After 24 years under the leadership of Ib Andersen, the Board of Directors of Ballet Arizona has announced the appointment of Daniela Cardim as the company’s new artistic director, effective July 1st. Andersen will become Artistic Director Emeritus.
Andersen’s tenure was notable for a diverse repertory of classical and contemporary ballets, including 36 works that he created specifically for the company. A protégé of George Balanchine, the iconic father of American ballet and director of New York City Ballet (NYCB), his choreography has been defined by plotless ballets, minimal costume and décor, and classical and neoclassical musical accompaniment.
Now, Daniela Cardim will place her own imprint on the 38-year-old organization, which has established itself as the Southwest’s premier professional ballet company. She will be the first woman to hold the position and the fourth Artistic Director for the organization.
Cardim is a Brazilian/British choreographer, ballet teacher, producer, and director. In addition to serving as Assistant Director and Associate Choreographer at New English Ballet Theatre, she is an independent choreographer whose works have been performed and acclaimed in both the United Kingdom (including six original pieces for NEBT) and globally.
