Ballet Arkansas is thrilled to announce its 2425 season, a dynamic showcase of ballet that promises to captivate audiences with a blend of regional and world premieres, innovative takes on classic pieces, and a deepened commitment to community engagement and partnerships. This season, Ballet Arkansas will extend its presence across notable venues including the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, The Rep, and Robinson Center, offering a rich tapestry of performances that reflect the company's artistic vision and dedication to excellence in dance.

Highlights of the 2425 season include the world premiere of "Carmen: A Fiery Tale of Passion and Betrayal," set against the stirring score of Bizet’s masterpiece. This neoclassical narrative will unfold at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts from October 11-13, 2024, offering a modern-art infused production that explores the depths of passion and betrayal. The season also features "Bold New Moves - Debut Works by Next-Gen Choreographers," a free public event at Argenta Plaza from September 13-15, 2024, showcasing world premieres by emerging choreographers alongside Q&A sessions that delve into their creative processes.

The Nutcracker Spectacular, a cherished holiday tradition, returns with live music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra from December 13-15, 2024, at the Robinson Center. This production, supported by the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, promises enchanting updates to costumes and sets, ensuring a fresh and mesmerizing experience for all ages. Additionally, the season offers "Romeo & Juliet - The World's Greatest Love Story" during Valentine’s Week, February 14-16, 2025, at the Robinson Center, featuring Prokofiev’s epic score performed live by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.

Other season highlights include "Encore - The Seven Deadly Sins," an adults-only evening of dance and storytelling at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre from October 24-26, 2024, and "Nouveau," an avant-garde performance presented by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts from April 25-27, 2025. The season will also feature "A Midsummer Night's Dream," a condensed version of Shakespeare's tale set to Felix Mendelssohn's score, from April 25-27, 2025, at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.

Ballet Arkansas invites audiences to immerse themselves in a season of breathtaking performances that celebrate the beauty, emotion, and artistry of ballet. Tickets for these not-to-be-missed events will be available for purchase on specified dates, with community cast audition dates also announced for those wishing to participate in select productions. Join Ballet Arkansas for a season of bold new moves, timeless classics, and innovative storytelling that will leave you inspired and moved.

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A Midsummer Night's Dream

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Nouveau

Romeo & Juliet - The World's Greatest Love Story  with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

Robinson Center

The Nutcracker Spectacular  with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

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Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea

Encore - The Seven Deadly Sins

Arkansas Repertory Theatre

WORLD PREMIERE of Carmen: A Feiry Tale of Passion and Betrayal

Presented by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Bravo features an eclectic array of celebrated works of classical and contemporary dance presented with live music by esteemed musicians. This concert is the highlight of the 23|24 season.

Bravo

The world’s most iconic classical ballet comes to Robinson this February. Set to Tchaikovsky’s magical score, Ballet Arkansas will present a vibrant production of Marius Petipa’s timeless classic featuring stunning costumes and sets, and a community cast of children and adults. *A slew of themed special events will line the week and will be announced 6/1.

Swan Lake

The Nutcracker Spectacular is the largest and longest running holiday production in Arkansas, featuring live music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and a cast and crew of nearly 400. Featuring the professional dancers of Ballet Arkansas and a community cast of children and adults, the production is an unforgettable celebration of the season. Performances are set to Tchaikovsky’s paramount score, and this year’s production will feature special guests, including Santa, and partial updates to choreography, sets, and costumes as part of the organization's year 1 investment in the "Nutcracker Project." Ballet Arkansas’s official Nutcracker Boutique in the lobby will be open one hour prior to each public performance and patrons may take advantage of photo opportunities with Santa, the Nutcracker, Sugar Plum Fairy, and other costumed characters. Clement Clarke Moore’s The Night Before Christmas will be read by Santa from the stage at intermission of each performance.

45th anniversary Nutcracker Spectacular

The Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea is one of Little Rock’s most anticipated holiday events. Guests will be transported to the “Land of the Sweets” where they’ll enjoy teatime, activities, a storybook reading, and an exclusive performance from Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and characters from the 45th Anniversary Nutcracker Spectacular. Perfect for families, the Nutcracker Tea is a magical experience unlike any other. *Tickets typically sell out the same day they are put on sale.

The 45th Anniversary Season Opening Reception is a celebration of the organization’s artists and programming. Attendees will mingle with the artistic staff and dancers and be the first to preview world premiere choreography from Wonderland: Alice’s Epic Adventure. Guests will also learn about updates to the organization’s beloved holiday classic, The Nutcracker Spectacular and enjoy wine, passed hors d'oeuvres, and a small auction.

45th Anniversary Season Opening Reception

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Ballet & Dance events in Little Rock, AR

A Midsummer Night's Dream...

Ballet Arkansas

Nouveau

Ballet Arkansas

Romeo & Juliet - The Worl...

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The Nutcracker Spectacula...

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The Artelize Podcast: A l...

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Ballet Arkansas

WORLD PREMIERE of Carmen:...

Ballet Arkansas

Bravo

Ballet Arkansas

Swan Lake

Ballet Arkansas

45th anniversary Nutcrack...

Ballet Arkansas

Land of the Sweets Nutcra...

Ballet Arkansas

45th Anniversary Season O...

Ballet Arkansas