BalletMet Columbus will bring its unique contemporary dance repertoire to a nation historically celebrated for classical ballet. The company makes its Russian debut this June in the VIII Moscow International Contemporary Dance Festival, or Moscow Footlights. BalletMet is the first American company ever invited to participate in the festival.

The invitation marks BalletMet’s fifth international engagement.

Moscow Footlights, founded by Ballet Moscow Artistic Director Nikolay Bassin, is a week-long series of performances that brings together a range of prominent contemporary dancers, companies and choreographers.

BalletMet will perform in the festival June 3 and 4 in Moscow and June 5 and 6 in St. Petersburg, presenting four innovative contemporary works created for the company. Harrison McEldowney’s Topsy and Randy Duncan’s Testify premiered in the award-winning Jazz Moves (2006). James Kudelka’s There, below (1989) and Stanton Welch’s Play (2004) are among BalletMet’s signature works.

“Being invited to perform in Russia, to many the country most synonymous with ballet, is an incredible honor for any dancer,” says Gerard Charles, BalletMet artistic director. “That our company is performing in the two greatest dance cities of Russia, St Petersburg and Moscow, is a huge affirmation of the quality and reputation of BalletMet. We are proud to be the first American company to perform at this international festival.”

For more information, visit www.balletmet.org.