PHOTO COURTESY / BALLET ARKANSAS

Ballet Arkansas recently revealed its 2021-2022 season calendar, filled with dynamic programming for the whole family and a roaring ’20s themed return to the main stage. “This season the public will have multiple opportunities to experience and engage with Ballet Arkansas. Whether you prefer the traditional, the new, or the unexpected, we’ve got something for everyone,” says Michael Fothergill, executive and artistic director.

After a trying year for the performing arts, Ballet Arkansas’ new season champions the themes that bring people together to celebrate the beauty of the arts. “The community is experiencing an arts awakening, with renewed interest, excitement, and a strengthened realization of the importance of the arts in our community,” says Catherine Fothergill, associate artistic director. While Ballet Arkansas provided performances and education classes free to the public throughout last year in outdoor and digital settings, this season will be the first time Ballet Arkansas welcomes back a community cast of young dancers and returns to full seated performances. The energy and engagement from the community is clear, and the time to act is now.

21/22 Season Calendar

The Great Gatsby, Oct. 21-24, 2021 UA-PTC CHARTS Theater

The season begins with a vibrant multimedia world premiere of “The Great Gatsby,” designed in collaboration with Cranford Co and the production team at UA-PTC CHARTS Theater. A roaring 2020’s start to the season, Gatsby is filled with glitz, glamour, mystery and murder – just in time for Halloween. Our unique telling of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale is complemented by stunning original choreography and a collision of modern and historical production elements. Discounted student matinee performances will be offered for K-12 students on October 21-22, 2021. Performance details and ticket information coming soon at https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

Nutcracker Spectacular, Dec. 9-12, 2021, Robinson Performance Hall

A holiday tradition for families in Arkansas, “The Nutcracker Spectacular” is the largest holiday production in Arkansas, reaching more than 10,000 in a single weekend. Featuring the professional dancers of Ballet Arkansas, performing alongside a community cast of children and adults, the production engages the community in the celebration of a holiday classic. Performances will include live accompaniment from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, playing the iconic Tchaikovsky score. Ballet Arkansas’ discounted student matinee performances, serving children from across the State, will be held on December 9-10, 2021. Performance details and ticket information coming soon at https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

Nutty Nutcracker, December 2021, Robinson Performance Hall

For those looking for a laugh this holiday season, Ballet Arkansas is pleased to present a world premiere holiday performance unlike any other – filled with hijinks and humor for the whole family! Includes a community cast of dancers. Details and ticket information coming soon at https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

Coppelia, Feb. 17-20 2022, UA-PTC CHARTS Theater

Perfect for families, this comedic gem tells the story of young love, a Toymaker, and his magic doll.  Featuring drama and virtuoso dancing, the program is a “must-see” this season! “Coppelia” will give children from communities across Arkansas access to professional performing opportunities. Discounted student matinee performances will be offered for K-12 students on February 17-18, 2022. Performance details and ticket information coming soon at https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

The Four Seasons + Confetti, April 21-24, 2022, UA-PTC CHARTS Theater

A perfect pairing of celebrated works, visual art, and music, “The Four Seasons” features 4 world premieres created by 4 female choreographers, set to Vivaldi’s paramount score “ The Four Seasons.” Presented by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust, the program is the highlight of the season and features repertory unseen in the region, created by world-renowned choreographers such as Gerald Arpino’s high-energy “Confetti.” Performance details and ticket information coming soon at https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

Live at the Plaza, April 29-May 1 and May 6-8, 2022, Argenta Plaza

An encore to its premiere in the spring of 2021, this popular outdoor series provides the public with free mixed-repertory performances and education programs in North Little Rock’s Argenta Plaza. Presented in partnership with the North Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau. Performance details and ticket information coming soon at https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

Firebird, Details Coming Soon!

A magical story about a prince, an evil sorcerer, and a bird made out of flame, Ballet Arkansas’ unique telling of the “The Firebird” is a vibrant suite of dances that will captivate both children and adults. Details coming soon https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

Studio 520 – New Works Series, Ballet Arkansas

“Studio 520” is Ballet Arkansas’ brand new series, located on Main Street in Downtown Little Rock, for a series of classes, artistic talks, intimate performances, and special events. Details coming soon!

Special Events

Season Opening Reception & the Roaring 2020’s Event Series | Fall 2021

Details Coming Soon!

