For nearly five decades, Ballet Arkansas has served as a defining cultural force in Arkansas—pairing artistic rigor with meaningful community impact. In 2026, that legacy is illuminated through Luminous, the Turning Pointe Gala that reflects not only celebration, but momentum.
To be luminous is to radiate from within—to carry excellence so fully that it shines outward. That ethos defines Ballet Arkansas at this moment in its ascent. Recognized among the top 75 ballet companies in the nation, the organization stands in a period not of emergence, but of expansion
Under the leadership of Artistic Directors Michael and Catherine Fothergill, the company has elevated its repertory, strengthened institutional strategy, and deepened its educational reach across Arkansas. Luminous embodies that trajectory. It honors a professional company performing at a national caliber, a recognized School for Dance shaping nearly 200 students each week, and statewide education initiatives reaching approximately 12,000 K–12 students annually.
Excellence is cultivated intentionally—and safeguarded through disciplined growth and investment. The future unfolds boldly as the next year honors the 10th anniversary of the Fothergills. Upcoming productions include the romantic masterwork Giselle, a cornerstone of classical ballet that showcases the company’s technical depth and dramatic artistry, and ICONS, a dynamic mixed repertory program celebrating influential voices in dance. Together, these productions signal both reverence for tradition and commitment to innovation.
Ballet Arkansas is not satisfied with preservation alone. It is building an institution rooted in Arkansas yet recognized far beyond it—strengthening cultural vitality, expanding access to arts education, and preparing for purposeful growth. The light is steady. The vision is clear. Ballet Arkansas is rising—and its brilliance is only intensifying.
Event Details:
March 14, 2026 | 6:00 – 10:00 pm | Robinson Center William Grant Still Ballroom
Drs. Monica Lo & Daniel Sherbet, Co-Chairs
Honorees:
Darrow Jones of Jones & Son Bridal and Diamond Fine Jewelry – Above the Barre Award
Jana Beard of Shuffles & Ballet II – Legacy in Motion Award
