On December 14, 2017 Symphony Hall looked like any other night during Ballet Arizona’s performances of The Nutcracker. However, to the children and families that filled the seats, it was so much more. The holiday season came alive for these families; and for many individuals it was the very first time they had seen a live ballet performance. It was a magical night where they could forget the real world and journey to the land of sweets with our heroine, Clara.
Every single attendee last Thursday experienced The Nutcracker completely free of charge thanks to Ballet Arizona’s generous supporters of the Community Angel Night program. Children were dressed in their holiday best, families could take a photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy free of charge, courtesy of MVP Sports Images, and enjoy some hot chocolate while holiday shopping at the Nutcracker gift shop.
Ballet Arizona feels so lucky to be able to bring joy, magic, and love to so many during the holidays – we are so grateful to our Angels. Angel Night is also a favorite among dancers and staff because the audience is one of the most enthusiastic ever! Guests applaud from beginning to end and laughter is heard throughout the entire acts.
Here are what a few supporters of Angel Night had to say about the evening:
“As a kid dancing in The Nutcracker, I could always tell how excited and appreciative the Angel Night audience was. It was my favorite performance.” – Emily Hunting
“It was my privilege last night to attend the Community Angels Performance of Nutcracker as a chaperone for students from South Mountain High School. How wonderful that Ballet Arizona makes this opportunity available to students and families who might otherwise not see our local, world-class ballet company! As ever (it’s a fine production), the performance was captivating and magical. I know the students loved it. Please pass on my thanks to all who make this possible-the dancers, musicians, crew, and all the many others like yourself working behind the scenes-not to mention the generous donors. Your commitment to community engagement is truly a model and deeply touching.” – David Schildkret
To learn more about Ballet Arizona’s Angel Night’s or to nominate an organization to receive tickets, click here.
