Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experience World-Class Ballet & Dance Education in Little Rock
Ballet Arkansas was founded in 1966 as the Little Rock Civic Ballet and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1978. Over 47 years, we have impacted over half a million Arkansans through performances, education programs, and community engagement. As Arkansas's premier ballet company and one of the top 75 in the U.S., we present classical masterpieces, American dance landmarks, and innovative world premieres. Our 17 professional dancers reach audiences across all 50 states and 60 countries annually. We serve as the official dance presenter at Little Rock's Robinson Center and hold residency at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.Our School for Dance trains hundreds of students yearly, complemented by educational outreach programs for over 10,000 K-12 students. We are a founding member of Little Rock's Creative Corridor, located at 520 Main St. Our mission combines artistic excellence with community enrichment, fostering inclusivity and inspiring through dance. With strategic partnerships and a commitment to innovation, we aim to strengthen Arkansas's cultural landscape while maintaining financial sustainability.
Services
Ballet Performances
Dance Education
Youth Classes
Adult Ballet
Community Outreach
School Programs
Summer Camps
Master Classes
Private Instruction
Touring Productions
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- Ranked among America's Top 75 Ballet Companies by the Dance Data Project
- Professional faculty includes current and former dancers from leading companies
- State-of-the-art facility in downtown Little Rock's Creative Corridor
- Award-winning educational outreach serving 10,000+ K-12 students annually
- Official dance presenter at Little Rock's Robinson Center for Performing Arts
What people say
Exceptional training
Visible progress
Supportive environment
Expert faculty
Community engagement
Services
Ballet Performances
Our professional company presents classical masterpieces, American dance landmarks, and innovative world premieres. Each season features productions at major venues like the Robinson Center and Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. We combine bold choreography with stunning visual design for audiences of all ages, including special K-12 matinees and community cast productions.
Dance Education
The Ballet Arkansas School for Dance offers training for ages 3+ with small class sizes and expert instruction. Our curriculum includes recreational programs, pre-professional tracks, and adult classes. Students benefit from guest faculty, performance opportunities, and a comprehensive syllabus covering multiple ballet techniques and contemporary styles.
Community Outreach
We provide educational programs for over 10,000 K-12 students annually through school partnerships and community events. Our initiatives include discounted group tickets, touring productions, and special programs like the Land of the Sweets Nutcracker Tea. We aim to make dance accessible to diverse audiences across Arkansas.
Summer Programs
Our summer sessions feature masterclasses, technique training, and performance preparation for serious dancers. The programs include age-specific instruction, guest artist workshops, and opportunities to work with professional faculty. Participants gain technical proficiency and artistic development in a supportive environment.
Adult Ballet
We offer beginner to intermediate ballet classes for adults with flexible scheduling options. Our program accommodates both new learners and returning dancers, focusing on technique, flexibility, and artistic expression. Classes promote physical fitness, stress relief, and social connection in a welcoming atmosphere.
People
Michael Fothergill
Executive & Artistic Director
With over 20 years of leadership experience, Michael oversees artistic direction and company operations. A former professional dancer, he brings expertise in choreography and arts administration to guide Ballet Arkansas's creative vision and strategic growth.
Catherine Fothergill
Associate Artistic Director
Catherine directs educational programs and community engagement initiatives. Her background in dance pedagogy and curriculum development shapes the School for Dance's comprehensive training approach for students of all levels.
Colin J. Neel
Director of Production
Colin manages technical operations and production logistics for all performances. With extensive experience in stagecraft and event coordination, he ensures seamless execution of complex theatrical productions across multiple venues.
Mary Keck
Director of Engagement
Mary leads audience development and community partnerships. Her focus on accessibility and outreach has expanded educational programs, increasing participation in school initiatives and community events by 40% over five years.
Stephanie Ong
Director of Costuming
Stephanie oversees wardrobe operations for all productions. With expertise in costume design and historical garment construction, she creates authentic period pieces and innovative contemporary designs that enhance each performance's visual storytelling.
Questions
What types of dance classes do you offer for children?
We offer age-appropriate ballet training from Creative Movement (ages 3-4) through advanced levels, including pre-pointe, pointe work, and variations. Classes develop technical skills while fostering creativity and discipline in a nurturing environment.
Do you have adult ballet classes for beginners?
Yes! Our adult program includes beginner through intermediate classes with flexible scheduling. No prior experience is needed - our instructors adapt techniques to accommodate all fitness levels in a welcoming atmosphere.
How can schools participate in your educational programs?
We offer discounted group tickets, in-school workshops, and special matinee performances. Our outreach team works with educators to integrate dance into curricula through movement-based learning experiences aligned with state standards.
What performance venues do you use?
Our main venues include the Robinson Center for Performing Arts and Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. We also host smaller events at the Historic Arkansas Museum and offer touring productions through the Arkansas Arts Council's roster programs.
Are there opportunities for local dancers to perform?
Yes! We feature community casts in major productions like The Nutcracker and Cinderella. Selected students from our School for Dance participate alongside professional artists in these large-scale performances.
How do you support aspiring professional dancers?
Our pre-professional track offers mentorship, career counseling, and advanced training from company artists. Students gain performance experience through competitive YAGP team participation and special showcases with guest choreographers.
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