EventsGuest Bloggers

Ballet Arkansas’ Bold New Vision Takes The Stage

Guest blog provided by Ballet Arkansas  

Garnering attention at the national level, Ballet Arkansas’ bold new image is turning heads.

“We may be a small organization, but we are doing some big things here in Arkansas,” says Michael Fothergill, Artistic Director. With fresh faces leading the organization, a vibrant new image and a rapidly evolving series of productions, Ballet Arkansas is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with. Fothergill states, “If you’ve not yet experienced the power and passion of Ballet Arkansas, now is the time. It would surprise some to hear that Little Rock has a world-class ballet company, seated in the heart of the Creative Corridor, whose momentum is making waves across the region.”

The second half of the season brings Ballet Arkansas to the forefront of the national dance scene with its performances of Tour de Force and Ballet Arkansas in Concert, which features a highly anticipated collaboration with Van Cliburn International Piano Competition winner Dr. Drew Mays. First in line, and a confident step forward for the organization, Ballet Arkansas’ upcoming performances of Tour de Force on February 16th – 18th feature four uniquely different ballets in the same program.

“We selected works that would highlight the brilliance and range of our professional dancers. Not everyone wants to see a ballerina in a tutu, and not everyone likes the more trendy contemporary movement,” says Fothergill. Tour de Force features eye-catching examples of both, ranging from a visceral ensemble work Chiaroscuro by Fothergill and a World Premiere by Seattle-based choreographer Kiyon Gaines, to a brave company premiere of the rarely seen La Esmerelda Grand Pas de Fleurs, and excerpts from world-renowned choreographer George Balanchine’s Donizetti Variations.

Always moving forward, Ballet Arkansas has big plans and a bright future ahead. There is truly something for every taste. Visit balletarkansas.org to learn more about what’s up next for Ballet Arkansas, including the 7th Annual Turning Pointe Gala, and visit www.uaptc.edu/ballet for tickets to experience Tour de Force.

Photography by Melissa Dooley Photography
Inviting Arkansas

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