ANNOUNCING LES BALLETS DE MONTE-CARLO's 2014 U.S.A. TOUR: Premiering "LAC" To Celebrate Jean-Christophe Maillot's 20th Anniversary

NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo will celebrate choreographer-director Jean-Christophe Maillot's 20th anniversary with the company this year by premiering LAC (after Swan Lake), Maillot's personal vision of Tchaikovsky's masterwork, with performances at The Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa (March 7 - 9) and the New York City Center (March 14 - 16).

LAC will be presented by Les Ballets De Monte-Carlo, in association with The Segerstrom Center, New York City Center and Ardani Artists. Visual artist Ernest Pignon-Ernest designed the scenery, with costume design by Philippe Guillotel.

Jean-Christophe Maillot has re-worked Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's pillar of the classic repertoire with the award-winning writer Jean Rouaud, bringing a modern-day relevance to the timeless story of Siegfried and Odette. The 2011 work explores the torments of childhood fears and nightmares. Buried experiences and memories are resurrected against a Machiavellian family backdrop to create a ballet of stark contrasts - good vs. evil, white vs. black, purity vs. eroticism – questions that define us as human beings.

"LAC is a new version of the classical ballet, honoring the past, but with a slice of contemporary codes," said Jean-Christophe Maillot." Today's audiences can feel attached to the story Swan Lake, one of ballet's most beautiful stories.  It is a story of sensuality, about the ideal woman.  The White Swan is the beautiful, pure woman every man falls in love with once in his life; the Black Swan represents sexuality, strength, power and control. We look forward to introducing this new ballet that that showcases the dancers' artistry with traditional and contemporary ballet styles," he said.

"The combined creativity of Jean-Christophe and the company of Les Ballets, together with their passion for excellence, is reflected in this acclaimed production. We are truly delighted that these wonderful cultural envoys of the principality are back to showcase the singular cultural heritage of Monaco," said Her Excellency Maguy Maccario Doyle, Monaco's Ambassador to the United States.    

New Yorkers are invited to purchase a 'Premiere Experience' package that includes premium seating for the New York performance of LAC on March 14, followed by an exclusive cast after-party hosted by the Consulate General of Monaco and the Monaco Government Tourist Office. Guests will have the chance to meet and mingle with director-choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot and the members of this world-renowned company, including principal dancers, while enjoying champagne, cocktails and fine food. Space is strictly limited to first 100 'Premiere Experience' ticket purchasers. Each 'Premiere Experience' ticket is $275.00 with all proceeds benefitting Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. (www.MonacoTakesNY.com)

Les Ballet de Monte-Carlo will present four performances of LAC at:

• The Segerstrom Center on Friday, March 7 at 7:30pm, Saturday, March 8 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, March 9 at 3:00 pm. Tickets are priced from $35 to $135 and can be purchased online at www.SCFTA.org, by calling ticket services at (714) 556-2787, or at the Box Office located at 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa CA. www.SCFTA.org.
• New York City Center on Friday, March 14 at 8:00pm, Saturday, March 15 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm, and Sunday, March 16 at 3:00pm. Tickets are $50, $75, $100 and can be purchased online at www.NYCityCenter.org, by calling CityTix® at (212) 581-1212, or at the City Center Box Office at 131 West 55th St. (bet 6th & 7th Aves), New York, NY. www.NYCityCenter.org.

Les Ballet de Monte-Carlo gratefully acknowledges support from the Principality of Monaco, Holt Global, official partner CFM Monaco Private Banking, and Rolex. Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo's New York performances are presented with the support of Monaco's Consulate General and Tourist Office, and with the participation of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA.

LAC – USA TOUR 2014:
Choreography: Jean-Christophe Maillot
Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 
Set design: Ernest Pignon-Ernest
Costume design: Philippe Guillotel
Dramaturgy: Jean Rouaud
Additional music: Bertrand Maillot
Lighting: Jean-Christophe Maillot and Samuel Thery

SOURCE Consulate General of Monaco