Tucson, AZ--- Loved by artists and audiences alike, Steps Forward is a choreographers’ showcase that features an array of all new works, created by current Ballet Tucson company members for their fellow dancers. This highly anticipated annual performance will take place at the Temple of Music and Art on Friday, September 12 at 7pm.
At the end of this one-night-only collection of premieres, audience members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite, which will then receive an encore presentation on the Ballet Tucson mainstage later in the season (TBA). This program offers vital career development and transition support for Ballet Tucson dancers, allowing them to explore their creativity and their artistic potential as choreographers. After the show the choreographers will join in a special Q&A moderated by Artistic Director Margaret Mullin. Tickets per person start at $25 and can be purchased at tickets@ballettucson.org or by calling 520.903.1445.
Steps Forward is generously sponsored by Schaefer Present Corte Mance Investman Group at RBC Wealth Management.
Photo from Steps Forward 2024 – Photo Credit Charles Cronenwett
Quotes From Ballet Tucson Dancers/Choreographers
Duncan Barlow, winner 2023:
“I would be grateful to this program as a vehicle for creative expression alone, but it’s also an invaluable resource for career development. As a choreographer at the beginning of my career, it offers a great opportunity to experiment with my approach to creating dance. This is my fourth year choreographing a work for Ballet Tucson’s skilled and versatile dancers, and each year I’ve made ballets that could not be more different from each other. I’m proud of the advancements I’ve made personally, and I feel indebted to Ballet Tucson for the chances to hone my craft.
Another exciting part of Steps Forward is the way the audience participates. After my ballet Asphodel won the audience favorite vote in 2023, I had the honor of presenting my work on the company’s mainstage later that season. My work being performed alongside hugely accomplished choreographers like Marius Petipa, Paul Gibson, and Kiyon Ross was both thrilling and sobering, and hearing from people in the audience that resonated with Asphodel was a gift like nothing else. So know that your votes tonight count! They have the power to change one of these choreographer’s lives”.
Brooke Amundrud, winner 2022 and 2023
“We do what we do for the audience and knowing that what you created resonated with someone is really special. That is a unique experience Steps Forward provides. It is so special to have the chance to re-stage something. Getting to work with the dancers the second time around, we always find a way to dig deeper and add new layers to the work”.
SUBSCRIPTION & TICKET INFORMATION
All tickets and subscriptions are now on sale. A Classic Subscription includes all five season performances including The Nutcracker at the rate of $260 and Mixed Rep Subscription includes four performances (minus The Nutcracker) at the rate of $188. Both Season Subscription options include special discounts, concierge service and other exclusive benefits: https://ballettucson.org/season-subscription/
Tickets for The Nutcracker in partnership with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra can only be purchased from the Tucson Convention Center in-person at their box office or online via Ticketmaster. Tickets to all other Ballet Tucson performances can be purchased at .ballettucson.org.
Additional photos and assets are available upon request. All programming is subject to change.
ABOUT BALLET TUCSON
Ballet Tucson was established in 1986 by Mary Beth Cabana to create a world-class professional ballet company and school in Southern Arizona. In the spring of 2022, Margaret Mullin, a Tucson native, was named Artistic Director alongside Chieko Imada, Ballet Tucson’s Associate Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer.
Ballet Tucson provides local and international artistry of the highest caliber presenting five professional performances annually which include beloved classics like The Nutcracker in partnership with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and innovative works by acclaimed choreographers like Justin Peck, George Balanchine and Christopher Wheeldon.
The School of Ballet Tucson provides the opportunity for students of all ages to receive the highest caliber of dance training from accomplished instructors while developing a deep love for the art form and a means for greater self-expression.
As Southern Arizona’s only professional ballet company, Ballet Tucson is committed to building community around the art of dance through outreach and education initiatives. This includes free pop-up performances, the Best Foot Forward program (dance education classes in Title 1 schools), the Ballet Banter lecture series and KidzTIX, which provides free performance tickets to students of Title 1 schools throughout Tucson. Ballet Tucson Studios are located at 200 S Tucson Blvd. For additional information on show and studio schedules and to purchase tickets visit https://ballettucson.org/ or call 520-903-1445.
###