United Airlines has announced its ongoing partnership with the Ballet International Gala (BIG) Live, marking its second year as the exclusive airline sponsor.

With United’s backing, BIG Live is set to bring The Nutcracker to audiences across New Zealand and Australia in a tour spanning October to December 2024, including a performance in Auckland.

The partnership underscores United’s support for the arts across both countries, with a grand reveal at Brisbane International Airport where characters from The Nutcracker and Snow Queen danced on the tarmac next to a United Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner bound for San Francisco.

The performance highlighted the airline’s role in helping transport the magic of ballet across the Pacific, a sentiment echoed by United Airlines Regional Manager Tim Wallis.

Wallis said, “As our first collaboration in the ballet and arts community in Australia and New Zealand, our partnership with Ballet International Gala has been very special to us. We take great pride in continuing to champion and support them across both countries.”

Joel Burke and Khalid Tarabay, directors of BIG Live, expressed their excitement over United’s sponsorship, saying it has strengthened Australasia’s reputation as a destination for world-class ballet. “Thanks to the support of United, BIG Live has underlined Australasia’s reputation as a global destination for international ballet and the world’s best ballet artists,” said Burke. Tarabay added, “We look forward to growing with United in the future, and to the next chapter of our journey, which will see BIG Live spread its wings overseas.”

To bring some holiday magic, the partnership will culminate in the BIG Christmas Spectacular, a premiere event at Sydney Opera House, kicking off the festive season with a special twist on The Nutcracker performances.

 

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