Ballet Arizona Announces Two Limited Capacity Spring Performances
‘ENERGY’ and ‘Balanchine’ Available to Watch in Person from a Safe Distance or Online
Ballet Arizona is proud to announce that it will present two limited capacity spring performances – ENERGY from Feb. 12-21 in person and March 6 online, and Balanchine from April 16-25 in person and May 8 online.
Ballet Arizona has continued to pivot its 2020-2021 season throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. All in-person performances were canceled from March 2020 through the end of the year, with the exception of extremely small events for season ticket holders, out of an abundance of caution. Instead, new digital performances and engagements were offered. This spring, while digital will still be a part of the performance mix, two limited engagements will be offered in-person. Patron, staff and dancer safety remains a top priority for Ballet Arizona and the company has partnered with HealthyVerify to maintain a safe and healthy environment for these in-person performances. Patrons, dancers and staff will be required to wear masks, among other measures, to maximize safety.
Viewers of the online version will also enjoy added content like dancer interviews and other behind-the-scenes extras. In-person tickets are extremely limited and are $50 each. Digital performance tickets are $20 each and viewers will have access to watch the performance online for 24 hours.
Because of socially distanced seating measures, tickets for the in-person performances are available for purchase by phone only at 602-381-1096. Tickets for the online performances are available for purchase at www.balletaz.org. All in person performances will occur at Ballet Arizona’s Dorrance Theatre, 2835 E. Washington St., Phoenix.
ENERGY
February 12-21 in person, March 6 online
Experience the energy of innovative new works and classical favorites from Ballet Arizona. Sponsored in part by Goodmans Interior Structures, ENERGY is a one-hour, dynamic compilation of new works from Artistic Director Ib Andersen and Dancer and Choreographer Nayon Iovino that will contrast with classical excerpts from Marius Petipa’s beloved The Sleeping Beauty.
Balanchine
April 16-25 in person, May 8 online
George Balanchine, the foremost contemporary choreographer in the world of ballet, is a legend. Ballet Arizona’s Balanchine honors his legacy with in-person and digital performances produced through the generosity of philanthropist Bob Benson. As one of only a handful of choreographers entrusted by The Balanchine Trust to stage Balanchine’s work, Ballet Arizona Artistic Director Ib Andersen presents an electrifying program of works and excerpts by the legend, including:
Allegro Brillante
When asked about Allegro Brillante, Balanchine once said, “It contains everything I know about the classical ballet in thirteen minutes.” Set to a lively score by Tchaikovsky, Allegro Brillante is one of Balanchine’s most joyous, pure dance pieces.
Divertimento No. 15
Balanchine is said to have considered this piece of music the finest divertimento ever written. To complement the sparkling score, Balanchine created a work of extraordinary ingenuity for his dancers. Divertimento No. 15 first premiered at the Mozart Festival in Stratford, Connecticut, in 1956.
Stravinsky Violin Concerto
Balanchine originally choreographed to this piece of music in 1941 for the Original Ballet Russe. He returned to the score three decades later but could not remember the choreography so he reimagined it for the 1972 Stravinsky Festival.
Ballet Arizona continues to assess the COVID-19 climate and adapt its upcoming performances, including An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden, scheduled for May and June 2021.
To stay updated, sign up for Ballet Arizona emails at www.balletaz.org and follow the Valley’s professional ballet company on Facebook and Instagram.
