Business Details
40 Years
experience
Professional Ballet Company & Dance School in Tucson
Ballet Tucson has been a cornerstone of Southern Arizona's cultural landscape since its founding in 1986. As the region's only professional ballet company, we are dedicated to delivering world-class performances and comprehensive dance education through our affiliated School of Ballet Tucson. Our mission centers on fostering artistic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement through diverse programming that spans classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Margaret Mullin and Associate Artistic Director Chieko Imada, our company collaborates with renowned choreographers and musicians to create transformative experiences for audiences and students alike. The School of Ballet Tucson provides rigorous training for all ages, with faculty comprising current and former company dancers who bring decades of international performance experience.Students gain unique opportunities to perform alongside professionals in productions like The Nutcracker, while advanced dancers receive career mentorship and apprenticeship pathways. Our community outreach initiatives, including free pop-up performances and dance education in Title 1 schools, reflect our commitment to making ballet accessible to all. With a legacy of nurturing talent that has reached prestigious institutions worldwide, we continue to evolve as a vital arts organization that bridges professional artistry with educational excellence.
Services
Ballet performances
Dance education
Community outreach
Youth programs
Professional training
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer training from faculty with international performance experience in top companies
- Our students perform alongside professional dancers in major productions
- We provide career mentorship pathways to professional dance careers
- Our community outreach reaches over 5,000 underserved students annually
- We present five diverse performance seasons with renowned choreographers
Services
Ballet Performances
Ballet Tucson presents five annual concert seasons featuring classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Our productions include collaborations with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and renowned guest artists. Professional dancers perform leading roles in works by Balanchine, Robbins, and Peck, while students participate in select performances. Each season showcases diverse programming that engages audiences through storytelling and artistic innovation.
Dance Education
The School of Ballet Tucson offers training for ages 3 to adult with a faculty of professional dancers. Curriculum includes ballet, pointe, modern, and jazz techniques. Students receive personalized instruction focused on technical development and artistic expression. Advanced students access masterclasses with guest teachers and career mentorship opportunities. The program prepares dancers for professional careers or higher education in dance.
Community Outreach
Our outreach initiatives provide free dance education and performances to underserved communities. Best Foot Forward delivers in-school instruction to Title 1 students, while KidzTIX offers complimentary tickets to performances. Ballet Banter lecture series educates audiences about dance history. Pop-up performances bring ballet to public spaces, making the art form accessible to diverse audiences across Southern Arizona.
Youth Programs
Specialized programming for young dancers includes pre-ballet classes, summer workshops, and performance opportunities. The curriculum develops motor skills, creativity, and discipline through age-appropriate instruction. Students participate in annual productions like The Nutcracker and Spring Showcase. Parent education resources support home practice and dance development.
Professional Training
Advanced students receive career preparation through apprenticeship pathways and mentorship programs. Training includes company class participation, rehearsal observation, and performance coaching. Graduates have secured positions with major companies like American Ballet Theatre and Pacific Northwest Ballet. The program emphasizes technical excellence, artistic growth, and professional readiness.
People
Margaret Mullin
Artistic Director
A Tucson native and former Pacific Northwest Ballet Soloist, Margaret leads with 14 seasons of professional performance experience. She received the Princess Grace Fellowship and CityArtist Award, bringing expertise in Balanchine technique and contemporary choreography to Ballet Tucson's artistic vision.
Chieko Imada
Associate Artistic Director
With a career spanning Tokyo, Tucson, and beyond, Chieko has created over 40 original works for Ballet Tucson. Her choreography includes classical story ballets and contemporary pieces, earning nominations for Arizona's Governors Art Award and Buffalo Exchange Arts Award.
Brik Middlekauff
Rehearsal Director
A former Sacramento Ballet and California Ballet Company dancer, Brik brings extensive performance and teaching experience. She has worked with renowned choreographers including Twyla Tharp and Septime Webre, specializing in Balanchine repertoire and company rehearsals.
Caitlin DuBrule
Administrative Assistant
Caitlin provides essential support to Ballet Tucson's operations, ensuring smooth administrative functions that enable the company's artistic and educational programs to thrive.
E.J. Causbie
Production Manager
E.J. oversees technical production and facility operations, bringing expertise in stagecraft and event management to ensure professional-quality performances and rehearsals.
Questions
What age groups does the School of Ballet Tucson accept?
We offer classes for children as young as 3 through adult learners with all experience levels.
Can students participate in professional productions?
Yes, students perform alongside company dancers in select productions including The Nutcracker.
Are there scholarship opportunities available?
We offer financial assistance and need-based scholarships for qualifying students in our dance programs.
How can I purchase performance tickets?
Tickets are available through our website or at the Temple of Music and Art box office.
Does Ballet Tucson offer community education programs?
Yes, we provide free dance education in Title 1 schools through our Best Foot Forward initiative.
What performance venues do you use?
We perform at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, Temple of Music and Art, and Proscenium Theatre.
