When the final curtain of the season falls and the applause fades, many people assume Ballet Arizona takes a well-earned break until the next performance. 

The truth? Our work is just getting started. 

While our stages may be quieter during the summer, our studios and workshops remain full of energy. Every day, dancers, instructors, and staff are preparing for another extraordinary season of ballet. 

Training Never Stops 

Professional dancers are athletes as much as they are artists. Throughout the off-season, our Company dancers continue taking class and training to maintain the strength, precision, and artistry that audiences experience on stage. 

Summer is also a vibrant season at The School of Ballet Arizona. Young dancers from Arizona and throughout the nation join us for weeks of summer classes and intensive training. During the program, they learn from experienced faculty and continue growing their love of dance. In addition to their normal ballet technique class, students grow their skills with classes like partnering, modern, and character styles. Summer intensive programs are a key requisite to a dancers training during the off season. It keeps their strength up while advancing their technique, artistry, and endurance. 

Additionally, Ballet Arizona continues its commitment to arts education and community engagement. Classes like Dance for Parkinson’s and Creative Aging continue to provide more people with the life-changing impact of dance. 

Preparing for the Season Ahead 

Months before opening night, an incredible amount of work is already underway. 

Costumes are being designed and repaired, and production teams are planning lighting, scenery, and technical elements. Artistic staff are rehearsing choreography and preparing each production to bring unforgettable performances to life. 

Every detail is thoughtfully crafted long before the audience takes their seats. 

Building a Stronger Ballet Community 

The off-season is also a time to strengthen the relationships that make our work possible. 

We connect with patrons, welcome new supporters, plan special events, and prepare meaningful experiences for the season ahead. Every conversation and every connection grow our community of supporters that believe in the power of dance. 

When opening night arrives, audiences see the magic unfold on stage. What they don’t see are the months of preparation, collaboration, and dedication that made those moments possible. That’s why consistent support matters. 

Through The Encore Collective, the generosity of our monthly supporters helps provide dependable funding that sustains Ballet Arizona every month of the year—not just during performance season. 

Learn more about how you can sustain the art form you love. 

The Encore Collective.

Established in 2018, the award honors two dancers each season, whose spirit echoes the strength, dedication, and passion that Hazel exemplified throughout her entire life.

A devoted supporter of Ballet Arizona since 1996, Hazel was a woman of remarkable character and unwavering love for ballet. Through her estate, the Hazel A.S. Hare Charitable Trust, she arranged a transformational gift, an endowment of more than $4 million. As the largest single gift in Ballet Arizona’s history, it will help sustain the artistry that inspired her for decades.

This year’s recipients were Madison Penney and Alli Chester, who were presented the award by Artistic Director, Daniela Cardim as part of our 2026 Dance With Me Gala.

Madison, an Arizona native, began her training at a young age and committed to ballet by age 8. She quickly earned international recognition, receiving top honors at competitions including the World Ballet Competition and Youth America Grand Prix. She later trained at The Royal Ballet School in London, graduating in 2022, before dancing with Birmingham Royal Ballet and Atlanta Ballet, where she performed soloist roles. Now back in her home state, Madison continues her artistic growth with Ballet Arizona.

“Madison has stepped up, jumping into a principal role she had not been casted for initially. She was able to grow in the role and deliver beautiful performances. There is still a lot of room for growth for this dancer, so I hope this prize will not only acknowledge her accomplishments but also encourage her to keep working hard and developing as an artist,” says Cardim.

Alli, also from the Phoenix area, began her training with The School of Ballet Arizona at age 12 and later continued at Houston Ballet Academy’s Professional Program. She returned to Ballet Arizona in 2020 to dance with the Studio Company. She accepted a contract with the Company in 2021 and performed a wide range of classical and contemporary repertoire over five seasons. She took her final bow in March during “Cacti & Other Works” at the Orpheum Theatre.

“Alli is an extremely versatile dancer, and for this reason is are casted in almost every Ballet we do, whether classical or contemporary. This makes her incredibly valuable to the company. She is also a very good team player, always bringing a positive energy to the group, and this is so important,” says Cardim.

At the School of Ballet Arizona (SBAZ), growth is not a single moment, but a progression. It unfolds over time through opportunity, access, and a consistent investment in each student’s potential. From a first introduction to dance to advanced study and pre-professional development, SBAZ provides a pathway where students can continue to build, refine, and expand what is possible for themselves.

