Outstanding Events of the Final Weeks of AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE'S Gala Christmas Season at the Academy ************************************ Three of the world's most popular ballets, SWAN LAKE, GISELLE and COPPELIA, are prominent in the current repertory. GISELLE, acclain~d at the World Premiere of this new production last July at the Metro­ politan Opera House, is the greatest of the romantic ballets and will have its first performance this season Tuesday evening, December 17th. The Brooklyn Academy will present the World Premiere of COPPELIA, the enchanting children's comedy ballet, for eight perfonmances dur­ ing Christmas week, the first on Tuesday afternoon, December 24th, at 2 :00 p.m. These magnificent full-length productions will feature four of the world's greatest dancers. CARLA FRACCI Prima ballerina of La Scala in Milan, Miss Fracci has been hailed by the critic of DANCE NEWS as "the greatest GISELLE of her generation, following in the footsteps of Markova, Ulanova and Alonso. She is the perfection of the romantic ballerina." Clive Barnes in the N.Y. TIMES rhapsodized, 11a dream of a dancer." ERIK BRUHN The incredible Danish star is unique among the dancers of today. "The peerless male dancer of our time," wrote Clive Barnes in the N.Y. TIMES. ''The greatest male dancer in the world today," said Rudolph Nureyev in an interview in TIME MAGAZINE. ELEANOR D1 ANTUONO "Miss D1 Antuono could probably complete her dazzling fouettes on the back of a galloping horse," said John MarHn, dean of America's dance critics. GISELLE and COPPELIA display Miss D'Antuono's virtu­ osity and her breathtaking technique in perfect contrast. ROVES FERNANDEZ Throughout the world, and even in the birthplace of modern classical ballet, the Soviet Union, Mr. Fernandez' performances have met with unstinting praise. The great ballerina, Ulanova, paid tribute to him, "He is endowed with precious qua 1i ties, 11 and Dame Margot Fonteyn selected Mr. Fernandez to be her co-star on a world tour. He is the danseur noble to perfection. "CARLA FRACCI and ERIK BRUHN go together like a king and his consort." Clive Barnes, N.Y. TIMES If you have enjoyed this performance, you won't want to miss the superb productions of GISELLE, COPPELIA and the other great works from American Ballet Theatre's spectacular repertory. ** ** ** *************** ********** * **** THE BOX OFFICE WILL REI-1AIN OPEN FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE DURING THE FIRST INTERMISSION. .