UPDATED 4/30: “Coppelia” dates have changed; the performance is now Feb. 19-21, 2021, in UA-PTC CHARTS Theater

Dedicated to the heroic first responders, frontline workers, and healthcare workers around the world, the Ballet Arkansas 2020/21 season dares to be bold. The upcoming season is designed to appeal to a broader audience base and to foster more community involvement in Ballet Arkansas productions, according to a press release. As we all navigate the future in a COVID-19-ridden world, the company is exploring adaptive measures to evolve its programming, which is subject to change.

The company has created a variety of free, online programs for viewer’s enjoyment. Viewers can hear a story, take an at-home dance class, or watch a streamed performance from their couch.

Each Thursday evening at 7:30, the Sugar Plum Fairy (a different company ballerina each week) will read one of the classical ballet’s beloved stories on Facebook Live. Videos will be posted after the reading for continued enjoyment.

Online classes are updated frequently on the company’s website. Audience members are encouraged to get up and dance! Learn choreography, enjoy conversations with BA staff and performers and have fun.

Who says you can’t have a date night at the ballet (at home, that is)? Each Saturday and Sunday, Ballet Arkansas will stream full-length and excerpts of Encore performances, which have been viewed in every state and 37 countries, according to a press release.

“It is our mission to make world-class dance programming accessible to all, and we feel it’s the perfect time to share the beauty of dance with the public, free of charge. We hope that a Ballet Arkansas performance can bring joy and peace in this time of uncertainty,” says Michael Fothergill, Executive and Artistic Director.

In light of COVID-19, Ballet Arkansas has cancelled performances for “Snow White” and move the Master/Works program to a future date within the 20/21 season. Those who purchased tickets to these programs will he contacted by the BA box office to discuss the available ticketing options.

See What’s in Store for Ballet Arkansas 20/21:

Jekyll & Hyde, Oct. 15-18, 2020 UA-PTC CHARTS Theater

The season begins with a vibrant multimedia world-premiere production of Jekyll & Hyde, designed in collaboration with the creative team at Cranford Co. Highly focused on elements of visual art, our unique telling of this classic tale is complemented by stunning original choreography and a collision of modern and historical production elements. Jekyll & Hyde will feature a community cast of up to 20 advanced level dancers. Performance details and ticket information coming soon at https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

The White Room, Autumn 2020

We’ve pioneered an interactive performance format where audiences will experience the production from the inside as it’s happening and play a role in its outcome. A combination of efforts of the artistic staff and professional dancers, The White Room is a part of our “PinDrop Performance Series” and will take place in a series of unique undisclosed locations. Audience members will follow directions to be admitted. “Tell no one what you’ve seen, only what you’ve felt.” Performance details and ticket information coming soon at https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

Nutcracker Spectacular, Dec. 10-13, 2020, Robinson Performance Hall

The holiday tradition for many families in Arkansas, the Nutcracker Spectacular is the largest and longest running holiday production in Central Arkansas. Featuring the professional dancers of Ballet Arkansas, performing alongside a community cast of more than 200 local 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 and two local choral ensembles. Ballet Arkansas’ discounted student matinee performances, serving over 2,200 children each year, will be held on Dec. 9-10. Performance details and ticket information coming soon at https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea, Dec. 13, 2020, Robinson Performance Hall

The 4th annual “Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea”, will be held onstage at the Robinson Performance Hall on December 1 at noon. Patrons of all ages will “make it snow,” take photos in the sleigh, read the story of “The Nutcracker” with the Sugar Plum fairy, and enjoy decadent sweets while watching an intimate performance. . Tickets on sale Sept. 1.

Coppelia, Feb. 25-28, 2021, UA-PTC CHARTS Theater

Perfect for families, this iconic ballet has a comedic twist and is paired with drama and virtuoso dancing. Coppelia will feature a community cast of approximately 75 dancers, ages 9 and up. A “must-see” this season, the production is the organization’s largest full-length undertaking in its recent history. Performance details and ticket information coming soon at https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

 

Extremes, April 23-25, 2021, UA-PTC CHARTS Theater (*Master/Works April 2020 Rescheduled)

Composed of high profile repertory and live accompaniment by a world renowned musician, Extremes is the perfect climax to the 2019/20 season. Presented by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Extremes brings the most prolific and innovative repertoire  that dance has to offer to Central Arkansas, including the works by internationally celebrated choreographers, Alice Flock, Florian Lochner, Gerald Arpino, and George Balanchine. *The repertory from our 2019/20 season production of Master/Works, cancelled due to Covid19, will be moved to this program in the 2020/21 season, in addition to new repertory. Performance details and ticket information coming soon at https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.

10th Annual Turning Pointe Gala 2021, Details Coming Soon!

Season Subscription

Subscribe and Save with our popular Trio Package, featuring three main stage productions (Jekyll & Hyde, Coppelia, Extremes) at UA-PTC CHARTS Theater. Learn more at www.balletarkansas.org/join. Subscriptions go on sale in the summer of 2020.

Tickets

Visit www.balletarkansas.org to learn more about the 2020/21 season, additional special events, and UA-PTC season subscriptions. Tickets https://www.balletarkansas.org/tickets go on sale Summer 2020.