Ballet Meets Broadway March 24-27 at 'All Balanchine'
By Claire Natale -
Thursday Feb 17, 2022
George Balanchine, known as The Father of American Ballet, broke ground when he put his twist on traditional ballet standards and techniques. Before his storied career at Ballet Arizona, Ib Andersen was mentored by the legendary choreographer during his tenure as a dancer at New York City Ballet. Now the company will bring the Big Apple to center stage. Ballet Arizona will take Balanchine’s works to the next level, including Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, a Broadway-inspired theatrical interpretation of the musical, On Your Toes.
Slaughter on Tenth Avenue brings a Broadway twist to traditional ballet. Musical theater lovers will delight as Ballet Arizona’s talented dancers showcase additional acting skills. Slaughter on Tenth Avenue tells the story of a tap dancer who falls in love with a dance hall girl, who is shot and killed by her jealous boyfriend. Originally part of the Broadway hit On Your Toes, Slaughter on Tenth Avenue kicks ballet formalities aside for big, theatrical performances. Slaughter on Tenth Avenue is the first of four Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart musicals choreographed by Balanchine.
The first ballet Balanchine choreographed in America, Serenade is a romantic work of massive sweep set to a transcendent Tchaikovsky score, echoing themes of betrayal and alluding to images of protection.
Andersen is one of only a handful of artists worldwide entrusted by the Balanchine Trust to stage these masterpieces. His understanding of Balanchine’s work draws respect from revered dance critics across the country.
"One of the most striking developments in modern ballet is that there is now a trans-American, even trans-global, Balanchine diaspora. Ballet Arizona ranks among the most significant," – Alastair Macaulay, The New York Times.
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.