Our Inception

The Brains and Brawn

NWA Ballet Theatre was founded in 2011 by Margie Bordovsky, Mariah Bordovsky, and the late Peggie Wallis.  Their purpose was to provide a quality professional ballet company so talented dancers would not have to leave the state in order to pursue their dreams, local communities would not have to drive hours away in order to see high quality dance performances, and to create a company that would garner respect and bring other artists to Northwest Arkansas. The company they established is here to provide valuable artistic opportunities and experiences to enrich the creative vitality of the region,

Since its inception, NWA Ballet Theatre has entertained audiences with their MasterSeries performances including Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, as well as performances such as Reflections and Destined to Fly which highlight original choreography. Beginning in 2013, Ballet Theatre has been featured as Guest Artist in The Nutcracker produced by The NWA Conservatory of Classical Ballet at Arend Arts Center in Bentonville, AR. The Company has also enjoyed collaborating with The Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra in The Carnegie Hall Educational Program and the whimsical production of The Carnival of the Animals with the exciting, original choreography of Emalie Coen. Through their educational outreach programs, Ballet Theatre has offered Master Classes and Workshops at The University of Arkansas, The Faulkner Center of Performing Arts, The New School, and Arkansas Arts Academy.  The Company has participated in school programs, library programs, and festivals as they work together with others trying to make a difference in the region. NWA Ballet Theatre has developed a MOVING STORIES educational program that lets students learn about all the moving parts of producing a ballet and allows them to create, choreograph, and costume their own short ballet. 

In 2017, the Bordovsky family recruited Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye as the company’s first Artistic Director. The Board of Directors knew they wanted someone who could produce new dynamic works, as well as the ballet classics, while sharing their values and high standards. At the same time, they knew the art form of dance is at a crossroads where the divide between ballet and modern dance is dissolving and traditional dance business models are outdated. For the art form to thrive in the future, innovation must be encouraged and embraced. Ryan wonderfully fulfilled all requirements and NWA Ballet Theatre feels very fortunate to have had someone of Ryan’s caliber to lead the company as it establishes itself as a premiere arts organization.

In Spring of 2020 NWA Ballet Theatre and its Board of Directors appointed David Justin to the post of Executive Artistic Director for the 20/21 season.  David will succeed NWABT’s first Artistic Director, Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, who announced his departure on April 25th.  Additionally, David assumed the responsibilities of Executive Director, a position held since 2011 by the founder, Margie Bordovsky, who will now focus on duties as Managing Director.  David joined NWABT from his post as Associate Professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory and brought an unprecedented level of education and experience to the company.

The mission of NWA Ballet Theatre is to inspire a lasting love and appreciation for the art of ballet throughout the region by combining artistic excellence in dance with innovative choreography resulting in exhilarating performances which accent the dignity and grace of the dancers. The Company strives for excellence in artistry, technique, training, and playing a strong role in providing the Northwest Arkansas community with the opportunity to experience the arts in a greater way. 

NWA Ballet Theatre would like to express special thanks to Emalie Coen who served as Artistic Adviser and Lead Choreographer for five years. Her invaluable guidance and beautiful choreography was instrumental in forming the Company's path.