I'm delighted with the changes at Ballet Az. The new artistic director is working with the whole company now. It's important to have a focus on your soloists. But, the new energy that comes from making the company feel important shows through. When you go to Ballet Az performances now, you see, and feel the change. That's not to say the past didn't have high points. It's just the time comes for change. The risk is always what that will be. In this case it has been a professional plus. . The change not only comes from the artistic director. These changes have occurred from the top down. I want to say thank you for the way people have cooperated to give Ballet AZ a whole new feel. I believe the potential is there to see much exciting growth as time goes on. So, is it worth possibly going for your first time. Do you want to go other than your annual Nutcracker. Perhaps buying a season package. I can comfortably say, YES! I personally hate the idea of going downtown to find parking. I personally park at the camelback and central train station. It takes you to across the street from Symphony Hall. And leaving, you don't have to cross the street, the station is right there. Just a thought. read more

Finally went to see The Nutcracker, after 20+ and years of intending to do so. It was beautiful. Now I want to go back again but getting better seats. Definitely recommend. read more

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First time at this venue for the Nutcracker December 2025. Parking was very easy. The show was enjoyable. The symphony, though good, was strongly muted. Thought there could be more volume and depth to a live symphony. It seems many instruments were under the stage. The dance ensembles were good but lacked polish. The principal dancers were awesome and saved the show. Similar to other venues in AZ, this venue serves food for guests to eat at their seats during the show. Before living in AZ, we had never experienced food being served at a ballet for patrons to take to their seats. The result is very distracting. The constant crunching, slurping and the sound of wrinkling garbage does not belong in a venue like this. Not only disrespectful of the performers that have worked so hard, but the audience suffers from this as well. The other thing that takes away from this and other​ AZ venues that offer ballet and symphony is the audience. Sadly, not uncommon for people in AZ to show up at these events in sweat pants, shorts, t-shirts, flip flops, athletic shoes and baseball caps. These same people are sitting next to people dressed appropriately for the occasion. On top of that, some of these people talk non stop throughout the performance and don't seem to understand, or not care, about theater etiquette. We love the arts, but struggling with the low standards of the AZ venues. For over $450 for two tickets, hard to justify the experience vs. cost. read more

Ballet Arizona - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I had the pleasure of seeing the Nutcracker Ballet last night from Ballet Arizona. The production was beautiful and made the story come alive on stage. I would highly recommend anyone seeing a ballet production by Ballet Arizona. read more

Ballet Arizona - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I was EXCITED to take my wife to see Frida, NOWHERE ANYWHERE did it say when purchased or in following corresponding emails that if we arrived after 1pm we would WAIT till INTERMISSION to get to our seats and I stead i watched HALF of what I PAID GOOD MONEY FOR on a TV in the lobby. IM LIVID, AND WILL NEVER attend another performance. I didn't get excited and pay large amounts for tickets to sit in a lobby for AN HOUR to see ballet on TV... . I COULDVE DONE IT AT HOME FOR FREE read more

Love going to the Ballet when we are in Arizona. Always an enjoyable show but then we are biased as our son danced for several years for Ballet Arizona. Costumes are beautiful and performances are well done. Location of performances change some are better facilities that others. Our favorite are the ones at the Botanical Gardens. If you haven't been highly recommend. read more

Ballet Arizona - Ballet - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Last night we had the pleasure of attending Ballet Arizona at the beautiful Orpheum Theatre. I don't attend the ballet, but last night my wife insisted that we go. She was right. The Orpheum Theatre was beautiful and the night was festive. We got dressed up and were ready for an evening that was not our normal outing. The preformance was titled "Contemporary Moves", a modern ballet with diverse dance utilizing classic ballet techniques. The lighting and venue was impressive. The dancers were incredible with nearly perfectly sculptured bodies and well defined muscles. SUPER IMPRESSIVE! The moves were elegant, precise, beautiful and playful for a ballet preformance. This novice really enjoyed the evening. At times. I have a preconceived notion of what I like or won't like. Tonight made me re-think, opening my mind to new experiences like this is a rewarding experience. Ballet Arizona cast put out a high quality, entertaining, and beautiful evening you should experience. read more

