The virtuosic Ballet Arizona was born out of a 1986 merger between three struggling ballet companies in Phoenix and Tucson: Phoenix Ballet, Arizona Dance Theatre, and Ballet West Arizona. Proving fruitful, this company has grown to be considered an Arizona state treasure, receiving numerous accolades and awards including Arts Organization of the Year in 2006.
Since around 2000, artistic director Ib Andersen has transformed the company from a strong regional troupe into one of increasing national caliber. Andersen, a former New York City Ballet dancer, is a Balanchine Repetiteur, one of only a handful of individuals authorized by The Balanchine Trust to restage the works of George Balanchine. Not surprisingly, Ballet Arizona’s annual seasons usually include a healthy dose of the master’s works mixed in with Anderson’s own choreography and a few other choice productions. In addition to their performances at the Orpheum Theatre and Symphony Hall, they also perform a “Ballet Under the Stars” series in public parks within the Greater Phoenix area.
Ballet Arizona Information
- Venues: The company performs at both Symphony Hall (75 North 2nd Street) and at the Orpheum Theater (203 West Adams Street)
- Public Transportation: Very Good (both venues are a short walk from the Light Rail on Washington Street, and 2 dozen bus lines at Central Avenue/Adams Street)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good at both venues
- Performances/Programs: Six presentations per season. All programs run 4-5 performances, with the exception of the company’s Nutcracker, which runs 21 performances. Performances usually presented Thursday-Sunday
- Ticket Prices: Prices range from $15 for balcony seating all the way up to $119 for orchestra seats
- Subscriptions: Three to six show subscriptions are offered with discounts up to 30% off regular ticket prices.
