“This year’s knock-down-drag-out fight in the advertising world has nothing to do with Nikes, Taco Bell, Viagra, Priceline.com, or minor feminine itching. It’s set in the ruthless realm of…ballet.” Rivals American Ballet Theater and New York City Ballet have devised very different marketing strategies to promote their upcoming seasons: ABT’s ads feature sexy, shirtless close-ups of young stars like Angel Corella; NYCB’s showcases their corps de ballet in elegant, costumed poses. Of course, both companies hope their splashy campaigns will go a long way toward “selling tutus to the masses.” – Village Voice