Ballet on the Desert Stage

Following last-season’s sold-out performances, Ballet Arizona announces the return of its ground-breaking masterpiece, TOPIA, May 14-June 1.

Ib Andersen’s ballet was created specifically for the Desert Botanical Garden inspired by the natural beauty of the Sonora Desert landscape.   Audiences can arrive early to explore the Garden, dine at sunset, then experience the ballet performance under the desert sky.

TOPIA challenges each audience member to see world-class ballet and the world-class garden in a new light. With its revolutionary outdoor performance space, spanning 80 feet wide, and positioned against the dramatic backdrop of the Papago Buttes at Desert Botanical Garden, TOPIA presents a unique perspective of dance and the natural beauty of Arizona.

“The Garden continues to explore the intersection of art and nature,” said Ken Schutz, Desert Botanical Garden’s executive director.  “TOPIA brings another opportunity to blend the two, just as we have in the past with the Chihuly, Houser and Mayme Kratz exhibits.”

Mr. Andersen’s vision moves all to contemplate the vastness of desert life and the struggle to express those contemplations in a singular space.  “It’s a little bit like when you are looking at a landscape,” he said. “If you are watching the Grand Canyon, you only view one section at a time. I want to make a ballet where you actually can’t get all of it in at the same time, but if you look anywhere on that stage, there will be something to see.”

Performances of TOPIA are scheduled for May 14 – June 1, 2013 at the Desert Botanical Garden with an option to enjoy a sunset dinner prior to the performance. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com or by calling the Ballet Arizona box office at 602-381-1096.

Reserved tables are available for $50 and general seating for $36. Exclusive pricing is available for Desert Botanical Garden members and Ballet Arizona subscribers.  Guests can purchase food as well as wine by the bottle. A full cash bar will be available.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with performances at 8:00 p.m.

Reserved Tables of Four
$50 per seat – Ballet Subscriber and Garden Members
$55 per seat – General Public

General Seating
$36 per seat – Ballet Subscribers and Garden Members
$40 per seat – General Public

OPEN THE FRONT DOOR TO   Ballet Arizona