Convergence Ballet presents a new show and artistic director

Convergence Ballet is presenting its new spring show, inspired by its new artistic director, Ian Parsons.

“The Space Before: An Evening with Metamorphosis” moves through contrasting emotional elements. The show walks through the experiences that shaped Parsons.

Parsons has performed with the National Ballet of Canada, was in the West End revival of Cabaret, Cats, and in the film adaptation of Les Misérables.

The show debuts on April 26 at 6 p.m. at the Dorrance Theatre.

Parsons joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the upcoming performance.

“Convergence Ballet has actually been around since 2010,” Parsons said, “…started as a summer company for dancers in the area…when the summer rolls around, they go on summer layoff before the season restarts in the fall, and often they’re looking for things to do.”

Parsons discussed his interest in becoming the new artistic director after being inspired by visiting Arizona and the program.

“I was really inspired when I visited here by not only the students at the school,” Parsons explained, “…but also by just the dedication, and artistry of the dancers, and I really enjoyed the smaller scale.”

Parsons emphasized how the new leadership will bring a new direction to the performances in anticipation of their spring show.

“When a new leader takes over, there is, you know, sometimes a change in aesthetic, sometimes a change in direction,” Parsons explained, “…but also honoring what came before, so I guess you could say we are trying something new, but also acknowledging what came before.”

The convergence ballet will display five new works, four of which are choreographies that Parsons designed.

“We have a huge variety in the program,” Parsons said, “…we go from sort of pastoral, and melancholic to crazy baroque music, which is rearrangements of Beatles songs, and sort of some buddy’s fever dream…it’s a really exciting show.”