It’s your turn to take a bow!
Thank you for being a part of our 2017-2018 season! Without your involvement and support, we would not be able to bring word-class ballet to Arizona. Whether we are performing classics like Swan Lake and Cinderella or exploring new dimensions created by George Balanchine and contemporary works, this past season has been a true testament to what this company is capable of achieving, which is only made possible by your support. We are happy to share some highlights from this past season!
In September, we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Ballet Under the Stars, our free outdoor performances that take place across the Valley each season. This year over 17,000 people attended the five shows featuring George Balanchine’s Square Dance and Western Symphony as well as exerpts from Nayon Iovino’s new work Threads. Thank you to all of our sponsors over the years who have made this program possible!
World Premiere of Ib Andersen’s Eroica
In May, you helped us celebrate Ib Andersen’s new work Eroica at Desert Botanical Garden! Set to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 it was a triumphant ballet about the past, present, and future. Thank you to our New Works Initiative sponsors for making our annual Evening at Desert Botanical Garden possible this year and for the next two years.
Hazel Hare Award of Artistic Excellence
On January 19, 2018 at the Dance With Me Gala, Ballet Arizona was honored to present the inaugural Hazel Hare Award of Artistic Excellence. In years to come, it will be awarded to a male and female dancer whose spirit echoes the strength, dedication, and passion that Hazel exemplified throughout her entire life. This season’s recipients were Jillian Barrell and Ethan Price.
A Fond Farewell to Natalia Magnicaballi
After 16 years with Ballet Arizona, adored dancer, Natalia Magnicaballi, made her final curtain call at All Balanchine in May. In her final performance with the company, Natalia performed the lead roles of The Siren in Prodigal Son and The Sleepwalker in La Sonnambula, one of her most beloved Balanchine ballets, thus bringing her time with Ballet Arizona full circle.
P.S. Don’t miss out on our exciting 2018-2019 season starting this Fall with our mixed repertoire program New Moves!
