Article and Photo provided to Arkansas Post by Little Rock Parks Department
LITTLE ROCK (September 13, 2021) – As the kickoff to the 21|22 season, Ballet Arkansas presents Movement in the Parks, a new series that brings live dance performance to Little Rock parks, presented in partnership with Little Rock Parks & Recreation. “Parks are a place where people come together in celebration, to make memories. What could be a better setting for the first performances of the season?” said Michael Fothergill, Executive and Artistic Director of the company. Movement in the Parks ensures all within our community have access to world class dance performances in stunning outdoor settings, free of charge. “Bringing diverse populations together to celebrate the arts and Little Rock’s abundant natural resources is a pillar of our partnership, but we also hope to create opportunities for residents to explore Ballet Arkansas’s eclectic programming in settings that enhance their appreciation of the capital city,” Fothergill said.Â
“We could not envision a better way to kick off Ballet Arkansas’ 21|22 season than with a free public performance immersed in the natural state, fulfilling our mission as a nonprofit organization to provide accessible programming for all in our community to enjoy,” said Catherine Fothergill, Associate Artistic Director. “We invite the public to join Ballet Arkansas at the MacArthur Park Gazebo in Downtown Little Rock on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 12:00 pm or 3:00 pm for a breathtaking experience.” Featuring dynamic works of classical and contemporary dance, the program runs approximately 50 minutes, and highlights the talents and range of Ballet Arkansas’ 14 professional ballet dancers.
Movement in the Parks: Performance 1
September 25, 2021, 12:00 & 3:00pm | MacArthur Park Gazebo, 503 East 9th Street | Performance run time: 50 minutes
- “Aperture” | Alice Klock & Florian Lochner | Contemporary ensemble work created by internationally renowned choreographic duo and “Flockworks” co-founders, Alice Klock & Florian Lochner – back by popular demand!
- “Grand Pas Classique” | Victor Gsovsky | Premiered on the Paris Opera Ballet in 1949, this paramount pas de deux (dance for two) seamlessly blends power and grace. Music by Daniel-Francois Auber.
- “An Ode” | Michael Fothergill | Commissioned in 2014, this neoclassical work for 4 is like lightning in a bottle, and is Executive and Artistic Director, Michael Fothergill’s ode to the style of George Balanchine. Musical selection: Violin Sonata RV 31 by Vivaldi.
- “The Great Gatsby” Sneak Peak | Michael Fothergill | Be the first to experience the glitz and glamour of our world premiere telling of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s tale of love, betrayal, and murder. Experience the full, multimedia infused production just in time for Halloween in October at UA-PTC CHARTS in North Little Rock. Tickets on sale soon at www.balletarkansas.org/tickets.
“The City of Little Rock is pleased to collaborate with Ballet Arkansas. They are a longstanding and important part of Little Rock’s arts and creative economy community. The partnership between Ballet Arkansas and the Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department is perfect because we both share in the common goal of creating opportunities for Little Rock residents to come together for shared experiences,” said Maxime Pierre, the City of Little Rock’s Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation. “As Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., likes to say, the arts help to Unite Little Rock. We are pleased that Ballet Arkansas will be bringing its professional dance experiences to our City parks.”
Live performances will be held across the city at MacArthur Park on September 25th, Southwest Community Center on October 16th, Riverfront Park on March 12th, and War Memorial Park on April 2nd. Performances will feature classical masterpieces, cutting edge contemporary works, and previews of Ballet Arkansas’s annual productions. Attendees may bring their own lawn chairs and are encouraged to patronize area restaurants and attractions before and after the performances.
“We could not be more grateful for the support of the City of Little Rock, the Parks and Recreation Department and everyone who has worked hand in hand with Ballet Arkansas to give this gift of free performances to our community,” said Associate Artistic Director, Catherine Fothergill.
Movement in the Parks Public Performance Schedule
September 25, 2021 – MacArthur Park | 12:00 & 3:00 pm
October 16, 2021 – Southwest Community Center | 12:00 & 3:00 pm
March 12, 2022 – Riverfront Park | 2:00 & 6:00 pm
April 2, 2022 – War Memorial Park | 2:00 & 6:00 pm
Dates and times are subject to change. Learn more about performance information and Movement in the Parks at www.balletarkansas.org.
