MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
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The health and safety of our dancers, staff, and patrons is of paramount importance to Ballet Arkansas. For this reason, we've adapted our 20|21 season programming in response to the ever changing variables facing our community. Today, we continue to do important work that reaches communities across Arkansas. I'm confident that Ballet Arkansas will continue to be a driving force of beauty and creativity in the lives of many as we prepare to present a vibrant and diverse season of performances and special events.
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Dance has long had the extraordinary ability to bring people together to experience the beauty of the world. It is through this expression of beauty that dance revitalizes the spirit and exposes the depth of the human condition. Not only does dance appeal to the core of who we are, it uplifts, inspires and entertains millions each year.
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I am proud of our community and what we have been able to achieve together. Ballet Arkansas been a pillar of the arts community for more than forty years, and in this time our programming has touched the lives of nearly 300,000 Arkansans. We’ve grown to become one of the nation’s most dynamic professional dance companies presenting a vibrant repertoire by the world’s most distinguished choreographers, and this is due to the generosity of many our community. I sincerely thank you for your clear and constant support of our efforts to advance the arts and culture of Arkansas.
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As we embark into new territory, this support of our mission, dancers, and activities breathes new life into our operations and safeguards our future as one of the preeminent dance organizations in the region. I hope you will continue to play a role in the development of Ballet Arkansas as we explore the unknown. I feel certain the best and most exciting days lie ahead of us.
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Michael Fothergill
Executive and Artistic Director
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Ballet Arkansas has been a pillar of the Arkansas arts community for more than 40 years, with expansive reach into all areas of the state. Headquartered in the capitol city of Little Rock, we are proud to be the state's professional ballet company sm, leading the Arkansas forward as a force of arts and culture in the region.
YOUR COMPANY
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Join Ballet Arkansas for an exciting selection of digital performances and special events, discussions, and educational programs in 2021. Subscriptions coming soon!
GET DIGITAL
UPDATED FREQUENTLY
EVENTS CALENDAR
OUR REACH
Public Performance Attendance | 20,000
k-12 Student Performance Attendance | 3,500
Outreach Performance Attendance | 5,000
Broadcast Performance Attendance |1000
Broadcast Reach | All 50 states and 21 countries
Productions Per Season | 4
Performances Per Season | 50+
Community Participants in Annual Performances | 350
World Premieres Commissioned Annually | 9
Enrollment Students in Education Programs | 200
Audition Applications Received |400
Contract Employees Employed Per Season | 100+
Volunteers | 200+
Winter classes, workshops, and Summer programs taught by the staff of Ballet Arkansas and distinguished guest instructors give students of all levels opportunities to advance their skills. Private/small group instruction is also available. Summer Intensive Audition details coming soon! Email and click below to learn more.
EDUCATION
PROGRAMS
Toby Lewellen
10th Season
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Toby Lewellen is originally from Peoria, IL and attended Butler University where he majored in Dance and Arts Administration . In his time at Ballet Arkansas he has performed in lead roles in Agnes de Mille’s The Other Pas de Deux, Christopher Wheeldon’s The American Pas de Deux, George Balanchine‘s Who Cares?, Calling by Ma Cong, Stabat Mater by Mariana Oliveria, Harrison McEldowney’s Group Therapy, Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias Pas de Deux, Illya Kozadayev's (e)Motions, Memory Haus, Obscura, and Bolero by Kiyon Gaines, Mobile by Tomm Ruud, Prince and a Step Sister in Michael Fothergill’s Cinderella, Ichabod and Baltus in Michael Fothergill’s Sleepy Hollow, Johnathan in Michael Fothergill’s Dracula, Siegfried in Act 2 of Swan Lake, as well as being The Cavalier, The Nutcracker Prince and Snow King in Ballet Arkansas' The Nutcracker. Toby is proud to be Community Cast Ballet Master for Ballet Arkansas. He also teaches at multiple studios In the Little Rock area.
OUR THEATERS
Ballet Arkansas performs at some of the most state-of-the-art facilities in the region, complete with comfortable seating, unmatched acoustics and technical capabilities, and plentiful parking. All these things enhance the patron experience, taking Ballet Arkansas performances to the next level.
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Your support of Ballet Arkansas keeps our dancers on stage, our education programs in schools throughout the state, and breathes new life into a creative economy that has been devastated by the ongoing effects of the pandemic. Over the past four decades, we've dared and dreamed, and have grown to become an organization that plays a meaningful role in the lives of many. But in today's climate, the efforts of our past can be wiped out overnight.
A contribution of any size makes an impact, and advances our organization against the odds. It ensures that world-class dance performances and education programs continue to shape the cultural landscape of Arkansas for years to come.
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To make a donation today or to learn about our Pointe to the Future Capital Campaign, please visit the links below.
