Marking its 36th year, the Ballet Arizona 2021-2022 Season celebrates the return to a complete live performance season for the company.
The well-rounded programming features state and world premieres, full-length classics, neoclassical and contemporary repertoire, and closes with the company’s popular annual outdoor series at the Desert Botanical Garden.
Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev’s iconic scores for The Nutcracker and Romeo & Juliet, respectively, will fill Symphony Hall with live accompaniment by The Phoenix Symphony.
Contemporary Moves | October 29-31 & November 5-7, 2021
Dorrance Theatre
- In Creases by Justin Peck
- Les Patineurs by Sir Frederick Ashton
- Mambaz by Nayon Iovino
Contemporary Moves celebrates masterful and diverse choreography, music and tone with works from both emerging and celebrated choreographers. This program kicks off its 36th anniversary season with an evening of three short but dynamic ballets, similar to a collection of short stories.
Set to Philip Glass’ “Four Movements for Two Pianos,” In Creases showcases the virtuosity of the dancers with fast-paced and intricately patterned choreography. A true feast for the eyes and ears, In Creases kicks off Ballet Arizona’s season.
After its Ballet Arizona premiere in 2019, Les Patineurs‘ charming collection of vignettes by Sir Frederick Ashton is skating back to the stage as we gladly welcome cooler weather here in the desert. This one-act series of divertissements, evokes the movements of ice-skating and invites viewers to escape to a simpler time.
From celebrated Ballet Arizona choreographer and Company Dancer Nayon Iovino comes the electric audience favorite, Mambaz. Bringing this work back to the stage truly highlights the celebratory feel of this season. Iovino’s rich, fun and lively movement vocabulary coupled with Perez’s showmanship and energy bring the party to the stage with Mambaz.
The Nutcracker | Decemeber 10-24, 2021
Symphony Hall
- The Nutcracker by Ib Andersen
Ballet Arizona returns to Symphony Hall in grand fashion with this holiday classic. Celebrate the joy and wonder of the season with Andersen’s The Nutcracker as Tchaikovsky’s cherished score is masterfully performed by The Phoenix Symphony. Follow Clara’s wintry adventures as she battles mischievous mice and charms the Sugar Plum Fairy. Whether this is your first Nutcracker or your 101st, this heartwarming tradition never fails to enchant and draw smiles from all!
Romeo and Juliet | February 10-13, 2022
Symphony Hall
- Romeo and Juliet by Ib Andersen
A romance that’s sure to set your heart aflame, the most famous love story of all time is performed just in time for Valentine’s Day with Prokofiev’s moving score played to perfection by The Phoenix Symphony. Set in 16th century Verona, Romeo & Juliet chronicles Shakespeare’s tale of two passionate teenagers from great families on opposing sides of a bitter feud. With its sweepingly regal ballroom scenes, vivacious swordplay and poignant pas de deux, Andersen’s production is a visual tour de force.
All Balanchine | March 24-27, 2022
Orpheum Theatre
- Slaughter on Tenth Avenue by George Balanchine
- Bourrée Fantasque (Arizona Premiere) by George Balanchine
- Serenade by George Balanchine
Witness three different ballets by the father of American Ballet, George Balanchine, including a work never before performed by Ballet Arizona. Ib Andersen is one of a handful of artists worldwide entrusted by the Balanchine Trust to stage these masterpieces.
Juan Gabriel | May 5-8, 2022
Symphony Hall
- Juan Gabriel (World Premiere) by Ib Andersen
This production is the highly anticipated world premiere based on the music of iconic Mexican singer and songwriter Juan Gabriel. This ballet is an homage to this legendary performer who captured the hearts of millions in the Latinx community and whose works have transcended generations and time. Expect to feel love, sadness, joy, all in one evening during this tribute to a master.
An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden | May 17 – June 2, 2022
Desert Botanical Garden
- Round (reimagined) by Ib Andersen
From the choreographer that brought you masterpieces such as Eroica, Topia, and The Four Seasons, An Evening at the Desert Botanical Garden promises a spectacular experience that is uniquely Arizonan.
Surrounded by the matchless desert landscape with the setting sun as a backdrop, Andersen’s vision for dance in the desert continues in 2022. Inspired by his 2016 world premiere, Round, Andersen plans to revisit this unparalleled work with re-imagined choreography that embraces and showcases the vast natural backdrop of the desert. Expect the unexpected as Ballet Arizona continues to evolve, takes chances, and challenge the boundaries of contemporary ballet in the desert that we call our home.
