Ballet Arkansas is closing out its 47th season with a bold first: a free production featuring original choreography by its own company artists. Titled Origins: A New Works Celebration, the program will take place on May 1 and May 3 at the North Little Rock Event Center, standing as the first performance in this venue.
Unlike traditional repertory programs that blend classical and contemporary works, Origins is composed exclusively of original pieces by Ballet Arkansas company members.
Executive and Artistic Director Michael Fothergill describes the production as an important step for the organization.
“The program centers on new voices, new movement and new ideas, serving as a reflection of this pivotal moment in the company’s evolution and a clear expression of where we are and where we are headed,” he says.
The choreographers — Murray McCormack, Liev Ewart, Kerridwyn Schanck, Deanna Stanton and McKenna Ulbrick — were selected through an open company call, each presenting original work for consideration.
“The program highlights fresh choreography while exploring the compelling duality of the performer and the choreographer, showcasing our dancers not only as interpreters of movement, but as innovative creative voices in their own right,” Michael says.
Following the performance on May 3, guests are invited to a ticketed Season Wrap Party, a celebration involving audience favorites from the 2025-2026 season, a meet and greet with company artists and an exclusive first look at the 2026-2027 season.
For Michael, it was incredibly rewarding to see the company dancers develop their choreographic voices.
“Witnessing the creative journey unfold has been inspiring, and I am immensely proud of the dedication, curiosity and artistry our company members have shown throughout this process,” he says.
A historic venue debut
The performance also will mark a milestone for the venue itself. Origins will be the first performance of any kind at the new North Little Rock Event Center in Argenta.
“To inaugurate the North Little Rock Event Center as a dance venue is truly historic,” Michael says.
The collaboration represents a landmark partnership between the City of North Little Rock, North Little Rock Tourism and Ballet Arkansas. It developed through conversations with North Little Rock Tourism about how to expand Ballet Arkansas’ Live at The Plaza, a free outdoor concert series in Argenta.
“As that series continued to grow in both scope and audience engagement, we began exploring what the next evolution of that partnership could look like and how we might build upon its success in a way that served even more people,” Michael says. “When plans for the North Little Rock Event Center began to take shape, it felt like a natural extension of those discussions.”
Investing in the arts
Ballet Arkansas evolved from the Little Rock Civic Ballet, founded in 1966 by Lorraine and Donald C. Cranford. Today, under the leadership of Michael and his wife, Catherine, the organization ranks among the 75 largest ballet companies in the United States, according to the Dance Data Project.
“Ballet Arkansas is where it is today because of the steadfast support of so many — our audiences, donors, civic partners, educators, artists and the broader public who have believed in our mission for nearly five decades,” Michael says. “Soon entering our 48th year, the company has grown and flourished from humble, yet deeply inspiring beginnings into a professional organization with national impact.”
The company provides about 10,000 K–12 students with access to educational programs and live performances. In addition, Ballet Arkansas offers world-class training through the Ballet Arkansas School for Dance.
“The organization also creates meaningful semi-professional performance opportunities through its Community Cast productions — including The Nutcracker Spectacular and several other annual presentations — allowing dancers of all ages to experience the magic of performing alongside a professional company,” he says.
Michael emphasizes that investing in local performing arts is an investment in Arkansas communities.
“When Arkansas audiences support local arts organizations, they are helping to sustain jobs for artists and educators, strengthen arts education for young people and ensure that high-quality cultural experiences remain accessible close to home,” he says.
As the company closes its current season and enters a new one, Origins stands as a declaration of how far Ballet Arkansas has come and where it intends to go.
“We could not be more proud of what we have accomplished, and we are even more excited about where we are headed,” Michael says. “Above all, we remain profoundly grateful to everyone who continues to invest in Ballet Arkansas and help make our future bright.”
For more information, visit balletarkansas.org.
"We remain profoundly grateful to everyone who continues to invest in Ballet Arkansas and help make our future bright.”