That pathway has become increasingly intentional. With the launch of the Studio Company in 2014, Ballet Arizona created a critical bridge between student and professional life—one that allows dancers to deepen their skills while gaining performance experience. This season, the introduction of the Professional Day Program has further strengthened that continuum, offering dedicated students the opportunity to work at a higher level within a structure designed to support serious pre-professional growth. Together, these programs reflect a commitment not only to developing dancers, but to supporting their progress at every stage.

The impact of that investment is visible across the company today. Fourteen current Ballet Arizona dancers were once members of the Studio Company, and for four of them, that journey began at SBAZ at an early age. These are not isolated stories, but the result of a sustained focus on cultivating talent from within and creating pathways for students to continue advancing.

Company Dancer, Jordan Islas, is one example of that path. His introduction to dance came through Ballet Arizona’s DanceAZ school residency program, where he first encountered ballet in a classroom setting. What began as a moment of curiosity grew into a lasting interest, leading him to continue his studies at SBAZ, progress into the Studio Company, and ultimately join Ballet Arizona as a company dancer.

Jordan is not alone. Since the development of the DanceAZ program, seven students have gone on to continue at the School of Ballet Arizona—an outcome made possible through scholarship support that allows students to remain engaged and committed to their development.

For families, that access is essential, ensuring that high-quality arts education is not limited by financial circumstance. For donors, investing in the School is not only about access—it is about honoring a lifelong connection to the art form and supporting its future.

“Richard Stahl enjoyed performances at Ballet Arizona for many years. After his passing, the Richard P. Stahl Charitable Fund wished to celebrate his love of ballet, and we were delighted to do so by supporting the David Hallberg Scholarship Fund at SBAZ. These scholarships will help ensure the excellence of the School and Ballet Arizona for many years to come.”
—Mel Reese, Trustee of the Richard P. Stahl Charitable Fund

Support like this does more than sustain programs—it shapes lives. It allows students to imagine a future they may not have seen for themselves and gives them the tools to pursue it with confidence and purpose.

Not every student will go on to dance professionally, and that is not the measure of success. What remains, for all of them, is something deeper: discipline, resilience, creativity, and a connection to the arts that stays with them long after they leave the studio.

At the School of Ballet Arizona, dreams are not defined by a single outcome. They are discovered, challenged, and carried forward—taking flight in ways that are as individual as the students themselves.

What began as a long-held vision has quickly become one of Ballet Arizona’s most meaningful performances. Now in its second year, the Community Engagement Showcase highlights the power of dance to connect and uplift communities across the Valley.

This year, the program expanded to two performances in one day, reflecting both increased demand and the growing reach of Ballet Arizona’s community programs. “Programs like this don’t usually reach our neighborhoods—and ballet, especially, is something many of them have never had access to,” shared a Driven to Dance parent. “We’re truly grateful they had the chance to be a part of it.”

At its heart, the showcase is a living expression of Ballet Arizona’s belief in “ballet for everyone.” Featuring participants from programs including Adaptive Dance, Dance for Parkinson’s Disease, Native American Hoop Dance, and Driven to Dance, the performance brings together a wide range of voices, abilities, and experiences.

Behind these moments is a network of people that makes it all possible. Within that network, our donors play a critical role in sustaining and expanding these programs, ensuring access to high-quality dance education and performance opportunities. Through this support, we are able to create inclusive, meaningful experiences that prioritize both artistic excellence and community connection.

As the Community Engagement Showcase continues to grow, it serves as a reminder that dance is a universal language—one that belongs to everyone.

“As I recall, my last ballet class was around 1979 – over 45 years ago… Gratitude for your program and instruction that is allowing me to re-start, review, and re-build as much as I can in my late 60’s. Physicality is one goal, but to emote to the music – to dance – is my greatest joy. Thank you for the opportunity.” – Creative Aging Participant

“THANK YOU for making possible this adaptive performance. It was truly special and I am so thankful to have been able to have this option available for my younger brother who otherwise could not partake. It was so moving to see so many families with their loved ones coming to enjoy the adapted performance.” – Sensory Adaptive Performance Attendee

“This program welcomes children and their parents to be part of the world of ballet in such an easy way. It comes to their community and leaves the door open, it lets them know that they can participate if they want. It’s very subtle and very powerful. As a Latino man and as a father, I’m incredibly grateful that Ballet Arizona does what they do.” – DanceAZ Parent

This past January, Ballet Arizona welcomed supporters, artists, and community leaders to the Arizona Biltmore for the 2026 Dance With Me Gala, an evening that celebrated the power of philanthropy and the individuals who make this work possible.

Chaired by Board Member, Carla Cohen, the event raised more than $500,000 – making it one of the highest-grossing gala in Ballet Arizona’s history. These funds directly sustain performances, education programs, and community engagement efforts across the Valley.

At the heart of the evening was a tribute to longtime supporters Joan and Charlie Berry, whose extraordinary commitment to Ballet Arizona spans four decades. Joan, a founding board member, played a pivotal role in the 1986 merger of three small companies that became Ballet Arizona. From the very beginning, Joan and Charlie believed in what ballet could be in this community, and their investment of time, leadership, and generosity helped bring that vision to life.

Their impact is both far-reaching and deeply personal. Known for their warmth, authenticity, and passion for the art form, Joan and Charlie have introduced countless individuals to ballet, sparking curiosity and building lasting connections. Their support has opened doors for dancers, students, and families – creating opportunities that extend far beyond the stage.

They have also played an important role in shaping Ballet Arizona’s artistic future. As champions of new work and creative development, Joan and Charlie understand that sustaining the art form requires both honoring tradition and investing in what comes next. Their support has helped bring new choreography to life, including serving as producing sponsors of Nayon Iovino’s first full-length story ballet, Moving Movies – a reflection of their belief in artistic innovation. That same commitment continues into the upcoming season, where they will serve as sponsors of Don Quixote.

For those within the Ballet Arizona community, their presence has set a powerful example. Their commitment reflects a belief that supporting the arts is not a single act, but an ongoing investment in people, creativity, and possibility. It is a legacy defined not only by generosity, but by the relationships they have built and the lives they have touched.

As Ballet Arizona approaches its 40th anniversary, the Dance With Me Gala served as a powerful reminder that the organization’s strength lies in the dedication of supporters like Joan and Charlie, whose impact continues to shape its future.

A Letter from the Executive Director, Jami Kozemczak

Thank you for being part of our 2025–2026 Season. Because of you, Ballet Arizona continues to ignite the human spirit through the magic of dance. Your generosity makes every performance, every student experience, and every moment of inspiration possible.

As we reflect on the past year, one theme rises above all others: collaboration. It is the driving force behind our continued growth, innovation, and impact.

This season, our partnership with The Phoenix Symphony exemplifies what is possible when two performing arts institutions come together in pursuit of excellence. Their world-class musicians bring our performances to life, elevating our art form in a way that is truly unmatched.

That spirit of collaboration is reflected in our ongoing partnership with the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestras, led in part by our conductor, Matthew Kasper, who also serves as PYSO’s Artistic Director. Together, he and Rehearsal Director, Maria Simonetti, have created meaningful opportunities for young musicians and dancers to share the stage, gaining invaluable experience through collaboration and learn from one another.

This work has also received national recognition at the World Wide Women’s Film Festival, where a short film celebrating women artists earned the 2026 Audience Choice Award. As Kasper reflects, this collaboration offers “an unparalleled experience…to present something truly remarkable to the community. It is my hope this collaboration can serve as a blueprint for companies and youth orchestras across the country to bring something this unique to their communities.”

Our commitment to education is equally rooted in partnership. For more than 35 years, we have worked alongside Arizona School for the Arts, providing students with access to professional expertise and mentorship that extends beyond the classroom. As Executive Director David Lujan shares, this collaboration “enriches our dance program in profound ways…broadening students’ horizons and elevating their experience.” These partnerships ensure that students are not only introduced to dance, but are supported as they grow within it.

We are also expanding how and where dance is experienced through our collaboration with Desert Botanical Garden. What began as a bold artistic vision has evolved into something distinctly Arizonan. As the Garden’s President & CEO Chris Kline notes, this partnership creates moments “bigger than either institution could deliver alone, bringing art, nature, and community together in ways that inspire people and strengthen Arizona’s cultural fabric.” Within this setting, ballet becomes inseparable from its surroundings, shaped as much by the environment as the movement itself.

These collaborations extend far beyond the stage. Through partnerships with 17 local school districts and six municipalities, we provide dance education and performances in communities where access has been limited. Our Angel Night program works with more than 80 nonprofit organizations, ensuring that individuals and families across the Valley can experience the joy of live performance.

Collaboration requires trust, shared vision, and a willingness to think beyond what is possible alone. Because of you, we continue to build partnerships that strengthen Arizona’s cultural landscape—creating opportunities for connection, creativity, and growth.

And together, we will keep rising.

What inspired the repertoire for Ballet in Bloom at Desert Botanical Garden?

I was thinking about what works best at Garden – something open, uplifting, and engaging. Lar Lubovitch’s Concerto Six Twenty-Two, set to Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, has a lightness and warmth that feels perfectly suited to that environment. It’s playful and expansive without being overwhelming, and his choreography captures that balance beautifully.

This ballet has stayed with me for many years. I performed it early in my career and never forgot the experience of dancing it. Even now, it still feels timeless. The movement reflects the music with such integrity – never forcing a narrative, but allowing audiences to interpret what they see in their own way.

My ballet, Reset, offers a different energy. It was originally created for West Australian Ballet in an outdoor venue, so it naturally translates to Desert Botanical Garden. The music by Gabriel Prokofiev blends classical structure with electronic elements, creating something rhythmic, dynamic, and unexpected.

Together, these works show two very different, but equally compelling, ways of experiencing ballet, highlighting both the tradition and evolution of the art form.

This will be the U.S. premiere of Reset—how does it feel to bring your work to the Ballet Arizona stage?

It’s exciting, but also personal. As Artistic Director, I spend much of my time shaping the overall vision of the company, so returning to the studio as a choreographer is refreshing. There is a certain personal element in that process, because you are sharing something that comes directly from you.

It is fulfilling to be in the studio with the dancers in a creative way. Reset asks them to move differently – there is a looseness and a sense of rhythm that comes from the music – and they have embraced that challenge fully. It’s been rewarding to see them take ownership of the work and bring their own artistry into it.

At the same time, it has reminded me how important it is to balance both roles. I love choreographing, but it requires a great deal of time and focus, so it needs to live in specific moments within the season. That balance allows me to support the company while still continuing to create.

As you reflect on your second season as Artistic Director, what stands out most?

I’m most proud of the consistency and level of performance across the entire organization. The dancers and the team have delivered every production with care, focus, and a willingness to grow.

The Sleeping Beauty was a meaningful starting point – it allowed me to build a strong foundation with the dancers and establish a shared understanding of style and precision. Later in the season, ALICE (in Wonderland) challenged the company in completely different ways, both technically and theatrically. It required a very specific balance in performance – finding the right point between restraint and expression—and the dancers rose to that challenge beautifully. The audience response was incredibly rewarding.

Beyond the stage, one of the most meaningful moments for me was our sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker. Creating a space where more people can access and experience dance is essential to our mission. The feedback we received was deeply moving and a reminder that the arts should be available to everyone.

This Arizona Gives Day, you are invited to take center stage and be the reason dreams turn into reality!

Every day, something magical happens at Ballet Arizona…

A dancer steps into a role they have long dreamt, shaped by years of training and sacrifice. A young student discovers a sense of confidence and belonging they carry far beyond the studio. And through performances that range from the whimsical world of ALICE (in Wonderland) to the unforgettable energy of Cacti, audiences experience moments that feel expansive and full of possibility.

Your support creates the foundation for everything at Ballet Arizona. It sustains the artistry on stage, fuels new work that pushes boundaries, and ensures our studios remain spaces grounded in connection and creativity.

This season, we celebrated our first-ever sensory-friendly performance of The Nutcracker, underscoring how access and inclusion strengthen not only our audiences, but also our vision of ballet for everyone.

After more than four decades away from ballet, a woman in her late 60s returned to her first love through our Creative Aging program, finding both renewed physical strength and the joy of expression through dance.

These are just a few reminders that the true magic of dance is that its impact never stands still. It evolves, grows, and reaches hearts far and wide – none of which is possible without you.