If you missed Ballet Arkansas Presents Live at the Plaza, held two weekends in May 2021, then mark your calendars now: the event is slated to return to Argenta Plaza at 510 Main Street in North Little Rock the weekends of April 29 and May 6 in 2022.
Ballet Arkansas Presents Live at the Plaza is a two-weekend, free educational and performance program produced in partnership with the North Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau. The debut of the program in 2021 attracted more than 1,500 over the course of two weekends, including more than 100 participants in free exercise classes.
We loved partnering with Ballet Arkansas on this program, which successfully showcased Argenta and North Little Rock as a beautiful backdrop and host for events and entertainment. Keeping the program free and outdoors allowed more people to experience and engage with the performing arts, who maybe hadn’t before.
Karen Trevino, President & CEO, North Little Rock CVB
“In visiting with our tourism partners, we know that the free programming raised awareness about North Little Rock as a destination. When paired with the outdoor dining and live music in Argenta, the program really made an economic difference for North Little Rock,” said Stephanie Slagle, Marketing Director for North Little Rock CVB.
Live at the Plaza features several opportunities over two weekends to enjoy free mixed-repertory performances and exercise classes. More details will be made available in early 2022 at www.balletarkansas.org and www.northlittlerock.org.
“Roaring” 21/22 season ahead
The return of Ballet Arkansas Presents Live at the Plaza was announced in conjunction with Ballet Arkansas’s reveal of its 2021-2022 season, filled with dynamic programming for the whole family and a roaring return to the main stage.
This season the public will have multiple opportunities to experience and engage with Ballet Arkansas. Whether you prefer the traditional, the new, or the unexpected, we’ve got something for everyone.
Michael Fothergill, Executive and Artistic Director of Ballet Arkansas
After a trying year for the performing arts, Ballet Arkansas’ 21/22 season champions the themes that bring people together to celebrate the beauty of the arts.
“The community is experiencing an arts awakening, with renewed interest, excitement, and a strengthened realization of the importance of the arts in our community,” said Catherine Fothergill, Associate Artistic Director.
While Ballet Arkansas provided performances and education classes free to the public throughout 2020/21 in outdoor and digital settings, the 21/22 Season will be the first time Ballet Arkansas welcomes back a community cast of young dancers and returns to full seated performances. The energy and engagement from the community is clear, and the time to act is now. “I hope you will join us as we embark on a “roaring 2020’s” revival for the performing arts. It’s going to be an awe-inspiring season,” says Michael Fothergill.
Performance details and tickets will be available soon at www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.
The Great Gatsby
October 21-24, 2021
UA-PTC CHARTS Theater
The season begins with a vibrant multimedia world premiere of “The Great Gatsby,” designed in collaboration with Cranford Co and the production team at UA-PTC CHARTS Theater. A roaring 2020’s start to the season, Gatsby is filled with glitz, glamour, mystery and murder – just in time for Halloween. Our unique telling of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale is complemented by stunning original choreography and a collision of modern and historical production elements. Discounted student matinee performances will be offered for K-12 students on October 21-22, 2021.
Nutcracker Spectacular
December 9-12, 2021
Robinson Performance Hall
A holiday tradition for families in Arkansas, The Nutcracker Spectacular is the largest holiday production in Arkansas, reaching more than 10,000 in a single weekend. Featuring the professional dancers of Ballet Arkansas, performing alongside a community cast of children and adults, the production engages the community in the celebration of a holiday classic. Performances will include live accompaniment from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, playing the iconic Tchaikovsky score.
Ballet Arkansas’ discounted student matinee performances, serving children from across the state, will be held December 9-10, 2021.
Nutty Nutcracker
December 2021
Robinson Performance Hall
For those looking for a laugh this holiday season, Ballet Arkansas is pleased to present a world premiere holiday performance unlike any other – filled with hijinks and humor for the whole family! Includes a community cast of dancers.
Coppelia
February 17-20 2022
UA-PTC CHARTS Theater
Perfect for families, this comedic gem tells the story of young love, a Toymaker, and his magic doll. Featuring drama and virtuoso dancing, the program is a “must-see” this season! “Coppelia” will give children from communities across Arkansas access to professional performing opportunities.
Discounted student matinee performances will be offered for K-12 students on February 17-18, 2022.
The Four Seasons + Confetti
April 21-24, 2022
UA-PTC CHARTS Theater
A perfect pairing of celebrated works, visual art, and music, “The Four Seasons” features 4 world premieres created by 4 female choreographers, set to Vivaldi’s paramount score, The Four Seasons. Presented by the Stella Boyle Smith Trust, the program is the highlight of the season and features repertory unseen in the region, created by world-renowned choreographers such as Gerald Arpino’s high-energy Confetti.
Live at the Plaza
April 29-May 1 & May 6-8, 2022
Argenta Plaza
An encore to its premiere in the spring of 2021, this popular outdoor series provides the public with free mixed-repertory performances and education programs in North Little Rock’s Argenta Plaza. Presented in partnership with the North Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Firebird
Details Coming Soon!
A magical story about a prince, an evil sorcerer, and a bird made out of flame, Ballet Arkansas’ unique telling of the “The Firebird” is a vibrant suite of dances that will captivate both children and adults.
Studio 520 – New Works Series
Ballet Arkansas
Details Coming Soon!
“Studio 520” is Ballet Arkansas’ brand new series, located on Main Street in Downtown Little Rock, for a series of classes, artistic talks, intimate performances, and special events.
