BALLET TUCSON

BALLET TUCSON suspends performances

By Beverly Medlyn

This time away from the stage has only deepened my belief in the importance of live performances. All of us at Ballet Tucson look forward to the day we can return to the stage and continue to inspire Tucson audiences through the power of dance.” —Margaret Mullin, artistic associate and media director, Ballet Tucson

Ballet Tucson has suspended performances through the end of 2020 due to the pandemic, with no scheduled reopening dates.

Like all performing arts organizations, Ballet Tucson was hit by several factors tied to COVID-19, including the need to keep artists and audiences safe; shuttered performance venues; and lack of revenue from ticket sales and fundraising events, says Margaret Mullin, artistic associate and media director.

Now in its 35th season, Ballet Tucson is the city’s resident professional ballet company, producing historic classics and innovative contemporary dance.

A children’s company traditionally performs alongside the company’s professionals in shows such as The Nutcracker, Cinderella and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Youth performances and public school outreach programs also have been suspended indefinitely, though limited dance classes continue for small groups of students.

Ballet Tucson’s staff is exploring ways to offer performances. One idea is giving pop-up performances with a few dancers at various outdoor locations. For updates, view onstageaz.com.

Ten episodes of “Ballet Tucson 101” are in production for YouTube and Vimeo platforms to educate people about ballet in the hope of inspiring them to come to the theater when performances resume, Mullin says.

Ballet Tucson also engages with the community through Facebook and Instagram, featuring short video profiles of dancers talking about how they are spending their time during the pandemic and other creative content.

A newly-formed Ballet Tucson Bravo League, comprised of school alumni, former company members and other young professionals, is creating ways to support the company, including digital fundraisers. An online fundraiser in September was matched dollar for dollar with a generous $50,000 challenge gift from loyal supporters Florence and Larry Adamson.

“The Bravo League is an important addition for Ballet Tucson,” says Ballet Tucson Founding Artistic Director Mary Beth Cabana. “In order for our organization to move confidently forward, we want to encourage and mentor the next generation of arts leaders to take pride in using their unique talents to support ballet.”

For more information, visit ballettucson.org.