Ballet helps to showcase Tulsa's economic expansion

Tuesday, 11 August 2009
TULSA, Okla., Aug. 10 -- The City of Tulsa, Tulsa Metro Chamber, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Business Roundtable have partnered to help sponsor a Tulsa Ballet performance in New York City during the company's "Big Apple Tour," marking its first New York performance in 25 years.

"This is a premier opportunity to showcase Tulsa's arts and economic development prospects to the cultural and commerce center of America," said Mayor Kathy Taylor, city of Tulsa.

Utilizing Mayor Taylor, Gov. Brad Henry and First Lady Kim Henry as hosts, the groups are hosting a reception following the opening performance for site-location consultants and executives of headquarters based in New York City.

"We are showcasing our internationally-known Tulsa Ballet to corporate representatives who advise executives on the best cities for placing new facilities and holding events," said Taylor.

"When we meet with site-selection consultants, we are furthering our goals to attract a quality workforce and jobs to Tulsa. It creates new opportunities for our citizens, city and our local and regional economy."

Attendees of the event include representatives from nine New York-based companies.

President and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber says economic development is not simply about data, but also about building relationships.

"The entire nation is looking at Tulsa. The Tulsa region has one of the lowest costs of doing business in the nation, a low cost of living and a high per capita income. We've been selected as the number one location in America to relocate and during this U.S. recession, now more than ever, it is important to capitalize on opportunities to tell our story," said Neal.

"This event will not only change perceptions of the Tulsa region, but grow interest. It's a new era of economic development, and together with partners like Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Chamber is making sure the nation knows we are open for business."

Tulsa Ballet will present seven performances at New York City's Joyce Theater - the only theater in the Big Apple devoted entirely to dance - Aug. 10-15. The last time the company performed in New York was 1983.

The New Yorker magazine promoted the event and reported, "for regional ballet companies, a season at the Joyce is a rite of passage and recognition of success."

For its return engagement, Tulsa Ballet will perform three works that are relatively recent additions to the company's repertoire: Sir Kenneth MacMillan's "Elite Syncopations," which the company performed for the first time in March; Nacho Duato's "Por vos Muero," which was part of the 2006-2007 season; and "This Is Your Life," Young Soon Hue's creation for Tulsa Ballet that premiered as part of the 2008 "About Tango" program.

Last Updated ( Friday, 21 August 2009 )