Cincinnati Ballet will have its first European engagement this autumn when it tours Peter Pan to Lisbon, Portugal, for seven performances Nov. 7-11.

        Peter Pan, choreographed by Washington (D.C.) Ballet artistic director Septime Webre with a score by Cincinnati Ballet music director Carmon DeLeone, will be performed at the Cultural Center de Belem, a midsized theater with about 800 seats.

        The Portugal appearance is coming about through Mr. Webre's relationship with presenting agency World Arts.

        Cincinnati Ballet artistic director Victoria Morgan said the engagement is “an integral part of our strategic plan” that includes creating more performing opportunities for dancers “and in the process we want to be seen and become known beyond this region.”

        “Ideally I'd like to work up to a 46-week contract (from the current 33), which is probably a long-term goal,” Ms. Morgan said.

        That would translate to more weeks dancing outside Cincinnati than performances on local stages.

        About 50 people are expected to travel with Peter Pan. While the Cultural Center will pay the majority of the approximate $100,000 tour cost, the Ballet is looking for a tour sponsor that will see underwriting remaining costs as “an investment in the (ballet) company.”

        Ms. Morgan said she is hoping World Arts will find more international engagements for the company. She already has had conversations with Cuban presenters.

Maisonette signs up new chef
Ballet taking 'Pan' to Portugal
KNIPPENBERG: Camargo book will recount hunt club
Readers Rule: Summer reading
Author centers mystery on unheroic Gen. Grant
Tristate Best Sellers List
What Tristaters are reading
'Smoke' makes Playhouse swelter
'Charlie Brown' a mix of good, grief
Blink 182 pops punk bubble
Band adds little to Sexsmith's sad songs
Chieftains offer Irish sampler
Fur associate's style runs toward Versace
Cosmetic surgery explained
Get to It