After a season of canceled in-person performances, Ballet Arizona is returning to the stage with two upcoming performances titled “ENERGY” and “Balanchine.” They come after a long process of enforcing COVID-19 safety measures.
Ballet fans can attend the performances in person following safety protocols or opt to watch it online. The online version gives viewers access to the performance for 24 hours.
Marketing director Leslie Marquez said the in-person shows are shorter but still intimate.
“There’s a lot more protocol around it but once you’re in your seat, the lights go down, and the lights come up on the stage, it’s as if you are at any other performance,” Marquez said. “You still get the passion of the dancers; you’re getting to hear those pointe shoes on the floor which is really fun.”
Marquez said that digital performance is a new but advantageous medium for ballet.
“I think digital opens the door for a lot of people who might have been intimidated to see a performance, not sure what to do not sure what it’s about, so it’s an easy more gentle way to check out ballet for the first time,” Marquez said.
Marquez said she wants the digital medium to stay a part of ballet, because it has allowed it to connect to fans across the world.
For more information go to balletaz.org.
