Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Premier Source for Professional Ballet Performances and Dance Education in Tucson
Ballet Tucson stands as Southern Arizona's premier professional ballet company, dedicated to elevating dance through world-class performances, comprehensive education, and impactful community outreach. Established in 1986, we combine rigorous classical training with innovative choreography, offering students and audiences alike unparalleled artistic experiences. Our company dancers and faculty include internationally recognized artists who have performed with prestigious institutions globally. Through The School of Ballet Tucson, we provide training from early childhood through pre-professional levels, fostering technical excellence and artistic expression. Our annual season features five major productions, including collaborations with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, while our outreach initiatives bring dance education to underserved communities.With a commitment to inclusion and accessibility, we offer free performances, discounted tickets, and scholarship programs to ensure dance remains accessible to all. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Margaret Mullin and Associate Artistic Director Chieko Imada, we continue to push creative boundaries while honoring classical traditions. Our graduates have successfully entered professional companies and top-tier dance programs worldwide, testament to our educational excellence. Through performances, workshops, and community partnerships, we strive to make Tucson a vibrant hub for dance appreciation and innovation.
Services
Ballet Performances
Dance Education
Youth Workshops
Community Outreach
Summer Intensives
Private Lessons
Performance Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer training by former professional dancers from companies like Pacific Northwest Ballet and American Ballet Theatre
- Our students perform alongside professional company dancers in major productions
- We provide exclusive 40% ticket discounts for all performances to student families
- Our faculty includes recipients of Princess Grace Foundation and CityArtist awards
- We maintain a 40-year legacy of producing dancers accepted to top global institutions
Services
Ballet Performances
Ballet Tucson presents five annual productions featuring classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Performances include collaborations with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and guest artists. Our season showcases diverse repertoires from George Balanchine to new choreographic voices.
Dance Education
The School of Ballet Tucson offers classes for ages 3 to adults with professional faculty. Curriculum includes Vaganova-based training, summer intensives, and performance opportunities. Students receive personalized instruction in a supportive environment emphasizing technical excellence and artistry.
Community Outreach
Our outreach programs bring dance education to Title 1 schools through Best Foot Forward and free pop-up performances. KidzTIX provides complimentary tickets to underserved students. We also offer lecture demonstrations and workshops for local schools and community groups.
Youth Performances
Students participate in professional productions like The Nutcracker alongside company dancers. Annual showcases include Spring Showcase and Summer Workshop Performances. These opportunities develop stage presence and performance skills in a professional setting.
Masterclasses
Intermediate and advanced students receive free masterclasses from renowned guest artists. Past instructors include dancers from New York City Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Classes focus on specialized techniques and career preparation for aspiring professionals.
People
Margaret Mullin
Artistic Director
A Tucson native and former Pacific Northwest Ballet Soloist, Margaret leads Ballet Tucson's artistic vision. She has performed leading roles in works by Balanchine and Peck, and received multiple arts leadership awards.
Chieko Imada
Associate Artistic Director
With decades of experience as a performer and choreographer, Chieko creates classical and contemporary works for Ballet Tucson. She has trained dancers who now perform with top international companies.
Brik Middlekauff
Rehearsal Director
A former Sacramento Ballet company member, Brik oversees rehearsal operations. She brings extensive performance experience from companies in California and has worked with renowned choreographers.
Caitlin DuBrule
Operations Manager
Caitlin manages administrative operations for Ballet Tucson, ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning. She coordinates between artistic staff and external partners to support company activities.
Chieko Imada
Resident Choreographer
As Ballet Tucson's Resident Choreographer, Chieko creates original works and restages classical ballets. Her choreography has been recognized with Arts Hero Awards and festival invitations.
Questions
What age groups does The School of Ballet Tucson accept?
We offer classes for children as young as 3 through adult learners, with specialized programs for different skill levels.
Can students participate in professional performances?
Yes, students perform alongside company dancers in productions like The Nutcracker and in our annual Spring Showcase.
What styles of dance do you teach?
Our curriculum focuses on classical ballet with Vaganova-based training, plus contemporary and character dance components.
Are there scholarship opportunities available?
We offer need-based scholarships and our KidzTIX program provides free tickets to underserved students for select performances.
How can I purchase performance tickets?
Tickets are available through our website or at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall box office for Tucson Symphony Orchestra collaborations.
Do you offer summer dance programs?
Yes, our Summer Intensive program provides advanced training with guest instructors and performance opportunities for serious students.
Reviews (5)
Katya Williams
Oct 16, 2021
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I was a dancer at Ballet Arts and I miss being part of them! Amazing place, people and you get to be promoted! :D
Lia No Mundo
Mar 28, 2021
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A serious classical ballet, jazz and tap studio where kids are trained to become technical dancers. The teachers are thorough and emphasize proper dance education. Even though there are full production opportunities for dancers to be part of, if what youre looking for is to see your kid in a tutu doing cutesy stuff on stage, this is not your school. Professional dancers come out of this place!
Andrea Bacon
Jan 26, 2021
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Great Ballet classes for all levels. I came back to Ballet as an adult and have made progress by attending the two weekly classes. Very friendly nurturing environment. Highly recommended.
Corisu
Dec 31, 2018
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Wonderful school for adult beginners. Technique-based class, not fitness-based, so you will learn and get stronger in a safe and fun environment! Love this company and Chieko!
Cynthia Bivens
Feb 01, 2016
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We travel to Tucson from Sierra Vista because of the quality instruction and higher level of technique taught here! Wonderful, caring, talented staff!
