Ballet Meets Broadway

Ib Andersen, Ballet Arizona’s artistic director, presents three of Balanchine’s works during All Balanchine May 7-10 at Symphony Hall.

Slaughter on Tenth Avenue brings a Broadway twist to traditional ballet. Musical theater lovers will delight as Ballet Arizona’s 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.

Ballet Arizona presents the Arizona premiere of Balanchine’s Bourrée Fantasque. Balanchine takes comic aim at many of the conventions that typify classical dance while providing glimpses of popular genres including the can-can and tango with a score by Emmanuel Chabrier. Bourrée Fantasque moves from comic absurdity, to dazzling hilarity with astounding shifts of geometric formations.

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. Andersen is celebrating 20 years with Arizona’s professional ballet company in 2020. Before his storied career at Ballet Arizona, Andersen was mentored by Balanchine himself during his tenure as a dancer at New York City Ballet.

All Balanchine 

May 7-10

Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix

For more information/tickets, visit balletaz.org.