Ballet Arizona Presents “Celebration of Balanchine” June 2-5 for Season Finale

Ballet Arizona‘s 2010-2011 season will conclude with a celebration of the legendary George Balanchine, a choreographer who revolutionized ballet and the world of dance forever. The program includes performances that exemplify the incredible range of his work — from the terrifically abstract to the powerfully romantic.

Witness the brilliant and dynamic movements the choreographer is best known for when Arizona’s dancers take the stage next month for “Celebration of Balanchine.” The performance features the Ballet Arizona premiere of the duo “Monumentum pro Gesualdo” and “Movements for Piano and Orchestra,” with the latter masterpiece showcasing Balanchine’s signature streamlined leotard style. Then glamour and mystery arrive with “La Valse,” in which waltzing couples become fascinated by an uninvited guest. The grand finale will be “Theme and Variations,” with its formal brilliance, dashing elegance and Tchaikovsky score.

Ballet Arizona’s Artistic Director Ib Andersen was regarded as one of the most gifted dancers of his generation, and was even invited by Balanchine himself to join New York City Ballet in 1980. Andersen went on to dance much of the Balanchine repertoire during his decade with New York City Ballet, and for “Celebration of Balanchine,” Andersen will stage “La Valse” and “Theme and Variations” on the Ballet Arizona dancers — something he is permitted to do only due to his membership in the Balanchine Trust, a select group of individuals allowed to stage ballets by the master. (The Trust is an independent organization that was formed to oversee the licensing and production of all Balanchine works.)

Performances will take place June 2-5 at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix. Tickets start at $17 and may be purchased by calling the Ballet Arizona box office at 602.381.1096, online at ticketmaster.com/baz, or in person at the box office at 3645 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix.

Special pre-performance chats will begin 45 minutes prior to every “Celebration of Balanchine” performance, and ticket holders will be invited into the hall for these free presentations. A Ballet Arizona member will discuss the choreography, music, design and process of bringing ballet to the stage. Arrive early so as not to miss out on this excellent up close and personal opportunity!

Ballet Arizona

Like Haute Living Phoenix? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingAZ. Want Haute Living Phoenix delivered to your inbox once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.