Ballet Arizona prepares an array of classical and contemporary works
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Ballet Arizona is announcing its 38th season, which will feature an all-new world premiere production by artistic director Ib Andersen, the reprisal of a few recent blockbusters, and the return of many audience favorites.
The Valley’s only professional ballet company promises to excite and inspire audiences with a blend of classical and contemporary ballets during the upcoming 2023-24 season, representatives of the brand say.
“This is a season you won’t want to miss,” said Mr. Andersen said in a prepared statement. “Our 2023-2024 season promises to inspire, entertain, and showcase the growing artistic excellence Ballet Arizona has to offer. We cannot wait for you to see what we have in store for you this season.”
The new season will kick off with Ballet Arizona’s annual Ballet Under the Stars presented by the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation in September of 2023. The beloved tradition features free performances across the Valley that allow Arizona communities to enjoy dance in a unique outdoor setting complete with a stage, lighting, costumes, and beautiful Arizona weather.
Ballet Arizona prepares an array of classical and contemporary works
Back by popular demand, Juan Gabriel returns to Symphony Hall Oct. 26-29. This captivating performance celebrates the music and memory of late musical icon Juan Gabriel.
Following its world premiere in May of 2022, Mr. Andersen will once again bring Juan Gabriel’s acclaimed performance at the Palacio de Bellas Artes to life in a masterpiece ballet that is sure to inspire audience members across the entire state of Arizona. Juan Gabriel is generously produced by Jacquie and Bennett Dorrance.
Rejoicing in the spirit of the holidays, Ballet Arizona’s famous performance of The Nutcracker will take place Dec. 8-24 in Symphony Hall. Live music from The Phoenix Symphony will help bring the enchantment and splendor of The Nutcracker to life, alongside Mr. Andersen’s dazzling choreography. Ballet Arizona’s production has been named “among the top three in the country” by The New York Times.
Ballet Arizona is bringing the big screen to the main stage at Symphony Hall with its brand-new world premiere production Feb. 15-18, 2024. With the help of The Phoenix Symphony, Mr. Andersen will take audiences on a cinematic journey through some of the biggest films of all time with a variety of innovative works during Moving Movies.
Featuring three diverse works from some of the most masterful choreographers of our time, Ballet Arizona’s Contemporary Moves program returns to Orpheum Theatre March 28-31, 2024. This program will feature the return of Mr. Andersen’s vivacious Rio, the Arizona Premiere of Paul Taylor’s Piazzolla Caldera, and a new work by resident choreographer, Nayon Iovino.
The All Balanchine program with The Phoenix Symphony will present three ballets by renowned choreographer George Balanchine and staged by Mr. Andersen, who is one of a handful of artists worldwide authorized by The Balanchine Trust to stage the late choreographer’s masterpieces. The lineup includes performances such as La Valse, which will revisit the Arizona stage for the first time since 2011, Divertimento No. 15 and Symphony In Three Movements May 2-5, 2024 at Symphony Hall.
Ballet Arizona will conclude the 2023-24 season with The Four Seasons during its annual tradition of ‘An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden’ from May 15 through June 1, 2024. Surrounded by the matchless Desert Botanical Garden landscape with the setting sun as a backdrop, Mr. Andersen will take audiences through a powerful journey during the spring, summer, fall, and winter seasons.
OF Note: Ballet Arizona would like to thank its opening night series sponsor F. Francis & Dionne Najafi of Pivotal Foundation.
