Ballet Arkansas, North Little Rock Tourism present Bold New Moves at Argenta Plaza this September

Three free, public performances of debut works by next-gen choreographers coinciding with Argenta Dogtown Throwdown

Ballet Arkansas and North Little Rock Tourism are thrilled to announce the free public performances of Bold New Moves September 13 – September 15, 2024, at Argenta Plaza, 510 Main Street in North Little Rock.

“Performing for our community at the Argenta Plaza is a highlight of our season. This year, ‘Bold New Moves – Debut Works by Next-Gen Choreographers’ will take center stage with three dynamic performances featuring a series of world premieres from the company artists of Ballet Arkansas, unique and meaningful musical compositions and a Q/A format. We hope the community will join us in celebrating these innovative works, enjoy all that the Argenta Arts District has to offer, and see Ballet Arkansas take the stage for the first time this year.” says Catherine Fothergill, Associate Artistic Director.

North Little Rock, Arkansas – September 9: Dogtown Throw Down in Argenta in North Little Rock, Arkansas on September 9, 2023. (Photo by Will Newton/ADPHT)

“NLR’s Argenta Plaza provides the perfect backdrop for Ballet Arkansas to showcase the creativity and talent of our Company Artists. The program exemplifies our commitment to fostering new artistic voices, and features a meaningful and diverse selection of compositions and engaging interactions with our audience. We are thrilled to invite the community to experience these world premieres and to join us in celebrating the vibrancy of the Argenta Arts District,” says Michael Fothergill, Executive and Artistic Director.

“Bold New Moves – Debut Works by Next-Gen Choreographers” will be presented on the Ballet Arkansas  John & Robyn Horn Stage in North Little Rock’s Argenta Plaza. Attendees will be enticed by a series of world premieres set to music from Arkansas recording artists, classical composers, indie-folk rock and electronica. This unique event will feature a Q&A format, providing audiences with an exclusive opportunity to gain insight into the creative process straight from the minds behind the choreography. Libations and culinary delights from local food trucks will add an extra layer of excitement to this already exhilarating experience.

“By partnering with Ballet Arkansas on these free performances as well as Argenta Downtown Council on its Argenta Dogtown Throwdown, our hope is to provide plenty of reasons for people to come experience North Little Rock for a weekend,” said Karen Trevino, President & CEO of North Little Rock Tourism. “Hop on the streetcar, catch a concert at Simmons Bank Arena, enjoy outdoor dining, experience the beauty of ballet, stroll the Arkansas River Trail, dance to live music, explore museums…all within a couple of days.”

North Little Rock, Arkansas – September 9: Dogtown Throw Down in Argenta in North Little Rock, Arkansas on September 9, 2023. (Photo by Will Newton/ADPHT)


PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

  • Friday, September 13, 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 14, 6:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, September 15, 6 p.m.

CHOREOGRAPHERS

  • David Cummings, 3rd Season
  • Deanna Stanton, 12th Season
  • Kerridwyn Schanck, 3rd Season
  • Meredith Loy, 10th Season
  • Murray McCormack, 2nd Season

For event updates, visit www.balletarkansas.org or join the Facebook event. To learn more about the choreographers, please visit https://www.balletarkansas.org/dancers.

The weekend coincides with Argenta Dogtown Throwdown, during which Main Street from Broadway to 5th Street in North Little Rock is closed for outdoor dining and entertainment. Attendees of both events are welcome to stroll between the two, and even bring drinks with them as Argenta Plaza is part of the Argenta Outdoor Dining District. Throwdown will occur from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information about dining and other things to do in North Little Rock, visit www.northlittlerock.org

About North Little Rock Tourism

North Little Rock Tourism is the destination marketing organization for North Little Rock, Arkansas. It promotes North Little Rock as a positive tourism and hospitality experience thus enhancing economic growth and quality of life for its citizens and visitors. For more information about where to stay, where to eat and what to do in North Little Rock, visit NorthLittleRock.org and follow @exploreNLR on social media.

About Ballet Arkansas

Ranked among the top 75 ballet companies in America by the Dance Data Project, Ballet Arkansas was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in 1979. Over the course of its 45 year history, its world-class education programs and performances have touched the lives of nearly half a million Arkansans. Under the leadership of Michael and Catherine Fothergill, Ballet Arkansas employs a diverse professional company of 16 dancers from across the nation and presents a vibrant repertory of the classics, celebrated works of American dance, and original works by the world’s most visionary dance makers. A statewide leader in dance education, Ballet Arkansas produces year-round education programs for children and adults at its downtown Little Rock headquarters and elsewhere across Arkansas. For more information, visit http://www.balletarkansas.org.

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