Ballet legend's personal memoir promotes Pittsburgh pride, tells untold chapter of local history In "From Paris to Pittsburgh," Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre founder Nicolas Petrov chronicles his artistic development and delivers the first history of dance in Pittsburgh PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh is recognized around the world for its high-scoring professional sports teams, its top-notch colleges and universities and its industry-leading health systems. But there is much more to the Steel City than these things, and in "From Paris to Pittsburgh" (ISBN 1490397493), Nicolas Petrov and Claudia M. Lawrey present the previously untold history of one the 'Burgh's richest assets-dance. "From Paris to Pittsburgh" is the first and only history of dance in Pittsburgh, beautifully told to dovetail with coauthor Petrov's life. One of America's most influential choreographers and ballet directors, Petrov founded the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Ballet Petrov, The American Dance Ensemble, and the Point Park University Dance Department, one of the most successful dance training programs in the United States. The book spans more than 80 years of Petrov's life, beginning with his childhood in Eastern Europe, and follows the dance career that carried him around the world and ultimately to Pittsburgh, where he developed techniques and programs that are used not just locally, but across the country. This comprehensive and compelling book provides an in-depth, firsthand look at the relationship between a city and its arts organizations, and it tells a story that will touch the hearts of dancers and balletomanes of all ages. But for Pittsburghers in particular, it will strike a very special chord, providing them an account of numerous monumental hometown accomplishments and giving them yet another reason to take pride in their city. "This is the unique story of how an immigrant to the United States went on to achieve success as an internationally known choreographer and director, and how his career contributed to art and culture in Pittsburgh," says coauthor Claudia Lawrey. "From Paris to Pittsburgh" is available for sale online at Amazon.com and other channels. About the Authors: Nicolas Petrov is an internationally recognized dancer, choreographer and artistic director who brings his unique perspective to "From Paris to Pittsburgh" as one of the pioneers who shaped Pittsburgh's dance history. Among his numerous achievements, Petrov is the founder of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and is the mastermind behind one the most successful university dance programs in the United States. Coauthor Claudia M. Lawrey is also a celebrated choreographer whose career in dance education and academia spans over two decades. MEDIA CONTACT: Nicolas Petrov Phone: (901) 356-2835 E-mail: character_11@yahoo.com REVIEW COPIES AND INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE ###