Ballet Arizona Promises Dramatic New 2018-2019 Season

Ballet Arizona's nationally recognized Artistic Director Ib Andersen announced the 2018-2019 season, featuring groundbreaking new work with the world premiere of Andersen's The Firebird, as well as the Ballet Arizona debut of George Balanchine's Emeralds, and Justin Peck's In Creases.

The new season opens with New Moves, a program of daring contemporary choreography at The Orpheum Theatre, September 27-30, 2018. The production features Andersen's Brazilian-inspired work, Rio, set to the music of Philip Glass, and In Creases, an internationally performed ballet from Justin Peck, Resident Choreographer for New York City Ballet. Peck's work is sponsored by Robert S. Benson.

The classic The Sleeping Beauty brings its storybook charms to Symphony Hall, October 25-28, 2018, accompanied by the Phoenix Symphony. Set to Tchaikovsky's celebrated score, this classic tale is gleaming with vivid color and spilling over with fairies, princes and nymphs, drawing the audience into a world of romance, wonder and grandeur.

Ballet Arizona's holiday treasure, The Nutcracker, returns to delight families December 13-24, 2018, with the Phoenix Symphony at Symphony Hall. Named one of the top three productions in the United States by The New York Times' chief dance critic, Alastair Macaulay, the $1.8 million production was created in 2006 by Ballet Arizona Artistic Director Ib Andersen. CopperPoint Insurance Companies sponsors this beloved Valley tradition.

Sure to set the Phoenix winter afire from February 14-17, 2019, The Firebird interprets the classicRussian fairytale through the lens of today, while exploring themes of love, fantasy, and escapism, making it perfectly in tune with Stravinsky's modern score performed by the Phoenix Symphony. Thanks to a generous gift from Barbara and Donald Ottosen, the unique and forward-thinking production will showcase Andersen's compelling choreography, stunning costumes and multimedia enhanced sets. This brand-new production will be paired with the classic romantic ballet, La Sylphide, a double billing of ballet as Phoenix has never seen.

The highly regarded All Balanchine program returns in the spring, May 2-5, 2019, with three ballets by the father of American Ballet. The Symphony Hall production is highlighted by the Arizona premiere of Emeralds, the first act of George Balanchine's celebrated work Jewels, and also includes Theme and Variations, and Square Dance. Ib Andersen is one of a handful of artists worldwide entrusted by the George Balanchine Trust to stage these masterpieces.

Ballet Arizona embraces the Sonoran desert May 14-June 1, 2019 with its continuing series,Evening at Desert Botanical Garden. These performances draw sellout crowds with ballet that take chances and challenges emotional boundaries in the breathtaking setting of the Arizona desert. The production is made possible by gifts from the Dorrance Family Foundation, Carol and Randy Schilling, and supporters of the New Works Initiative.

Subscriptions are available now, starting at $99. Tickets can be purchased by calling 602-381-1096or by visiting www.balletaz.org.

BALLET ARIZONA'S 2018 - 2019 SEASON

New Moves

September 27-30, 2018

The Orpheum Theatre

Rio

Choreography: Ib Andersen

Music: Philip Glass

Explores the movement and vivacity found in Brazilian culture. Inspired by samba, this playful ballet recalls the joy of the country of Brazil.

In Creases

Choreography: Justin Peck

Music: Philip Glass

A compact, intense and lightning fast ballet choreographed by one of the most sought after choreographers today.

All performances take place at The Orpheum Theatre.

Sleeping Beauty

October 25 - 28, 2018

With The Phoenix Symphony at Symphony Hall

Choreography: Staged by Ib Andersen, after Marius Petipa with additional choreography by Ib Andersen

Music: Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky

The Sleeping Beauty unfolds like a rose, drawing the audience into a world of romance, wonder and grandeur. Set to Tchaikovsky's celebrated score, this storybook classic will cast a spell of delight all the way to true love's kiss.

All performances take place at Symphony Hall.

The Nutcracker

December 13 - 24, 2018

With The Phoenix Symphony at Symphony Hall

Choreography: Ib Andersen

Music: Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky

Celebrate the magical wonder of the holidays with Ib Andersen's The Nutcracker. Follow Clara's wintry adventures as she battles mischievous mice and charms the Sugar Plum Fairy. With 150 performers, 100,000 Swarovski crystals, and Tchaikovsky's cherished score performed live, Ballet Arizona's The Nutcracker is the best way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family.

All performances take place at Symphony Hall.

The Firebird & La Sylphide

February 14 - 17, 2019

With The Phoenix Symphony at Symphony Hall

The Firebird

Choreography: Ib Andersen

Music: Igor Stravinksy

A world premiere by Ballet Arizona's Artistic Director Ib Andersen featuring his renowned choreography and artistic vision for costumes and sets. The Firebird tells the classic Russian fairytale through the lens of today.

La Sylphide

Choreography: August Bournonville, staged by Ib Andersen

Music: Severin Lovenskiold

The most iconic of the romantic ballets, La Sylphide is a tale of passion and elusive love featuring an alluring fairy and a diabolical witch who wreaks havoc on the life of a young Scotsman who gives up everything for the love a beautiful, but unattainable woodland sprite.

All performances take place at Symphony Hall.

fAll Balanchine

May 2 - 5, 2019

at Symphony Hall

Choreography: George Balanchine

Emeralds

Music: Gabriel Faure

A Ballet Arizona premiere, Emeralds evokes the elegance and romanticism of 19th century ballet in costumes that are like finely crafted pieces of art.

Theme and Variations

Music: Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky

This ballet, with its glorious choreography and glittering costumes, recalls the grandeur of classical ballet.

Square Dance

Music: Antonio Vivaldi and Arcangelo Corelli

This lively ballet combines the spirit and verve of an American Folk Dance with the precision and techniques of classical ballet.

All performances take place at Symphony Hall.

An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden

May 14 - June 1, 2019

Tuesday through Saturdays, 8pm nightly at Desert Botanical Garden

Surrounded by the lush desert landscape with the setting sun as a backdrop, Ib Andersen's unique vision for dance in the desert continues in 2019.

All performances take place at Desert Botanical Garden.

Early access to tickets for subscribers only.

Ballet Arizona

Ballet Arizona, approaching its 33rd season, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating classical dance while creating new and innovative works. Under the artistic direction of internationally acclaimed choreographer Ib Andersen - a former Principal Dancer with The New York City Ballet and The Royal Danish Ballet - Ballet Arizona follows his lead to the future of dance in Arizona. The School of Ballet Arizona, under the direction of Anthony Jones, promotes access to the art form of ballet through dance education, with a focus on excellence in the form, directing each student to a life-long love of dance. Following this vision, Ballet Arizona connects to more than 35,000 children and families every year through its free and low cost outreach programs.

Photo Credit: Rosalie O'Connor