American Ballet Theatre Names International Dance Supplies as The Sole Supplier of The Official Uniform for The Abt National Training Programs and The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School

American Ballet Theatre (ABT) announces International Dance Supplies (IDS) as the newly appointed sole supplier of the Official Uniform for the ABT National Training Programs. The ABT Official Uniform is a pre-professional line of dancewear for young male and female students in ABT’s training programs. As the Official Uniform of the ABT National Training Curriculum, and as sole supplier, IDS will outfit the students at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at ABT, the company’s pre-professional classical ballet program established in 2004.

Working closely with Franco De Vita, Principal of ABT’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, IDS has created a vibrant yet classic look with an exciting range of fresh new colors, styles and quality fabrics for both the school and the students in ABT’s National Training Programs. The new line will be launched at ABT’s Teacher Training Program session in February 2011 in New York City.

“We are delighted to be partnered with such an internationally respected dancewear company – International Dance Supplies,” said Rachel Moore, ABT Executive Director. “They are committed to excellence and that is also our ultimate mission.”

“From day one I’ve had every confidence in IDS,” said De Vita. “Working alongside professionals with a mutual respect and understanding of our art form, as well as our values, vision and standards, is very important to us.”

Anne Walker, Founder and President of IDS, said, “More and more, we find ourselves on the world stage. We have over 30 years of experience in the dancewear business, providing quality products, but the key to success is working with companies that share the same brand values as yourself. With ABT, we have a true partnership... strong, supple, reliable and without fuss!”

American Ballet Theatre is recognized as one of the premier dance companies in the world. Directed since 1992 by former Principal dancer Kevin McKenzie, ABT performs nationally and internationally for over 600,000 people annually. In 2006, by an act of Congress, ABT was named America’s National Ballet Company®. In 2007, ABT launched its National Training Curriculum, a program of ballet technique combining artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development.

Northern Trust is the Official Corporate Sponsor of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre.

Begun 35 years ago, IDS is the United Kingdom’s largest wholesale dancewear supplier with a commitment to servicing dance teachers and dance shops with quality dancewear. Working as a dance teacher, Anne Walker began making leotards in an attic bedroom as she could not find quality, affordable dancewear for her own dance students. Armed with a $75 loan from her mother to buy a second-hand industrial sewing machine, Anne has taken IDS from the attic to a thriving $13 million company. In 2009, IDS launched a range of dance accessories in the USA...Accessories to make your Stars Shine - now selling in the United States.

Beginning February 2011, the Official Uniform of ABT’s National Training Programs will be available worldwide at www.idsdance.com and www.abt.org.