Such an incredible ballet company! I enjoyed taking classes at the School of Ballet Arizona during high school. I have also enjoyed attending many of Ballet Arizona's incredible performances over the years. read more

This Ballet company has very gifted and talented Artistic directors. The dancers are proficient and sound performers. The costumes and staging are very well done. read more

After having not taken a ballet class in 14+ years I decided this summer to get back into ballet. Was excited to see ballet Arizona offers open adult ballet for beginner, intermediate, and advanced. I've tried to do the online class, the first week I couldn't get in at all, so they refunded me, and then the next week they didn't let me into the class until about 10 minutes in, but they refunded me for that one too. So maybe sticking with the in person classes is the better option. I have done one in person class and look forward to doing more. The beginner class has been a perfect re-introduction to ballet for me. The instructor is great, gives specific feedback and is patient. Plan to continue coming to classes! read more

We just moved to the area and tried BA, not only are the classes for the kids amazing (Not running around and being crazy), but they are strict to develop the kids technique and learning the discipline of traditional/classical ballet. I take their adult ballet class twice a week and LOVE it! I'm a beginner dancer and the classes can be tough, but they are very professional and am learning and growing as a dancer myself. The adult classes are not social hour but focus on dancing, which is hard to find with adult dance classes. read more

My elderly mom, a fervent ballet lover, and I tried to see a special performance of Ballanchine on a lovely Friday evening. We had been anticipating this event for weeks. Instead of being able to create new memories, we were actually turned away and restricted from entering the tiny theater. Why? Because we could not produce a vax card or neg PCR covid test from a doctor. No. They would not accept a home test. Even so, what is this madness?!!! How does this organization expect to exist if they refuse to leave that farm where everyone bows to the baaaaaa!!!!!!!???? #thevirusisnottheproblem God Save America read more

My friend and I attended an adult ballet class last night via class pass. I haven't done ballet since I was a kid, but my friend and I like to try new, fun things. We were told that the beg/int class would be fine since we both have dance backgrounds, and the only difference would be that she goes a little faster. Well, it started off all bad. First of all, everyone going into the class looked like they were pro's. All with their pink tights, leotards, skirts, leg warmers, ballet slippers, buns, the whole 9. We felt out of place from the jump. When we walked in and found where we would stand, the instructor never introduced herself (clearly, we were new). I didn't even know who she was, the girl next to me told me. She was the only one who spoke to us. Side note, we both do aerial yoga, and I also do barre. Before each foundation aerial class, the instructors introduce themselves for the new people and personally help them during class. At barre, when I was new, the instructors were very friendly and very helpful. They made me feel welcome in each class I took, they helped me set up, they INTRODUCED themselves...this was NOT the case at Ballet Arizona. She asked if anyone had never done ballet before (she was obviously asking us), but never even gave us a chance to answer!! It was like one long run-on sentence. She asked, but just kept going!! The class was NOT beg/int. It was very fast, but it was what I did when I was 5. The people in the class were all adults (way past performance age) and you'd think they were auditioning for the Nutcracker!! Very serious, very unfriendly, no smiles, we were just laughing the entire time. We ended up leaving early because it was so bad. I've never been so ignored and felt out of place in a class as I was last night. They need to improve on their people skills. The guy at the front was nice, but he was the only one. I'm sure their shows are great, but I'm just reviewing the class. read more

10/10 would NOT recommend. The staff here completely ruined the experience tonight. Ended up leaving with disappointed children and a useless credit that'll never be used. read more

