Ballet Arizona, the Valley’s only professional ballet company, is proud to announce that its very own Nayon Iovino is now the resident choreographer of Ballet Arizona. Iovino joined Ballet Arizona as a company dancer in 2012 and has not only performed in a number of productions but has also choreographed nine new works for the company. His first piece was created in 2013.

“Nayon has proven his talent in the many years he has been choreographing, earning him this role,” said Ib Andersen, Ballet Arizona’s artistic director. “I’m looking forward to seeing how Nayon is going to challenge himself with his choreography and what direction he will go with it, because it is a journey. To progress in your choreography, it’s crucial that the dancers know your style and that you have that continuity.”

Iovino was one of three choreographers selected to participate in the 2019 New York Choreographic Institute’s spring session where he collaborated with composer Trey Makler. Iovino also choreographed five pieces for the Artist Relief Fund and was commissioned to create two works for Southwest Youth Ballet Theatre. In 2017, alongside then school director Carlos Valcárcel, Iovino co-choreographed The School of Ballet Arizona’s full-length production of Cinderella. In 2017, he was recognized by AZCentral as an “Up and Coming Artist Under 40” and in 2018 he was named “Best Choreographer” by the Phoenix New Times.

As a choreographer, Iovino draws inspiration from music to help determine the concept for a new piece. He explores and combines different types of movement depending on the composition, which is why audiences can expect a wide range of dance styles and music with his choreography.

“It means so much to me to be named resident choreographer for Ballet Arizona,” said Iovino. “It’s been an amazing experience creating new works for this company. I have discovered a whole new facet of ballet which I feel deeply connected to. I’m excited to continue exploring my creativity and would love the opportunity to put together some bigger ballets for the company.”

Iovino will help kick off Ballet Arizona’s 2022-2023 season with a new work titled Tierra de Ángele, that will be performed at the upcoming production of Contemporary Moves Sept. 22 – 25, 2022.

For more information on Ballet Arizona and its 2022-2023 season, please visit http://www.balletaz.org.

Nayon Iovino:
Nayon Iovin began dancing at age 10 in Goiania, Brazil under the instruction of Gisela Vaz at Studio Dancarte Brazil. At age 17, he was awarded a full scholarship to begin training with The Washington School of Ballet with Kee Juan Han and Carlos Valcárcel Prior to joining Ballet Arizona in 2012, Iovino danced with Terra Basil, Houston Ballet II, and The Washington Ballet. He has performed works by Twyla Tharp, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Christopher Bruce, Stanton Welch, Edwaard Liang, Ib Andersen, Alejandro Cerrudo, and Alexei Ratmansky, as well as an extensive repertoire by George Balanchine. Nayon Iovino received critical acclaim by The New York Times for his performances in the North American premiere of Napoli in 2015 and in Round in 2016.

Ballet Arizona:
Ballet Arizona is dedicated to preserving and celebrating classical dance while creating new and innovative works. Under the artistic direction of internationally acclaimed choreographer Ib Andersen – a former Principal Dancer with The New York City Ballet and The Royal Danish Ballet – Ballet Arizona follows his lead to the future of dance in Arizona. The School of Ballet Arizona promotes access to the art form of ballet through dance education, with a focus on excellence in the form, directing each student to a life-long love of dance. Following this vision, Ballet Arizona connects to more than 35,000 children and families every year through its free and low-cost outreach programs. For more information, visit http://www.balletaz.org.