Phoenix is about to see ballet in full color.
From March 19–22, Ballet Arizona brings “Cacti & Other Works” to the Orpheum Theatre, a fast-moving, visually striking triple bill that proves classical dance is anything but predictable. This is ballet with range, rhythm, and a wink of wit.
Featuring three powerhouse works, “Apollo,” “Concertante,” and “Cacti,” the program moves from mythic elegance to razor-sharp contemporary tension to full-on theatrical satire. It’s the kind of lineup that keeps audiences leaning forward.
“‘Cacti & Other Works’ is about the extraordinary range of creativity that ballet offers today,” Ballet Arizona Artistic Director Daniela Cardim says. “From the visual poetry of ‘Apollo’ to the elegance and tension in ‘Concertante’ and the bold humor of ‘Cacti,’ this program showcases the extraordinary creativity of three master choreographers as well as the versatility of our incredible dancers.”
Here’s what’s in store:
“Apollo”
George Balanchine’s 1928 masterpiece returns with all its luminous grace intact. Set to Igor Stravinsky’s score, “Apollo” helped launch neoclassical ballet onto the world stage. Expect clean lines, mythic storytelling, and music-driven movement that still feels fresh nearly a century later.
“Concertante”
Hans van Manen’s “Concertante” delivers refined simplicity with emotional charge. Set to Frank Martin’s “Petite Symphonie Concertante,” the ballet explores human connection through tension, structure, and striking musical precision. Van Manen, widely regarded as a grand master of contemporary ballet, passed away in December 2025. Ballet Arizona is the first American company to perform one of his works since his passing, a powerful tribute to a towering artistic legacy.
“Cacti”
Then comes the twist. Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman’s “Cacti” gleefully pokes fun at the art world’s grandest excesses. Dancers sprint, tumble, contort, and clash against invisible constraints, occasionally joined by actual cacti. The result is clever, kinetic, and laugh-out-loud sharp. Adding to the energy, the Opus 76 Quartet performs live on stage, with music by Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, and Andy Stein’s arrangement of “Death and the Maiden.”
For those who want an early look, Ballet Arizona hosts a Studio Spotlight on March 6 at 7 p.m. at its Dorrance Theatre. The $30 experience includes an in-studio rehearsal, a Q&A with the artistic team, and behind-the-scenes insights into the production.
Now in its 39th season, Ballet Arizona continues to balance classical tradition with bold innovation under Cardim’s direction. From “The Sleeping Beauty” to “ALICE (in Wonderland)” to spring performances at Desert Botanical Garden, the company keeps raising the bar for dance in the Valley.
Tickets for “Cacti & Other Works” range from $36 to $172, with discounts available for seniors, students, active military, and groups.
Insider Takeaways
- This triple bill delivers three distinct choreographic voices in one dynamic evening.
- “Apollo” remains a defining moment in ballet history and still dazzles today.
- “Concertante” marks a meaningful American tribute to the late Hans van Manen.
- “Cacti” blends satire, athleticism, and live chamber music into something wildly entertaining.
- The March 6 Studio Spotlight offers an intimate behind-the-scenes preview for true dance fans.
For more information on Ballet Arizona and “Cacti & Other Works,” visit balletaz.org.