Before I rate this with only 1 star, I do want to highlight a few positives. The pre-intermission portion of the ballet, minus the mouse and mouse king segment, was pretty good. Further, the orchestra was EXCEPTIONAL. Now for the review. Awful rendition of the CLASSIC, TRADITIONAL Nutcracker. A few specifics: 1) The mouse segment and mouse king being slain by the Nutcracker seems more like a Saturday Night Live skit. The mice were twerking like strippers and dancing as if they were auditioning for a remake of Saturday Night Fever. When the mouse king died, he let us know as they dragged him out that he was OK by waving, flashing a "thumbs up" sign, and the peace sign. Pathetic. We are OK seeing that from an injured football player going off the field in the ambulance, but not in The Nutcracker. 2) The Miss Ginger segment. About 8-10 little kids worked hard for their time on stage. Rather than enjoying the children, ALL attention was drawn to the lady atop the contraption that is used in lieu of the traditional massive dress that the kids come out from under. The best way to describe what I observed was a drag queen firing up the student section at a pep rally. The saddest part is the drag queen got the largest applause at the end, yet another example of the sad state of things these days. 3) The Russian dance. Usually my favorite segment, it plain sucked. Costumes were poor, the dancing was below average at best, few of the classic moves, and yet another symbol that the show is steered to drunken Gen-Zers than to an audience wanting to see a classic ballet. Lastly, each time the dancers made a move near each other, they "high fived." Tchaikovsky rolled over in his grave each time. 4) The Arabian dance - poor. 5) The segment after the countries where the duo first dances and then each of the man and male and the female dance solo - average at best. At best. If you have never seen The Nutcracker, you may enjoy the show. But don't be fooled into thinking you have seen a first class rendition of the holiday classic. The AZ Ballet version is sub par. Last thought - go on YouTube and watch a few segments from the Boston Ballet. Specifically, watch the Russian dance and the Miss Ginger segments. Compare them to the AZ Ballet version and need I say more. read more

We moved here from Boston and are avid ballet lovers. We are beyond thrilled with the Ballet Arizona performances we have attended. The level of talent here in the valley is unbelievable. Every performance is a magical and worthwhile event. The costumes are divine and what a treat for patrons to be exposed to the artistic direction of Ib Andersen. The amount of talent, beauty and joy the ballet dancers of Ballet Arizona bring to the stage is something not to be missed. read more

Beautiful performances first time going Dec 2023. Sound was a little off but dancers kept my attention the whole time

Horrible organization, do not invest any money or time attending any performances. Staff members are extremely rude, unprofessional and will not assist you with any concerns or issues. read more

I saw Swan Lake in October. It was my very first ballet, and I look forward to seeing more BA productions in the future! It was a beautiful show and I had such a wonderful time. I have also tried their open adult classes! I didn't dance as a kid but I found their beginner ballet classes to be just enough of a challenge. It's a great way to try something new and get some exercise. read more

Ballet Arizona - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The Ballet was wonderful! Dancers were graceful, the set and the lighting were balanced as it should be. Fantastic!

The Juan Gabriel world premiere was so GOOD. The ballet dancers preformed beautifully. The song choices were perfect. We loved it.

Top notch school. The price is very reasonable. Solid statewide and Nationwide reputation thanks to outstanding personalities and excellence in teaching proper and traditional ballet. I'm very impressed with the discipline and traditional learning that is taught in a nonchalant and fun atmosphere for the kiddos. My daughter loves it. read more

Cannot recommend Ballet Arizona if you are expecting to see a quality performance in an acceptable locale. In February we attempted to see their rendering of Giselle only to show up to a high school auditorium. My husband and I questioned the locale as it was not a venue we had heard of. We chose to eat at a restaurant near the venue, even our waiter and hostess had ever heard of the venue. Upon arrival we pulled in to a garage near a high school entered an auditorium type building with horrible acoustics and seated ourselves. The seats were uncomfortable, not staggered and did not slope down towards the stage. We assumed a high school principal would step on stage at any moment to explain how hard the dance company had worked on this-yes it was that bad. Instead there was no view of the stage as more people seated themselves. After realizing that the ability to see any of the performance was nil after the patrons sat in front of me, I went to find staff. We were told that we would receive a credit for a future performance this season. I repeatedly asked if there would be any additional fees and was told no that it would be an exchange for a future performance. Guess what? It's not, they insist there is a processing fee now and they did not credit my original $338 dollars but only $318 (we only found this out later as they said the credit would not show up for a couple of days). Ballet Arizona should understand that many people are from larger cities with award winning ballet companies and do not expect to attend the ballet in a high school auditorium. To those wanting an experience in the arts we recommend attending the symphony, opera or a ballet in another city. read more

