For Immediate Release
February, 2025
Tulsa Ballet Embarks on Sixth International Tour Traveling to Italy and Germany, Continuing Its Legacy as Oklahoma’s Cultural Ambassador
Tulsa, OK– Tulsa Ballet, the official cultural ambassador for the state of Oklahoma, is preparing for its sixth international tour, marking another milestone in its longstanding tradition of showcasing world-class ballet on the global stage. Following successful tours to Portugal, Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia, South Korea, and Italy/Switzerland, the company will now grace the stages of Italy and Germany this spring, bringing the essence of American ballet to audiences across Europe.
The upcoming tour will begin in Modena, Italy, at the Teatro Luciano Pavarotti on May 15, 2025, before continuing through Italy with stops in Vicenza, Rovigo, and Treviso. The company will then make its way to Bonn, Germany, for performances at the prestigious Theater Bonn on May 20 and 21.
“Touring has become part of the DNA of Tulsa Ballet,” says Artistic Director Marcello Angelini, reflecting on the company’s journey as a cultural ambassador. “It’s an incredible honor to represent our state abroad, especially when you consider Oklahoma’s rich heritage in oil, gas, and Native American history. But as much as we are proud of our legacy, we are equally excited to share the vibrancy and cultural relevance of Tulsa with the world. Through our international tours, we are showing the world what makes Oklahoma a great place to live, work, and create.”
Tulsa Ballet’s international presence is about more than just performance—it’s also about fostering connections that help elevate the city’s global reputation. A memorable moment in the company’s early tours came when then-Governor Frank Keating invited CEOs from major European aerospace companies to Tulsa Ballet’s opening night in Portugal. This led to a productive conversation with Lufthansa, which ultimately resulted in the company opening BizJet in Tulsa. “I will never forget how our performance helped create a bridge between the arts and business,” says Artistic Director Marcello Angelini. “It’s moments like this that truly showcase the broader impact of cultural exchange.”
This upcoming European tour will feature the program “Made in America” encapsulating the evolution and diversity of American dance. The program includes works such as Classical Symphony, a high-energy ballet by Yuri Possokhov, which fuses European classical traditions with the dynamic agility of contemporary American ballet; Divenire, a lyrical work by American-Italian choreographer Nicolo Fonte; and Remember Our Song, an exciting Broadway inspired number by Hamilton choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler.
“These pieces represent the many facets of American ballet today,” says Artistic Director Marcello Angelini. “Each piece tells a different part of the story of dance in America, from classical to contemporary to Broadway.”
Tulsa Ballet’s commitment to touring goes beyond its performances. The company is actively raising funds for a touring endowment to ensure its continued success on the world stage. The Lou and Connie Miller Charitable Foundation has generously pledged to fully fund this initiative, securing the future of Tulsa Ballet’s international outreach.
As Tulsa Ballet continues to share its art with the world, it not only strengthens its international reputation but also affirms its role as a vital cultural force within the state of Oklahoma. Through the universal language of dance, Tulsa Ballet is fostering global recognition for its city and state while ensuring that future generations of dancers will have the opportunity to reach new audiences across the globe.
For more information about the upcoming tour and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://tulsaballet.org/touring/
Teatro Luciano Pavarotti (Modena, Italy) – May 15, 2025:
https://www.teatrocomunalemodena.it/spettacolo/made-in-america/
Teatro Comunale di Vicenza (Vicenza, Italy) – May 16, 2025:
https://www.tcvi.it/it/eventi/stagione-2024-2025/danza/made-in-america/
Teatro Sociale (Rovigo, Italy) – May 17, 2025:
https://www.myarteven.it/spettacoli/made-in-america#nav-presentazione
Teatro Mario del Monaco (Treviso, Italy) – May 18, 2025:
https://www.teatrostabileveneto.it/spettacolo/1152_827_made_in_america
Theater Bonn (Bonn, Germany) – May 20-21, 2025:
https://www.theater[1]bonn.de/en/programm/tulsa-ballet/222479
For press inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact:
Jessie Kenney
Content Creator, Tulsa Ballet
918-396-5949 Ex:249
Jessie.kenney@tulsaballet.org
www.tulsaballet.org