Nayon Iovino takes role as resident choreographer at Ballet Arizona

Ballet Arizona to present ‘Tierra de Ángeles’ in late September

Staff Reports | Digital Free Press

Ballet Arizona, the Valley’s only professional ballet company, is naming Nayon Iovino as resident choreographer.

Mr. Iovino joined Ballet Arizona as a company dancer in 2012 and has not only performed in a number of productions but has also choreographed nine new works for the company. His first piece was created in 2013, according to a press release.

“Nayon has proven his talent in the many years he has been choreographing, earning him this role,” Ib Andersen, Ballet Arizona’s artistic director, said in a prepared statement. “I’m looking forward to seeing how Nayon is going to challenge himself with his choreography and what direction he will go with it, because it is a journey. To progress in your choreography, it’s crucial that the dancers know your style and that you have that continuity.”

Mr. Iovino was one of three choreographers selected to participate in the 2019 New York Choreographic Institute’s spring session where he collaborated with composer Trey Makler. Mr. Iovino also choreographed five pieces for the Artist Relief Fund and was commissioned to create two works for Southwest Youth Ballet Theatre.

In 2017, alongside then school director Carlos Valcárcel, Iovino co-choreographed The School of Ballet Arizona’s full-length production of Cinderella. In 2017, he was recognized by AZCentral as an “Up and Coming Artist Under 40” and in 2018 he was named “Best Choreographer” by the Phoenix New Times, the release states.

Inspiration at Ballet Arizona

Mr. Iovino says he draws inspiration from music to help determine the concept for a new piece. He explores and combines different types of movement depending on the composition, which is why audiences can expect a wide range of dance styles and music with his choreography.

“It means so much to me to be named resident choreographer for Ballet Arizona,” he said. “It’s been an amazing experience creating new works for this company. I have discovered a whole new facet of ballet which I feel deeply connected to. I’m excited to continue exploring my creativity and would love the opportunity to put together some bigger ballets for the company.”

Mr. Iovino will help kick off Ballet Arizona’s 2022-’23 season with a new work titled Tierra de Ángeles, that will be performed at the upcoming production of Contemporary Moves Sept. 22 – 25.