Nutcracker Sweet at Juniper Hill, December 4-5, 2021, Northwest Arkansas

Ballet Arkansas is proud to announce a brand new partnership with Tanarah Luxe Floral this Holiday Season. “Nutcracker Sweet” features a suite of dances from our beloved production of “The Nutcracker Spectacular,” with themed activities and appearances by the characters from the “Land of the Sweets” at Juniper Hill, a seasonal pop-up experience in Northwest Arkansas on December 4-5, 2021. Event details and ticket information coming soon at https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea, December 11, 2020, Robinson Performance Hall

The beloved Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea returns to the stage at Robinson Center on December 11th at 12:00 pm. Patrons of all ages will experience an intimate performance, afternoon tea, and special surprises hosted by the “Sugar Plum Fairy” and characters from “The Nutcracker Spectacular.” Ticket information coming soon at https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

Turning Pointe Gala, March 5, 2022, Wildwood Park for the Arts

The Turning Pointe Gala is Ballet Arkansas’ premiere annual fundraiser. 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. This year’s event will be held at Wildwood Park for the Arts on March 5, 2022. Attendees will enjoy signature performances by the professional dancers of Ballet Arkansas, a cocktail reception and auction, along with dinner and dancing on the grounds of the Park. Contact Ballet Arkansas at gala@balletarkansas.org to sponsor the event and learn more at www.balletarkansas.org/turning-pointe-gala.

Ballet Under the Stars | Spring 2022

Details Coming Soon!

Community Cast and Summer Intensive Auditions

Nutcracker Spectacular Community Cast Audition, August 13-15, 2021, Shuffles & Ballet II

Adults and children ages 6+ are invited to audition for the cast of “The Nutcracker Spectacular,” on August 13-15 at Shuffles & Ballet II. “Nutcracker Spectacular” performances will be held at Robinson Center between the dates of December 9-12, 2021. Featuring live music from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and new updates to the choreography and costumes, the program is the largest holiday production in Arkansas – reaching 10,000 + in a single weekend. Audition details coming soon at www.balletarkansas.org/community-cast.

Coppelia Community Cast Audition, November 14, 2021, Ballet Arkansas

Children ages 9+ are invited to audition on November 14, 2022 from 4:30-7:30pm at Ballet Arkansas 520 Main Street studio in downtown Little Rock. “Coppelia” is a comedic classic, telling the story of young love, a Toymaker, and his Magic Doll. Performances will take place at UA – Pulaski Technical College’s beautiful CHARTS Theater on February 17-20, 2022. Audition details coming soon at www.balletarkansas.org/community-cast.

Summer Intensive Audition, February 26, 2022, Ballet Arkansas

Ballet Arkansas’ annual summer intensive program provides students ages 10+ with opportunities to train in multiple disciples at the highest level, with a distinguished faculty consisting of the Artistic Staff and dancers of Ballet Arkansas and celebrated guest professionals. Save the date of February 26, 2022 to audition for Ballet Arkansas’ 2022 Summer Intensive program at Ballet Arkansas’ 520 Main Street studio in Downtown Little Rock. Audition details will be posted at www.balletarkansas.org/education.

Tickets

Visit www.balletarkansas.org to learn more about the 2021/22 season, additional performances and special events, ticket details and season subscriptions. Tickets & Subscriptions go on sale Summer 2021 at https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

Support

Support world-class performances that touch the lives of 25,000 + Arkansans per year, and dance education programs that change the lives of K-12 students throughout the state, by making a tax deductible contribution at www.balletarkansas.org/donate or www.balletarkansas.org/pointe.

Consisting of 15 professional dancers, Ballet Arkansas is the foremost professional ballet company of the State of Arkansas and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Over the last 43 years, Ballet Arkansas’ world-class education programs and performances have touched the lives of nearly 350,000 Arkansans, reaching 25,000 each year. Ballet Arkansas presents a vibrant and diverse repertory featuring classical and contemporary works by world renowned choreographers. The organization is committed to collaboration, community outreach, and education, and to making rich and diverse professional dance programming accessible to all Arkansans. Under the leadership of Michael and Catherine Fothergill since the summer of 2017, the organization has since tripled it’s programming and doubled it’s gross operating budget. Ballet Arkansas’s mission is to provide world class diverse innovative dance programming and education programs to Arkansas and beyond. Learn more about Ballet Arkansas at www.balletarkansas.org.