Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Arkansas's Premier Professional Ballet Company
Ballet Arkansas stands as Arkansas's premier professional ballet company, dedicated to artistic excellence and community engagement. Founded in 1966 as the Little Rock Civic Ballet and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1978, we have served over half a million Arkansans through performances, education programs, and outreach initiatives. Our 17 world-class dancers present classical masterpieces, American dance landmarks, and innovative new works, reaching audiences across all 50 states and 60 countries annually.As the official dance presenter of the Robinson Center and an Arts Partner Company at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, we foster multidisciplinary programming while maintaining a thriving School for Dance that trains hundreds of students yearly. Our commitment to accessibility ensures all Arkansans feel welcomed through performances, community cast opportunities, and K-12 educational programs serving over 10,000 students annually.
Services
Ballet performances
Dance education classes
Community outreach programs
Event performances
K-12 educational programs
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- We are one of America's Top 75 Ballet Companies according to the Dance Data Project
- Our performances feature live music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
- We offer state-of-the-art dance facilities in downtown Little Rock
- Our School for Dance provides instruction from professional dancers and artistic staff
- We engage over 10,000 K-12 students annually through educational outreach programs
Services
Ballet performances
Ballet Arkansas presents professional ballet performances featuring classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Our annual season includes The Nutcracker Spectacular with live orchestral accompaniment, reaching 50,000+ audience members annually through diverse programming that spans traditional and innovative dance styles.
Dance education classes
Our School for Dance offers comprehensive training for ages 3 to adult with small class sizes and expert instruction. Programs include children's division, pre-professional tracks, adult ballet, and competitive Youth America Grand Prix preparation in a state-of-the-art downtown Little Rock facility.
Community outreach programs
We provide statewide access to dance through Community Cast productions, K-12 educational initiatives, and the L.E.A.P. program for preschools. These programs engage over 10,000 students annually and cultivate future artists and arts patrons across Arkansas.
Event performances
Professional dancers are available for private events including corporate functions, fundraisers, and celebrations. Costumed performances create memorable experiences for birthday parties, special occasions, and community events throughout Arkansas.
K-12 educational programs
Our educational outreach includes classroom resources, student matinee performances, and the L.E.A.P. program for early childhood education. These initiatives serve over 10,000 Arkansas students annually, integrating dance into school curricula and community learning environments.
People
Michael Fothergill
Artistic Director
Internationally recognized choreographer and former principal dancer with extensive experience shaping Ballet Arkansas into one of America's Top 75 Companies since joining in 2005.
Catherine Fothergill
Co-Artistic Director
Award-winning dance educator and former professional ballerina who co-leads artistic vision while overseeing the School for Dance's acclaimed training programs for students of all ages.
Lauren Yordanich
Company Artist
Professional dancer with Ballet Arkansas performing in classical and contemporary productions, contributing to the company's artistic excellence through technical skill and stage presence.
Questions
What performances does Ballet Arkansas offer?
We present an annual season of classical masterpieces, American dance landmarks, and world premieres. Our signature production is The Nutcracker Spectacular with live music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
What dance classes are available for students?
Our School for Dance offers classes for all ages and levels including children's division, pre-professional training, adult ballet, and Youth America Grand Prix programs with expert instruction from professional dancers.
How can I participate in community programs?
We offer Community Cast opportunities for local performers in productions like The Nutcracker, plus K-12 educational programs and outreach initiatives across Arkansas.
Can Ballet Arkansas performers attend private events?
Yes, we offer costumed appearances and performances for corporate events, fundraisers, and private celebrations through our event performer request program.
What educational outreach programs do you provide?
Our K-12 programs include classroom resources, student matinees, and the L.E.A.P. initiative serving preschools and daycare centers across Arkansas.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Louina Gonzales
Jun 06, 2021
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The Dancers at Ballet Arkansas are so talented, dedicated and creative. The hard work Mr & Mrs Fothergill, the Directors of Ballet Arkansas, shows in the performances and events they share with us. Thank Y'all for the Love!
Bob Harrison
Jan 09, 2020
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I have never attended or enjoyed Ballet and Modern dance before. These young people and the professionals they work with have won me over by their skill, dedication, and passion for their craft.
Jeremiah Russell
Dec 11, 2019
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Ballet Arkansas is an amazing organization. My daughter has been a part of the community nutcracker for the last 4 years and the dancers and staff are truly incredible. They are dedicated to their craft and the directors are working hard to bring ballet to a much wider audience. We are truly blessed to have a company of this caliber in our city!
Fernando Mcbride
Nov 06, 2019
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I have been a dance instructor at DAU for eight years and absolutely love it! This studio is really first-class: knowledgable instructors, helpful staff, supportive parents and amazing and dedicated dancers. The studio offers a great environment for the serious and recreational dancer.
Heather Mercer
Nov 02, 2019
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I am always so impressed by the level of talent in the Ballet Arkansas company. Their performances are beautiful to watch.
Elizabeth Small
Aug 21, 2019
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The new website design is intriguing, captivating, and made me want to subscribe to the ballet. The photography is absolutely beautiful. The upcoming performances will appeal to children and adults which should be a most valuable marketing tool.
