PITTSBURGH, PA - Described as "a breath of fresh air" by The New York Times and "a company to be reckoned with" by Dance Magazine, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet brings its critically-acclaimed athleticism and grace to the Byham Theater stage in Pittsburgh's Cultural District on Friday, February 26 for a one-night performance.

The evening's program includes dance works by four internationally recognized chorographers: Jorma Elo's Red Sweet, Nicolo Fonte's In Hidden Seconds, William Forsythe's Slingerland, and Twyla Tharp's Sue's Leg - with roller-rink-like music and witty songs by Fats Waller.

Founded on the idea of acquiring repertoire and inviting top choreographers in the field to create works for the company, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet boasts a sophisticated repertoire and broad appeal, combined with a successful blend of entertaining and engrossing contemporary dance. The company is one of the true success stories in American dance today.

Tickets ($19 - $42) may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square, online at pgharts.org, or by calling 412-456-6666. First Commonwealth is the season sponsor of Pittsburgh Dance Council. WDUQ 90.5fm is the media sponsor.

About Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
In 1990, accomplished dancer Bebe Schweppe founded the Aspen Ballet Company with hopes of infusing dance education into Colorado culture. Within the next 10 years, she had created professional companies in both Aspen and Santa Fe with the help of Jean-Philippe Malaty and Tom Mossbrucker. Fusing the two company names together, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet was born.

The small ensemble has performed to critical acclaim both nationally and internationally at The Joyce Theatre, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, The Kennedy Center as well as at venues in Canada, France and Italy. The diversity of the group is magnified by the companies it has supported through Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Presents: The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Pilobolus, Hubbard Street Dance, Twyla Tharp, Mark Morris Dance Group, Sydney Dance Company, Ballet "Quetzalli" de Veracruz, Tango Danza, Peking Acrobats, Les Ballets Africains and India's Nrityagram Dance Ensemble to name a few.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet has grown to become one of the largest dance presenters in the country, but has nonetheless maintained its fresh and unique signature style. Currently, Tom Mossbrucker serves as Artistic Director for the company with Jean-Philippe Malaty serving as Executive Director.

About Sue's Leg
A tribute to the world of 1930s dance and the music of Fats Waller, the nine-part suite titled Sue's Leg is one of Twyla Tharp's earliest commissioned pieces. Originally performed in 1990 by Chicago's Hubbard Street Dance, Sue's Leg was pulled from Tharp's repertoire until February 2009 when she began to collaborate with the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. The piece was created for a dancing quartet with soloists featured throughout - with the accompanying Oldies/jazz musical track perfectly complemented by the sounds of the dancers' tap shoes as though a natural element of the music.

About Pittsburgh Dance Council
Each year the Pittsburgh Dance Council, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, showcases a world-class season of dance. As the largest presenter of international performances in the city, Pittsburgh Dance Council continues to help make Pittsburgh's Cultural District one of the country's leading arts and entertainment destinations.

Media Contact
Mark Power: 412-471-8715, power@pgharts.org