John Meehan, Artistic Director of Education and Training at American Ballet Theatre, has been appointed Artistic Director of Hong Kong Ballet. His appointment becomes effective July, 2006, it was announced today by ABT Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie and Cissy Pao Watari, Board Chairman of Hong Kong Ballet.

“John has been an extraordinary asset to American Ballet Theatre and the ABT Studio Company. For the past eight years, the Studio Company has seen incredible artistic growth. There are currently 44 former Studio Company members in ABT’s main company who were trained and mentored by John. While his departure will be a loss for us, we are extremely pleased for him that he will be taking on a new professional challenge. Hong Kong Ballet has a solid reputation as a professional company and I’m certain that John will be able to raise it to even greater heights.”

“It has been a privilege to work with such talented young dancers and extremely gratifying to have made an artistic contribution to this great Company,” said Meehan. “I have many cherished friends among the trustees, dancers and staff of ABT, and I will miss them tremendously.”

Cissy Pao Watari, Board Chairman of Hong Kong Ballet, said, " Our Board is so pleased that John Meehan has accepted our offer as Artistic Director. We are confident that with Meehan’s worldwide reputation and experience, Hong Kong Ballet will reach a new plateau under his artistic leadership."

Meehan will continue in a consulting capacity as Artistic Director of the Studio Company for the 2005-2006 season. During this time, he will also be a Visiting Professor to the Dance Department at Vassar College. Kevin McKenzie, along with Clinton Luckett, Artistic Associate of Education and Training, will manage the Studio Company’s operations for the 2005-2006 season.

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