Excellent in every angle. Thank your whole facility for a magical and meszmerizing perfect BALLET EXPERIENCE. My sister and I danced when we were young. I LOVE BALLET. We will return often from inthegreenroom.green. Please visit inthegreenroom.green to watch our interview with Ballet Arizona. read more

My daughter enrolled in a 3-week portion of their Summer Intensive Dance program. My 14yr old daughter was so excited on the first day, she was up 90 minutes before her alarm. After the 1st day- she was completely deflated as she was placed in a level that is not challenging her. When she wanted to discuss or find out why she was placed in a class that was not challenging, she was dismissed by the staff. My wife called, and left an email with their staff-- neither was returned. As a small business owner- this is unacceptable. I am a professional climbing coach and know nothing about ballet- but a lot about a structured workout/technique work with larger groups. Either she should be challenged by learning new combinations/techniques, or she should have enough analysis of her dancing that she can work on perfecting her combinations. Otherwise, she is not learning anything new, and IF she has fundamental mistakes, they are only getting reinforced- not corrected. Also, in this class, it is a 22-to-1 student to teacher ratio. No wonder there is no critical analysis of their dance-- the teacher has no time for that. This ratio is completely unacceptable for a short term intensive program. IF my climbing programs had that same ratio- I would feel like I am robbing those parents of their money. Looks like Ballet Arizona does not think the same way. I would spend my money elsewhere. Also-- we just found out their HVAC broke last night, and there is no dance today. We were told there are no refunds. Isn't that a great policy?? read more

I took my niece to see the Nutcracker and was sorely disappointed! I spent a total of $270 for two tickets and expected a professional performance, not amateur recital night. First, the dance of the Sugar Plum Faeries was less than adequate. The choreography was not the original and lacked passion and dancers! This is one of the best moments of this ballet and Ballet Arizona really blew it. To add insult to injury, after each dance segment the dancers would approach the audience bowing and soliciting applause. The Nutcracker is NOT a dance recital and most definitely not meant for the dancers to pause between each dance and approach the audience to receive praise. I would have no problem with this performance had we only paid $20 - $30 a ticket, but to pay $270 for two tickets and attend a less than professional performance is appalling! Very Poor! read more

This is the real deal folks-if you are looking for a classical ballet school for adult ballet students of all levels, if you are nearby in Phoenix like I was last week--definitely check this place out. I attended Daniel Baudendistel & Jennifer Cafarella's classes--both intermediate levels. Both teachers were so welcoming and friendly, with adult students ranging from beginners to retired ballet professionals in the class. Daniel's musical combinations were a joy to dance, and while Jennifer gave very individual corrections and her class was very technique driven--very tough but challenging. Both teachers dance beautifully--very inspiring to watch! With Daniel's background at ABT, he peppered his class with vignettes of memories watching "Margot" and "Gelsey" dance--I wonder how he ended up in Phoenix, but what a local treasure, Phoenix residents! People were very friendly, and the classes weren't too crowded. No strict dress code--just show up and dance! read more

The school is a hot mess! Unlike most schools tied to professional ballet companies, this one does NOT offer professional caliber training. Few, if any of the teachers have ever performed on stage and they know little about proper form and technique. These are some of the most poorly trained students I've encountered in auditions. The focus is on multiple performances and not on training. Performances = ticket sales to parents who want to see their little ones on stage, which = money to fund the professional ballet's productions. If your child is serious about ballet, do them a favor and send them to Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, NY, Portland, Houston, etc. read more

