There's no denying it — the 2022-2023 Ballet Arkansas season will be one to remember. 

The troupe just announced its upcoming lineup for the stage featuring beloved classics and fiery new pieces, as well as a slew of new dancers and more popular outdoor community performances.

After five veteran dancers took their final bows at Live at the Plaza, seven more are poised to join Ballet Arkansas: Sage Feldges, Celeste Lopez-Keranen, Andrew Przybylowicz, Keith Newman, David J. Cummings, Layla Terrell and Andrew Parson.

"We are thrilled to welcome these new dancers to Ballet Arkansas and for our audience to experience their talent and passion," says Associate Artistic Director Catherine Fothergill. "Each of these dancers has a strong classical and contemporary foundation and cares deeply about getting to know our community through outreach, education and performances. 

"After reviewing more than 900 applicants from 24 countries, we feel strongly that these dancers are the perfect additions to our company and city. We are embarking on a bold new era for Ballet Arkansas."

 

And now, without further ado, here's the 2022-2023 season:

 

Movement in the Parks

Year-round | Dates & locations TBA

Back for a second year, Movement in the Parks presented by Little Rock Parks and Recreation provides free performances and education programs to the seven wards of the City of Little Rock in green spaces and community centers throughout the city. Designed to make dance accessible and enjoyable to the public, the series makes innovative use of park spaces and brings diverse populations together to experience the beauty of the performing arts.  

 

Argenta Biergarten

Sept. 30 | Argenta Plaza

Join Ballet Arkansas for an evening of music, performance, craft beer and German-inspired eats from across Arkansas. Must be 21+ to consume alcohol. More details coming soon.

 

"Dracula"

Oct. 20-23 | UA-PTC CHARTS

Just in time for Halloween, Ballet Arkansas presents a new twist on its wildly popular multimedia-infused production of "Dracula," created in partnership with Cranford Co. Experience a bold new telling of Bram Stoker’s celebrated novel, filled with chilling imagery and world premiere choreography by Ballet Arkansas Executive and Artistic Director Michael Fothergill. 

 

"The Nutcracker Spectacular"

Dec. 9-11 | Robinson Center

"The Nutcracker Spectacular" is the largest and longest-running holiday production in Arkansas, featuring live music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and a cast and crew of nearly 400. Featuring the professional dancers of Ballet Arkansas performing alongside a community cast of children and adults, the production is an unforgettable celebration of the season. (The Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea returns Dec. 11.)

 

"Sleeping Beauty"

Feb. 16-19 | UA-PTC CHARTS

Tchaikovsky’s paramount score brings the world’s most beloved fairytale to life this winter. "Sleeping Beauty" tells the story of Princess Aurora and love’s triumph over the evil Carabosse in three acts. Featuring ornate costumes, virtuoso dance sequences and a cast of more than 100 community performers, the production is a must-see this season. 

 

"Tango Rojo" + Turning Pointe Gala

Date & location TBA

A rich celebration of dance, music and regional cuisine, "Tango Rojo" turns up the heat for this year’s annual Turning Pointe Gala fundraiser. Live music, tango and fine wines pair perfectly with decadent South American fare. Supporting the organization's artists, programming and community outreach and education initiatives, the Turning Pointe Gala ensures that Ballet Arkansas remains the preeminent dance organization in the region. 

 

"Modern Masters"

April 21-23 | UA-PTC CHARTS 

Presented by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust, "Modern Masters" pairs renowned works of neoclassical and contemporary dance with epic scores by the world’s greatest composers. Featuring live music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, "Modern Masters" is an exhilarating collision of the classic and modern and is the climax of the 2022-2023 season. 

 

Live at the Plaza

April 26-30 | Argenta Plaza

Presented by the North Little Rock CVB, Live at the Plaza takes the Argenta Plaza by storm in the spring of 2023. A popular series of free performances and education programs, Live at the Plaza makes use of the plaza’s architectural features and premieres cutting edge works. Additional details coming soon.

 

"New Works"

May 4-6 | Location TBA

Filled with world premieres, "New Works" ventures into the depths of contemporary dance and explores a range of collaborations with visual art and media, paired with food and drink and a series of creative talkbacks.

 

Motion on Main 

Various dates | Ballet Arkansas headquarters

Join Ballet Arkansas for an up-close series of performances and talkbacks featuring previews from upcoming productions, newly commissioned works, artistic collaborations and more. When a part of 2nd Friday Art Nights, Motion on Main events are free to the public.

 

And there's even more on deck for Ballet Arkansas, including community cast auditions for "The Nutcracker" and "Sleeping Beauty," behind-the-scenes specials for Back the Ballet Day on June 14 and the new Taste & See initiative offering food and drink pairings with performances.

Tickets and subscriptions go on sale June 24 with in-person and digital options. To learn more, visit the Ballet Arkansas website, and be sure to follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest.