Ballet Arkansas

- 520 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72201

For over 40 years, Ballet Arkansas has been a cornerstone of the arts community in the Natural State. As the foremost professional ballet company in Arkansas, we are dedicated to captivating audiences through artistic excellence and providing unmatched dance education for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. From our home in the heart of downtown Little Rock, we strive to make the art of ballet accessible and engaging for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or taking your very first steps in a dance studio. Under the visionary leadership of Directors Michael and Catherine Fothergill, Ballet Arkansas has grown into one of the top ballet companies in the United States, bringing world-class performances and educational programs to nearly 50,000 audience members each year.

Our mission goes beyond the stage. We are a non-profit organization deeply committed to enriching the lives of Arkansans through the power of dance. We believe that dance is a powerful tool for personal growth, fostering discipline, confidence, and physical well-being. This is evident not only in our stunning performances but also in the dedicated and nurturing environment of our dance school. We are proud to be a founding member of Little Rock's "Creative Corridor" and a significant cultural partner for the city and state. Our company is a testament to the talent and dedication of our professional dancers, many of whom audition from around the world to join our ranks. We are more than just a dance company; we are a community that celebrates art, culture, and the shared joy of movement.

Ballet Arkansas is conveniently located at 520 Main Street in Little Rock, AR 72201, placing us right in the vibrant "Creative Corridor" of the city. This central downtown location makes our studio and offices easily accessible for residents across Central Arkansas and beyond. Our facility is a key part of the area's creative hub, situated directly across the street from the Arkansas Repertory Theater. For those visiting, there are various public parking options available nearby, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. We are committed to accessibility for all members of our community, which is why we offer a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring everyone can enjoy our onsite services. This focus on convenience and inclusivity allows us to welcome a diverse range of students and audience members to our space.

As an organization that values community and accessibility, we have designed our programs to serve a wide audience. Our onsite services are at the core of our offerings, providing both professional training and recreational classes in a state-of-the-art facility. We are proud to offer a diverse range of options for everyone, from children just beginning their dance journey to adults seeking a new form of exercise and expression.

Our extensive list of services and programs includes:

• Professional ballet performances and an annual season of vibrant programming
• The School for Dance, offering exceptional instruction to children and adults
• Dance education and training for all skill levels and ages
• Classes for adults with flexible schedules, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels
• Summer camps, intensives, and workshops for both youth and adults
• Educational outreach initiatives for K-12 students, reaching thousands annually
• Community Cast productions, providing local dancers with performance opportunities
• Specialized masterclasses with our professional company members and guest artists
• Opportunities for onsite services, including classes and community events

At Ballet Arkansas, we take pride in the unique features and highlights that make us a standout institution in the state. One of the most important aspects is our commitment to providing world-class performances that are also deeply rooted in our community. Our annual “Nutcracker Spectacular” is a beloved holiday tradition, featuring not only our professional dancers but also over 260 local children and adults from more than 25 dance schools across the state. This collaborative spirit exemplifies our belief in the power of dance to bring people together.

Key highlights of Ballet Arkansas include:

• As one of America’s top professional ballet companies, we offer unparalleled artistic quality.
• We are the only professional ballet company in Little Rock, providing unique opportunities for local artists and audiences.
• We offer active military discounts as a way of giving back to those who serve our country.
• Our classes are good for kids, providing a fun and structured environment for them to learn and grow.
• The company is a designated Arts Partner Company in Residence at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the official dance presenter of the Robinson Center.
• Our accessibility features, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom, ensure that all members of the community are welcome.
• We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, for convenience.
• The company is led by a dynamic artistic staff, including Directors Michael and Catherine Fothergill, whose vision has elevated Ballet Arkansas's reputation nationally.

The positive impact of our programs is perhaps best expressed through the experiences of our students and patrons. As one satisfied adult student noted, our classes provide an “amazing challenge and great discipline for developing functional muscle,” leading to improved posture and even relief from chronic pain. This testimonial highlights our ability to cater to a wide range of goals, whether they be artistic, physical, or both. The kindness, encouragement, and patience of our instructors, like Aldrin, are frequently praised, creating a welcoming atmosphere that puts even absolute beginners at ease.

For more information about our classes, performances, and other programs, please feel free to reach out to us directly.

Contact Information:

Address: 520 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA

Phone: (501) 223-5150

What is worth choosing Ballet Arkansas? The answer lies in our unwavering commitment to excellence, both on and off the stage. We are more than just a dance studio; we are a cultural institution with a profound impact on our community. For those seeking professional-level artistic expression, we offer a chance to witness breathtaking performances by our company of world-class dancers. Our repertory includes not only timeless classics but also innovative works from some of the most celebrated choreographers in the world, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience for every show. This artistic vision, combined with the dedication of our directors and performers, makes every performance a memorable event that showcases the best of ballet.

For those interested in dance education, choosing Ballet Arkansas means choosing a school with a proven track record and a nurturing approach. As one student shared, they “didn’t know literally anything about dance when I started,” yet found our classes to be an amazing challenge that provided significant physical benefits. Our instructors are not only skilled dancers but also patient and encouraging mentors who are dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential. The community aspect is also a key differentiator. The directors are widely praised for their hard work and for sharing their love of dance with the community, creating a warm and welcoming environment where people feel like they are part of a family. Whether you are a parent looking for a safe and enriching activity for your child or an adult seeking to improve your physical health and find a new creative outlet, our classes provide the ideal setting. From the discipline of ballet to the joy of performing, every facet of Ballet Arkansas is designed to enrich, educate, and inspire. By choosing us, you are supporting a local non-profit that is truly dedicated to making the arts accessible and vibrant for all Arkansans.

Ballet Arkansas

520 Main St, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA