Mark your calendars, dance lovers!
Ballet Arkansas just announced details for its 2016-17 season, beginning with the big news that the company’s move to the Creative Corridor space on Main Street is finally happening. Adding even more excitement is the introduction of tour dates across the state, as well as two new artists: Kaley Kirkman and Zeek Wright.
“There is much to be excited about for the upcoming season,” Ballet Arkansas Artistic Director Michael Bearden said. “In addition to the talented new dancers joining our ranks, we are receiving invitations from venues across the state including Crystal Bridges and the Walton Arts Center.”
On Aug. 20, “Visions: A Choreographic Competition” returns to the UALR Center for Performing Arts. Here, choreographers selected based on earlier submissions will present their works, which will be judged by local experts and Stanton Welch of the Houston Ballet.
On December 9-11, Ballet Arkansas moves back to its home on the Robinson Center stage with “The Nutcracker.” This seasonal favorite always draws large crowds, but if you’d rather be on stage, auditions will be held in August.
For the fans of The Man in Black, the troupe will take the popular “Under the Lights” — a work set to the music of Arkansas native Johnny Cash — on the road to Garvan Gardens in Hot Springs. They also have shows at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville and across across NWA.
The 2016-17 season also includes performances at the Acansa Arts Festival in September, the popular Nutcracker Tea, the Turning Pointe Gala and culminates in the annual spring mixed-repertory show, “Springtime Fantasies,” in April.
For more info on the upcoming season, contact Ballet Arkansas by phone at (501) 223-5150 or visit their website. You can also follow the troupe on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates.