22 August 2019
Ballet Under the Stars: The Highlights
Ballet Arizona first launched Ballet Under the Stars in 1997! As we celebrate the 22nd year of bringing these FREE performances to communities across the Valley, we are sharing some of our favorite Ballet Under the Stars memories from over the years!
“Some of my favorite memories come from before and after each Ballet Under the Stars show. I get the opportunity to meet the families from the audience! I especially love getting to know the kids, many of whom are aspiring dancers themselves. Talking about how much we love to dance, taking pictures together, and being able to see their eyes light up will be something I will cherish forever. Whatever I can do to encourage the next generation of dancers, just as I was inspired when I was a kid, is such an honor to be a part of, it’s truly rewarding for me. Now, it’s the start of a new season, and one of my favorite times of the year, I can’t wait to see the same smiling faces and meet new people at our upcoming shows!” – Kaelyn Magee, Company Dancer
“My first time going to ballet Under the Stars was last season. I have heard many amazing things about the program from friends and community members over the years but had never been able to make it out. I was delighted to see such a resounding show of community support for the Arts. It was truly magical to see our communities come together to support dance!” – Alexandra Papazian, Education & Community Engagement Manager
“My favorite memory is bringing my mom to see Ballet Under the Stars for the first time at Tempe Center for the Arts. Ballet Arizona performed George Balanchine’s “Western Symphony” and she could not stop talking about it. The dancing, costumes, choreography and location absolutely blew her away. She said it was a night she’ll never forget!” – Natalie Salvione, Development Operations Manager
“At our Ballet Under The Stars performance in Goodyear last season, a little girl was acting very shy, but trying to stretch with a group of us. It was so cute! I asked her her name, and it was Abby too!!” – Abby Phillips Maginity, Company Dancer
“My favorite memory of Ballet Under the Stars is going to the Tempe Performance with my mom and our best friends. We always brought a blanket and refreshments and just enjoyed the weather and the performance.” – Rachel Stern, Corporate & Foundation Manager
“My favorite memory is when we did a show out in Casa Grande and as we hit the breath taking pose in the beginning of “Serenade”, ginormous beetles started crawling all over the stage and began to climb up our dresses! But, the show must go on! The entire time we had to watch our foot work carefully hoping we wouldn’t smush beetles all over our shoes and having to get over the fear factor that giant bugs were on our dresses. You never know what will happen during an outdoor performance but that’s what makes it thrilling!” – Rochelle Anvik, Company Dancer
“There are so many stories from over the years, but seeing the kids dance alongside the stage is also a fond memory. There is always something amazing seeing inspiration spark in the next generation.” – Laura Cadieux, Stage Manager
“My favorite memory is of seeing the excited kiddos from Class Act perform their routine on the stage. Also, I love giving people new experiences, so inviting friends who have never seen a ballet is always a fun time!” – Ellen Bialek, Development Assistant
“I love our park shows because they are FREE for the public meaning the only requirement for the audience is to want to see beautiful art! I love it when anyone can come to watch the ballet it makes the audience so much more diverse and inclusive!!” – Erick Garnica, Company Dancer
The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation Presents: Ballet Under the Stars 2019
Join us in September as we kick off the season with free events & dance performances for the whole family in Phoenix and across the Valley! First time attending? Read our “Ballet Under the Stars 101” for everything you need to know about these amazing performances!
2019 Performance Schedule:
*ALL PERFORMANCES BEGIN AT 7:00 PM
Fountain Park in Fountain Hills, AZ – Wednesday, September 11
Tempe Center for the Arts Amphitheater in Tempe, AZ – Thursday, September 12
Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater in Goodyear, AZ – Friday, September 13
Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix, AZ – Saturday, September 14
We want to hear from you! Comment below with your favorite Ballet Under the Stars memory.
Learn More About Ballet Under the Stars
