Portland, Ore…In what promises to be the most impressive array of dance talent that has ever shared a Portland stage, Oregon Ballet will on June 12th present DANCE UNITED, a benefit performance to raise funds to help reduce a sizeable shortfall in the company's operating budget. Leading dancers from world-class companies across North America will perform in support of OBT. Confirmed participants at this time are: the New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, the Joffrey, the Washington Ballet, Boston Ballet, the Trey McIntyre Project, Ballet West, White Bird, Bodyvox and Oregon Ballet Theatre. More companies, both local and national, are expected to join the program and will be announced as added.

The Portland Center for the Performing Arts has provided the use of Keller Auditorium for the event, and the dancers are donating their time. Goods and services needed for the performance are being generously provided by local businesses. Media support is provided by kink fm102.

 "Last December's unexpected snow storm put a very significant dent in our Nutcracker ticket sales," said OBT Artistic Director Christopher Stowell.  "That, coupled with the recession-related drop in charitable giving that all non-profits are experiencing right now, has left us facing a significant budget deficit. Our subscribers and supporters have already begun to step up and demonstrate how important OBT is in their lives - and it's gratifying to also see this affirmation of just what we mean to the dance world at large."

Many of the nation's most prestigious ballet companies have been quick to respond to OBT's request for support, sending dancers to Portland and issuing statements of solidarity:

"Oregon Ballet Theatre is one of the gems of the American ballet scene. It's a company of great style and moxie. The artists of the Washington Ballet are happy to support this amazing company." - Septime Weber, Artistic Director of the Washington Ballet

 "In these difficult economic times all of the arts are also suffering.  It is gratifying to be able to show support for our colleagues in whatever way we can, and the entire New York City Ballet wishes Oregon Ballet Theatre much continued success in its future!" - Peter Martins, Artistic Director of the New York City Ballet

"Through its commitment to excellence in dance, Oregon Ballet Theatre enriches the lives of community members from Portland and beyond. In these difficult times, the arts serve as a source of inspiration, remind us of our collective humanity, and help us to transcend our daily concerns.  American Ballet Theatre believes strongly in the work of OBT and honors it for its work bringing the highest quality art to the citizens of Oregon." - Rachel S. Moore, Executive Director of American Ballet Theatre

DANCE UNITED will take place at Keller Auditorium, located in downtown Portland at SW Third and Clay.

One performance only: June 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Individual Tickets range from $50 - $200.

Six Premier Boxes are available at a cost of $10,000 and include: seating for sixteen and complimentary access for all sixteen guests to an exclusive cocktail soiree with the artists at the end of the evening.

Tickets go on sale Monday, June 1, at 9:00 am.

Online: www.obt.org / www.ticketmaster.com
By Phone: 503-2-BALLET (503-222-5538) or 888-9-BALLET (888-922-5538)
In Person: OBT Box Office, 818 SE Sixth Ave., M-F 9am-5pm / Ticketmaster Outlets

Founded in 1989, Oregon Ballet Theatre is a not-for-profit, professional ballet company, with a school, based in Portland, Oregon. On July 1, 2003, Christopher Stowell became Oregon Ballet Theatre's artistic director and Damara Bennett joined OBT as school director. Oregon Ballet Theatre offers the highest quality ballet, in a repertoire of classic and contemporary work, to the people of Oregon, the Pacific Northwest and the United States.

Erik Jones, Director of Marketing and Communication
V: 503.227.0977    F: 503.227.4186
Oregon Ballet Theatre
818 SE Sixth Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97214
www.obt.org