I have been a "ballet enthusiast" off and on for about 25 years now. When I knew I was going to be moving to Phoenix I knew finding a ballet studio was top priority. Thankfully I did not have to look farther than Ballet Arizona. This place is TOP NOTCH if you have the dreams of yesterday but maybe not the body of yesterday ;) In other words, even if it has been years since you strapped on your ballet slippers, COME TO CLASS. Open classes are welcoming to ballet lovers of all shapes and sizes. These types of classes range from beginner to advanced so choose whatever level suits you best. Most (if not all!) the instructors are retired professional dancers with a wealth of knowledge and a welcoming presence. The prices for classes complement the level of instruction you receive. I do drop in classes and they run me $18 with cash or $19 with a charge card. Ballet Arizona is also a great place to catch a performance. Their "Ballet Under the Stars" series was my personal favorite, a multi-day/multi-location repertoire review all for free. How can you beat that?? And as an added bonus, you might just make some new friends at the barre before you meet them later on at the bar. Go try a class today :) read more

We enrolled our 2 year old in the inaugural Creative Movement class for 2-3 year old and have been extremely happy with the level of professionalism seen across the board from the registration process with Alison Morse to the actual instructor, Ms. Storm. We drive a pretty long way for our daughter to attend, but it's completely worth it in all ways. It's a great way for your child to become involved with dance, learn how to listen, follow instructions and socialize with others. Highly recommend! read more

If you are looking for young family friendly school, this isn't! There is no Family Changing Room and their policy is strictly no opposite gender in the changing room: so NO BABY even allowed! read more

I'm not sure why I haven't reviewed the Arizona Ballet yet since my husband and I go to at least one performance a year. We are both fans of the ballet. I love watching ballet since it is so beautiful and emotional and artistic but at the same time you are always impressed with the athletic ability of the dancers. We used to have season tickets to the Houston Ballet when we lived there and also we have been to a few in New York (both NYC Ballet and American Ballet Co). So, I kind of feel like they set the bar pretty high and Ballet Arizona does not quite measure up. But they are still pretty good. I do agree with the other reviewer that their version of the Nutcracker could use some work. Our most recent visit was to see Today's Master's last weekend and this is by far the best show I have seen by Ballet Arizona. Plus it was at the Orpheum so that was a bonus for me because I very much prefer that theater over Symphony Hall. The first piece, Carnival of the Animals was nothing special but I really enjoyed the other two. The costumes in Dreams of Rome were very cool looking and the dancing was very sleek and modern. But the best one was definitely Resonance, which was set to Pink Floyd music. How cool is that?!?!? That piece was truly amazing. The movements of the dancers was very original. I haven't seen a whole lot of modern dance but I can honestly say that I have never seen anything like it. The closest comparison I can come up with is Twyla Tharp who is a great modern ballet choreographer (and quite famous). But the surprising part is that Resonance was created by a regular dancer who is part of the Arizona Ballet company. His name is Nayon Iovino and I am sure he will go far in the dance world! read more

