chinatown; Soho; TriBeCa, Greenwich Village, Chelsea and the revitalised former Meatpacking District, now officially known as Gansevoort Market.
After lunch transfer to the David H. Koch Theatre at the Lincoln Center for a matinee performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by the New York City Ballet. A ballet about the transforming power of love, George Balanchine's A Midsummer Night's Dream is based on William Shakespeare's comedy about the romantic adventures and misadventures, quarrels and reunions, of two pairs of mortal lovers and the king and queen of the fairies. Evening at leisure. (BL)
Mon 11 June: New York
After breakfast explore the Lincoln Center on a guided tour and get an inside look at what happens on and off the stages of the world’s leading performing arts centre by taking a journey through the venues; Avery Fisher Hall, David H. Koch Theater, Metropolitan Opera House, and Alice Tully Hall.
Continue with a visit to the costume department for an exciting look at some of New York City Ballet’s exquisite and intricately detailed costumes, and see how they’re made. See the various locations where costumes are stored and readied for use in performances, while sharing insights on costume design, creation, and maintenance. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B)
Tue 12 June: New York
After a pre-performance talk (1hour), depart on a tour of the Upper West Side of Manhattan, including a visit to the Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum devoted to the art and architecture of medieval Europe, located in Fort Tryon Park. The building incorporates elements from five medieval French cloisters and houses a collection of approximately five thousand works of art from medieval Europe, dating from about the ninth to the fifteenth century.
Return to Midtown via Harlem. The area has been associated for a long period with the American black community, crime and poverty but Harlem is now experiencing an economic and social gentrification. The coach will drop off at the Metropolitan Museum on Fifth Avenue (your entrance ticket for the Cloisters is also valid at the main museum today).
Remainder of the afternoon at leisure before this evening’s performance by The Australian Ballet at the David H. Koch Theater at the Lincoln Center. The daring mixed bill features Wayne McGregor’s rule-breaking Dyad 1929; an electrifying new collaboration between The Australian Ballet and Bangarra Dance Theatre; and Luminous, a sensational selection of excerpts from the company’s most-loved ballets set against a multimedia backdrop.
Following the performance, join the dancers, management and crew at a special post-performance reception. (B, Reception)
Wed 13 June: New York
After a pre-performance talk (approx. 1hour), continue your exploration of New York City with a tour to Brooklyn, New York City’s most populated borough with 2.5 million residents. Brooklyn was an independent city until its consolidation with New York City in 1898, but continues to maintain a distinct culture, independent art scene, and unique architectural heritage. Visit the Brooklyn Museum, the second-largest art museum in New York City, and one of the largest in the USA. It is one of the premier art institutions in the world, with its permanent collection including more than one-and-a-half million objects, from ancient Egyptian masterpieces to contemporary art.
Afternoon at leisure before an evening performance at the Metropolitan Opera House by the American Ballet Theatre of a Triple Bill: Thirteen Diversions, Apollo and The Firebird (new production). Prior to the start of the performance, meet a dancer from the American Ballet Theatre and gain insight into the life of a dancer and learn about tonight’s performance. Meals included (B)
Thu 14 June: New York
After breakfast, attend a pre-performance talk for approx. 1hour. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
After an early dinner at the Grand Tier Restaurant located in the Lincoln Center, attend a further performance by the American Ballet Theatre of Romeo and Juliet. Sir Kenneth MacMillian's masterful interpretation of Shakespeare's enduring romantic tragedy has become one of ABT's signature productions. (BD)
Fri 15 June: New York
Morning at leisure until 11 am. Transfer to a local restaurant for a pre-performance talk followed by a farewell lunch with Lisa Bolte and fellow ballet lovers.
Afternoon at leisure before this evening’s performance of Graeme Murphy’s Swan Lake by The Australian Ballet at the David H. Koch Theater at the Lincoln Center. Following the performance, join the dancers, management and crew at a special post-performance reception. (BL, Reception)
Sat 16 June: Depart New York
Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. (B)
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