Ballet Arizona kicks off its new season with the popular “Ballet Under the Stars.” Now in its 18th year, these free community performances have given many their first exposure to a professional ballet performance.
“The dancers and staff really love this opportunity to begin the season with this performance. It feels very connected to the community and we hear so many comments about the joy that the audience experiences. It’s uplifting,” states Executive Director Samantha Turner.
Despite the fact that the settings for “Ballet Under the Stars” are public parks and outdoor amphitheaters, these are still full-scale productions. “Ballet requires a special surface to allow the dancers to perform safely and at their very best. The stage must be constructed from the ground up for each performance, so our crews arrive very early in the morning to build the stage, including lighting and sound equipment. An additional challenge is that the stage is much smaller than a typical performance, so adjustments must be made,” explains Samantha. Each evening performance costs nearly $50,000 to produce.
In October, Ballet Arizona heads back to Symphony Hall for “La Bayadere,” a heartbreaking tale of love and treachery, transporting the audience to a land of princesses, warriors and a mesmerizing golden idol.
The annual classic, “The Nutcracker,” will return Dec. 9-24 and after a break in January, “Romeo & Juliet” will kick off the new year Feb. 9-12 with music by the Phoenix Symphony. A program of contemporary ballet will be highlighted with “Today’s Masters,” March 23-26 at the Orpheum Theatre and an evening of works by the “father of the American Ballet,” George Balanchine, is the inspiration behind “All Balanchine” on May 11-14.
From May 23 – June 10, Ballet Arizona will be outside again, performing Artistic Director Ib Andersen’s vision for dance in the desert, with “Topia – An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden.”
A unique opportunity awaits visitors during “Studio Spotlight.” On various dates, guests get a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming productions during an intimate rehearsal featuring Ib Andersen and the dancers. Each one-hour gathering includes time for a question and answer discussion.
So whether you prefer your ballet in a park, garden or inside Symphony Hall, Ballet Arizona’s 2016-2017 season has something for everyone to enjoy. For tickets and details call the box office at 602-381-1096 or visit balletaz.org.
Ballet Arizona’s 2016-2017 schedule includes free outdoor performances, classics, contemporary
pieces and a tribute to George Balanchine.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a varied program, ranging from classical to contemporary.
Performances beginning at 7 pm:
Thursday, Sept. 22
Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater, 10300 S Estrella Parkway, Goodyear
Friday, Sept. 23
Fountain Park, 12925 N Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills
Saturday, Sept. 24
Steele Indian School Park,
300 E Indian School Road, Phoenix
Thursday, Sept. 29
Tempe Center for the Arts Amphitheater, 700 W Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
Friday, Sept. 30
Beardsley Park, 20011 N 128th Ave., Sun City West
