A lot of people have silly ideas about Phoenicians. Ideas that we all own horses, wear spurs, have unpaved roads, and that the majority of our state still looks like the set from Tombstone, and while we do have little aspects of those influences in our city, we also have a lot of amazing world-class cultural events that would surprise outsiders. Ballet Arizona is one of those amazing cultural pieces that serves as an ever-current and always innovative stride in reminding people that Arizona is home to a lot of great art, artists, and art events.
This month Ballet Arizona is honoring our artistic director, Ib Andersen with PLAY, the highly-acclaimed ballet that will later be performed at the famed Washington DC Kennedy Center this summer. Ib is celebrating his tenth anniversary as our resident artistic director and the revival of his amazing full-length ballet is the perfect way to usher in his decade of service to the arts in Arizona.
Ib comes to us from classical European training and was extended an invitiation by George Balanchine, revered by many as the father of American ballet, to join the New York City Ballet where he was noted as a great talent, serving in many principle roles for the great choreographer. After many years of various roles in American ballet, our state was immensely fortunate to receive him as our artistic director for Ballet Arizona ten years ago and the man continues to astound us with his unique, creative, and beautifully envisioned ballets.
PLAY encompasses everything Ballet Arizona has to offer by incorporating all 34 corp members, pas de deux, solo, and ensemble numbers leaving nothing uncovered in it’s performance. Set to the gorgeous music of Mozart, Schubert, Arvo Pärt, and Stravinsky, this is truly a treat to the senses. We are so proud to host such a talent in our great city, and so happy to be able to showcase his creativity through our amazing corps of ballet dancers. The show runs through May 16, 2010 and is something everyone should take the time to see. Performances are held at the incomparable Orpheum Theater and the showcase is remarkable. Happy anniversary Mr. Andersen, we’re so happy you call Ballet Arizona your home.
