Ballet Arizona launches national search as succession plans unfold in Phoenix
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Ballet Arizona’s Board of Directors has announced Ib Andersen, the dance community’s artistic director, will be leaving the organization on June 30, 2024 after 24 years of service. A national search firm has been retained to find Mr. Andersen’s successor.
Members at the Ballet Arizona Board of Directors, those close to the situation report, has voted to name Mr. Andersen as ‘Artistic Director Emeritus,’ effective following the transition to new leadership, in recognition of his significant contributions to the organization.
“Since Ib joined Ballet Arizona in 2000, we have marveled at his ability to create masterful pieces and bring to life his unique vision,” said Mike Bolar, chair of the Ballet Arizona board. “Ballet Arizona greatly appreciates Ib for his immense contributions over the last 23 years.”
Mr. Andersen’s career in the world of dance began at age seven in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the Royal Danish Ballet School. He earned a promotion to principal dancer in the Royal Danish Corps de Ballet at the age of 20, becoming the youngest principal dancer in the company’s history.
His stellar reputation in Europe brought Mr. Andersen to the attention of the director of the New York City Ballet, George Balanchine, and he joined the company in 1980, learning 39 ballets in the first three months of his time there, including challenging works of Balanchine’s Symphony in C.
During his 10 years with the company, he appeared in 60 ballets. This led Mr. Balanchine to create principal roles for him in Ballade, Davidsbündlertänze, and Mozartiana. Jerome Robbins and Peter Martins also created roles for Andersen’s unique style.
“My work will continue. There are still stories I look forward to telling and I will be exploring new opportunities to showcase my performances,” said Mr. Andersen. “I want to thank the amazing dancers and loyal patrons that I’ve gotten to know at Ballet Arizona over the past two decades. Their support and friendships have been inspiring.”
Ballet Arizona has engaged a well-regarded national search firm to identify potential successors who can build on the strong foundation that Mr. Andersen has created as artistic director. Mr. Andersen will continue to lead the company as artistic director for the coming season and assist with the transition to a new artistic director.
“Anyone who appreciates dance knows it is about building greatness from greatness and strength upon strength. It is about renewal and rebirth,” said Jami Kozemczak, executive director of Ballet Arizona. “This transition year is a time to celebrate all that Ib has brought to Ballet Arizona while we plan for our continued success in the future.”
