Australian Ballet dancer to guest with ABT

Principal Artist Kevin Jackson of The Australian Ballet will be flying into New York this week to guest star with American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in two Manon performances in June. Invited by the company’s Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie, Jackson will be the first Australian Ballet dancer to guest with ABT in more than 20 years.

Jackson can be seen performing as des Grieux in ABT’s Manon at the Metropolitan Opera House on June 4 and 6. He will partner ABT Principal Artist Xiomara Reyes and celebrate his 30th birthday during his visit.

David McAllister, artistic director of The Australian Ballet, said that Jackson is only the second dancer from The Australian Ballet to perform as a guest artist with ABT.

“American Ballet Theatre is considered to be one of the greatest dance companies in the world and held in high esteem for its quality, innovation and athleticism – dance qualities that Kevin also possesses,” McAllister said. “This is a huge honor and one that Kevin thoroughly deserves – everyone in the company is so excited for him as he takes up this rare opportunity.”

Former Principal Artist Steven Heathcote guest starred with ABT in 1991 and 1993. Former Australian Ballet dancers Danilo Radojevic, Ross Stretton and John Meehan were members of ABT in the 1970s and 80s.

Jackson, who joined The Australian Ballet in 2003 and was promoted to Principal Artist four years ago, is excited and honored to have this opportunity.

“This is such an incredibly exciting opportunity, and I’m thrilled to be heading to New York to represent The Australian Ballet and perform with such a prestigious company,” he said. “It’s particularly special to be dancing in Manon as my first big break was in this ballet in 2008, shortly after winning the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award.”

Jackson will join another former Telstra Ballet Dancer Award winner and dancer of The Australian Ballet, Stephanie Williams, who joined ABT as a dancer in 2012.

To follow Jackson’s journey to New York, see his Instagram @KJJACKSON84. For more information on American Ballet Theatre’s Manon season, visit www.abt.org.

Photo: Kevin Jackson in Manon. Photo by Paul Scala.