Ballet Arizona Presents Annual Contemporary Moves

Ballet Arizona’s 38th season continues with its annual performance of Contemporary Moves from March 28-31 at Orpheum Theatre. Contemporary Moves is a dance lover’s dream as this vibrant program features an evening of diverse short ballets, similar to a collection of short stories, from some of the most masterful choreographers of our time. This year’s program features Paul Taylor, Alejandro Cerrudo, and Ballet Arizona’s Artistic Director, Ib Andersen, and Resident Choreographer, Nayon Iovino. Audiences will enjoy musical compositions from Philip Glass, Astor Piazzolla, Jerzy Peterburshsky and more.

Arizonans will experience the new and unexpected as Ballet Arizona presents the following ballets:

After its premiere in 2014, Nayon Iovino’s enthralling Inner Layer returns to the stage. Iovino’s choreography is dynamic and expressive, keeping audiences hooked to their seat from the first movement. For fans of Iovino’s Moving Movies, this performance will truly be one you won’t want to miss from this creative visionary.

Alejandro Cerrudo’s Never Was envelopes audiences with an emotional explosion of unity and divergence through this duet that will surely leave you wanting more. Never Was was choreographed in 2012 and features music by George Frederic Handel and Henry Purcell.

The Arizona premiere of Paul Taylor’s Piazzolla Caldera is a sensual display of tango as reinterpreted and reimagined with modern dance. Taylor honors the tradition of tango, preserving the essence of the form in his choreography.

Set to Philip Glass’s “Days and Nights in Rocinha,” Ib Andersen’s Rio explores the movement and vivacity found in Brazilian culture, featuring vibrant costumes and dynamic choreography. Inspired by samba, this playful ballet recalls the joy of the country of Brazil.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Arizona audiences to see some of the highest caliber contemporary works on stage,” said Anderson. “We can already see the impact of choreographers like Alejandro Cerrudo and Nayon Iovino on the landscape of the dance world, and it is an honor to present Paul Taylor’s Piazzolla Caldera for the first time in Arizona.”

“Contemporary Moves is my favorite program of the season,” said Iovino. “It’s where the boundaries of dance are pushed. Dancers are challenged with new movements; choreographers pursue new creative horizons and audience members get to experience the transformation of dance.”

Single tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Ballet Arizona box office at 602-381-1096. For more information, visit https://balletaz.org/performance/contemporary-moves/2024-03-28/

Ballet Arizona Contemporary Moves, Image Credit Michael Higgins