It's an exciting time for arts in Arkansas, said Michael Bearden, artistic director of Ballet Arkansas, speaking April 1 at the Turning Pointe Gala. The big fundraiser for the ballet company was held in the Little Rock Marriott Grand Ballroom.
To prove his point, he said the company is close to moving into its new home at 520 Main St., Little Rock. (This fundraiser itself has previously been at the Masonic Temple and twice inside an airport hangar.)
In the last year, Ballet Arkansas became the first Arkansas company to perform a piece by George Balanchine, its audiences have doubled and it has sold out four performances of The Nutcracker, Bearden said.
The gala began with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner. There was a live auction which included season tickets to the ballet, a Little Red River Getaway, A Tequila Tasting at Local Lime and artwork painted by Sarah Creasman at the reception.
The highlights of the evening were the performances by company dancers, including an excerpt titled "Jackson" set to music by Johnny Cash from "Under the Lights," which will be performed May 20-22 at The Rep.
Drs. Kristen and Ahmad Brown served as event co-chairmen.
-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins
High Profile on 04/10/2016