Ballet Arizona - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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I attended their free Ballet Under the Stars performance last Saturday night. For the most part, I do appreciate the free entertainment and enjoyed most of it. However, their choice of the large Steele Indian School Park / dog park in pitch black where it was so dark to walk from the parking lot all the way to where the stage was at was jarring. It was that dark and they had no directions or signs up where to find the stage. Good thing there were some people around to lead us to the site. I enjoyed the 3 ballet acts except for those kid dancers that the company interjected that we didn't know would be there- preferred ALL ballet. The kids were dancing as if they were making fun of ballroom dancers. We didn't understand what was going on or why they were even there(!) I couldn't wait for them to get off and was relieved that the 3rd ballet act came on. The actual ballet dancers did a good job and looked like they practiced and enjoyed their dance routines. I managed to take good photos of them dancing under the actual moon ;) and also video'ed the 1st act. Thanks for the peaceful & relaxing event 'under the stars'. While it was a nice (yet, too warm) night, a strange staff member (or volunteer?) bounced out from behind the stage and approached me and lightly touched my hands as if to empathically say, "oh, you didn't have to do that." Huh, I didn't understand a word he said nor could I see his lips (the music was loud) so I ignored him. Several minutes later, he bounced back to give me the similar message and I brushed him off as if to signal he was blocking my view. Weird, and I was just sitting there! Not only that, several minutes later, another (unkempt) staff member / volunteer (the one mopping the stage during 'intermission'- what was that about also?) approached a woman near me and appeared to be stern as he spoke to her, as if she lit a cigarette and he was instructing her to put it out. I asked her what he said to her and she embarrassingly shrugged and appeared mortified. She was just sitting there. What the heck did they want?? It gave off a cryptic vibe. I think it's better I have no idea what they wanted then. I will notify Ballet AZ about them because their actions were uncalled for- this is a free-for-all public park and we could do what we wanted. Why didn't they tell those irritating little girls to go 'dance' in the back and not disrupt the front the stage instead of bothering grown women?? Scared much of a negative reaction from lazy parents; yet, not scared of what we grown single women were capable of reacting? While I, again, enjoyed the ballet dancers, this will be my last attendance. They rely heavily on donations (and repeatedly request for them). Good luck. And, for the sake of the dancers and attendees, pick cooler dates for future outdoor performances! UPDATE: Sample like review from Facebook, from Christa Chalene Stallings on Sept. 29 4:50 PM, on Ballet Arizona's official FB page: I went to Ballet Under the Stars and I was having a great time with my family until a small bald man came on the stage. He pointed at the kids dancing in front of the stage and said "hey, hey you! You're loud!" Then proceeded to chastise them (3-6 year olds) for being a distraction and said the ballerinas told him so. None of my family was up there but I'm sure the other parents did not appreciate their kids being spoken to so harshly from the stage! I believe him when he said they were loud and a distraction but there were no signs or markings to indicate that the children could not be there. Also we were in a PARK. I'm unsure what was expected of small children but in their excitement they were twirling and jumping appropriately as they watched the beautiful dancers on stage. I have a bad view on BAZ's view of children. That behavior was not only unprofessional but also quite rude for a grown man who was representing a "family friendly" organization. Why come to a park if the kids are going to bother you? read more

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We attended the nutcracker. They wouldn't let me bring in a metal water bottle even though I had a scratchy throat. It's Arizona, for goodness sake. Been attending symphony and classical concerts and Ive never seen this level of stupidity and petty money grabbing. read more

Very disappointed that the Nutcracker performance this year is with RECORDED MUSIC (at same prices). After attending this as a family tradition for YEARS, we will not be attending again unless they bring back the live orchestra. read more

We had 8th row center seats to Opus Cactus on Saturday afternoon. The entire 1st half could not been seen due to the old Orpheum theatre pitch. Extremely disappointing! read more

Nutcracker performance this year was very lackluster due to recorded and not live music. Makes a huge difference. Very disappointed and will not go back until they bring back the orchestra. Don't waste your money. read more

I took a friend to see La Bayadere and it was extremely disappointing. The orchestra was too quiet, so it did not drown out the sound of the ballerinas as their pointe shoes clomped on the floor. It sounded like a herd of cattle every time they moved. The leading ladies were about a foot taller than the primary male dancer, so everything looked awkward when they danced together, although I give him props for being able to lift them. The ladies corps was out of sync with each other and dreadful. We left during the intermission because we were laughing at the performance. read more

I'm not sure about the school since all my children are grown, but I saw a performance today of Swan Lake as performed by Ballet Arizona and my friend and I were equally impressed by the beauty and artistry displayed by the whole troupe! I genuinely had tears in my eyes by the end of the performance. The orchestra played oh, so beautifully and the "swans" movements were so convincing!! I can't wait to see the Nutcracker and Cinderella!! read more

We went to Modern Masters this weekend at Orpheum and the performance was so intense and emotional. Incorporating Pink Floyd was genius! I really would love to see more shows like this. One of the best yet! Thanks to all the dancers, techs, choreographers, and orchestra for such an amazing, magical evening. read more