News Summary
Ballet Memphis embarks on its 38th season, introducing an exciting new work from choreographer Emilia Sandoval. The company continues to prioritize artistic growth and diversity through commissioned pieces and a commitment to local talent, under the direction of artist Steven McMahon. Ballet Memphis reflects their evolution with 28 performances and a focus on community engagement, ensuring a bright future in the arts.
Exciting Times for Ballet Memphis!
In the vibrant city of Memphis, something truly delightful is unfolding at Ballet Memphis. The talented dancer Emilia Sandoval has just unveiled her third commissioned piece for the company, adding her flair to their impressive lineup. This latest work reaffirms the companyโs commitment to artistic growth and creativity, and by all accounts, itโs a beautiful addition to the performance calendar!
Artistic Growth in Every Step
As Ballet Memphis dives into its 38th season, itโs exploring complex themes like good versus evil and the thin line between sanity and madness. Can you believe it? Just last year, they even took on the swirling darkness of โDracula,โ adding a spooky yet elegant touch to their repertoire. The company’s artistic director has been quite vocal about Sandoval’s innate talent, noting how her dance style seems to flow effortlessly from within her, captivating audiences and critics alike.
A Legacy of Transformation
Ballet Memphis was founded way back in 1986 by the visionary Dorothy Gunther Pugh, who started the company with just two dancers and a humble budget of $75,000. Fast forward to today, and the company now boasts 18 dancers and an impressive annual budget of $4.2 million! The transformation over the years has been nothing short of astonishing. Back in 2017, Ballet Memphis unveiled a stunning $22 million headquarters, a hub for creativity and performance, reflecting the company’s ongoing dedication to providing a platform for artists.
Guided by Vision
In 2019, Steven McMahon took the reins as artistic director, stepping into shoes worn by only one other individual in the companyโs history. With a rich background as a former dancer at Ballet Memphis between 2004 and 2016, McMahon has choreographed over 30 ballets for the organization! His vision has pivoted towards addressing larger societal questions while enhancing the legacy of choreography that deeply resonates with Southern music and literature.
Empowering New Voices
An exciting initiative has gathered momentum under McMahon’s leadership: commissioning works from emerging choreographers like Sandoval, Marcus Willis, Alia Kache, and Durante Verzola. Not only does this foster a spirit of creativity, but it also leads to an enriching landscape of diverse artistic expression. Ballet Memphis has also rolled out a dancer-choreographed program called INTERIORWORKS, which aims to provide opportunities for dancers to showcase their own choreography. This spirit of collaboration and empowerment is what sets Ballet Memphis apart!
Focus on Diversity
The company is devoted to a promising future of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Ballet Memphis has aligned its initiatives with the cityโs evolving demographic profile, ensuring that everyone has a place within the vibrant dance community. With a yearly schedule filled with 28 performances, audiences can expect a rich and engaging array of shows that reflect a variety of perspectives. Auditions for dancers are held annually in major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Houston, making it accessible to a wider pool of talent.
A Sustainable Future
For dancers at Ballet Memphis, the journey is sustainable with a starting salary of $650 per week and contracts extending over a 38-week period. This commitment not only helps them thrive as artists but nurtures their growth and individuality. McMahon emphasizes the importance of fostering a collaborative spirit and recognizing the unique qualities that each dancer brings to the stage.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Ballet Memphis has thrilling plans, including a new production of The Nutcracker set to premiere in December! The excitement is palpable, and with the companyโs commitment to artistic innovation, the upcoming shows promise to be enchanting experiences for all. So, if you find yourself in Memphis, make sure to check out what Ballet Memphis is up to – you won’t be disappointed!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ballet Memphis Introduces New Dance Work by Emilia Sandoval
Ballet Memphis Welcomes New Choreography by Emilia Sandoval
Arts and Cultural Events Happening in Memphis This Weekend
Memphis Welcomes Dance Theatre of Harlem Performance
Ladia Yates Elevates Memphis Dance Scene Nationally
Holiday Cheer in Memphis with Unique Nutcracker Film
Memphis Family Choice Awards 2024: Celebrating Local Favorites and Community Spirit!
Ballet Dancer in Memphis Faces Tough Recovery After Hit-and-Run Incident
Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian: Ballet Memphis 2025 Winter Mix Highlights
- Daily Memphian: 2025 Winter Mix
- Daily Memphian: Ballet Memphis’ 38th Season
- Pointe Magazine: Ballet Memphis
- Daily Memphian: October 2022 Issue
- Wikipedia: Ballet Memphis
- Google Search: Ballet Memphis
- Google Scholar: Ballet Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ballet
- Google News: Ballet Memphis
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
