About Us

What is Ballet Arkansas?

A community, a city and a state thrives when it provides a well balanced atmosphere in which its citizens can partake. This well balanced atmosphere attracts businesses and strengthens the roots of the community. Ballet Arkansas is committed to providing the vital artistic world of ballet. Whether it is through the performers or through the audience, the productions of Ballet Arkansas promise to enrich the lives of all of those involved.

Mission Statement

To provide world-class dance performance to Arkansans through a permanent company of professional dancers. We will position the company as a pillar of Arkansas’s performing arts community and enable it to inspire and educate students across the state, educate the public about dance, and act as an ambassador for the State of Arkansas.

History

Ballet Arkansas was founded in 1978 as a non-profit arts organization, but it traces its roots back for decades to the Little Rock Civic Ballet. Through the years, Ballet Arkansas has produced the State’s annual holiday production of The Nutcracker, as well as developed a wide range of eclectic dance repertoire. Its many accomplishments include Cynthia Gregory’s performing with the company, bringing Mikhail Baryshnikov to Little Rock, and receiving the prestigious “Stream Award” from the Southwestern Regional Ballet Association. Ballet Arkansas is committed to extending its rich tradition of dance in the State. In 2009, the organization formed Ballet Arkansas Professional Dance Company, a group of professional dancers from around the country. The Professional Company members, with their varied backgrounds, offer unique capabilities, not only in performing, but also in teaching, choreographing, and leading dance workshops.

Artistic Advisor

Michael Bearden - Principal Dancer, Ballet West

Company

Leslie Dodge
Lauren McCarty Horak
Toby Lewellen
Anna Maris
Sean Porter

Guest Artist

Michael Bearden - Principal Artist, Courtesy of Ballet West

Trainees

Jake Catlett

Ballet Mistress

Michelle Alexander

Executive Director

Lauren Strother

Tour Director

Guy Couch

Board of Directors

Drake Mann , President
Jammie Neill-Ziller , Vice President
Amy Pearson , Treasurer
Susan Friday
Delanna Padilla
Mike Heald
Molly McGowan
Dr. Larry Kim
Ann Kamps
Shelia Vaught

Advisory Board

Jana Beard
Suzanne Catlett
Christina Munoz
Perry Young
Craig Wilson
Allison Wilson
Donna McCarty
Robert Henry
Jo Blankenship
Joe Kolb
Ginger Adams
Deede Phelps