Magical Moments Magical Moments
A Letter from Executive Director, Jami Kozemczak
There is not a single day that passes without one of us experiencing the magic that stems from our work. If Ballet Arizona is anything, we are certainly in the business of making magic happen – for our audiences, our dancers, our students and our community.
For my first feature article in Turning Pointe, it is my pleasure to take this moment to reflect and put pen to paper. You see…this is a Magical Moment for me personally…my first opportunity to share some of our stories with you as your new Executive Director. This role is such an esteemed honor and I am in awe of the overwhelming encouragement from all that have supported me along this journey.
I want to share just a few of these magical moments with you…
Today, I watched guided tours for groups of grade school students that were wide-eyed at the grandeur of our dance facility, costume shop, and Dorrance Theatre. Not only did we perform for these students, but they took an introductory ballet class, and we taught them about the many different careers one might achieve in the arts, opening their eyes to a world of new possibilities.
The last time we held this Performance Hour program, we hosted a sensory-friendly performance for residents of The Centers for Habilitation. Individuals with mobility issues were no longer limited by the confines of their wheelchairs; they were participating and taking an adapted ballet class along with everyone else.
We welcomed back the dancers a few weeks ago from their summer break and there was an overwhelming sense of joy hearing music fill our hallways once again. I am immediately drawn back to the memory of our opening night performance of Ib Andersen’s Juan Gabriel last May – such exuberant applause and ovation!
But my favorite magical moment came to me as a surprise. I took my mother to see The Nutcracker for the very first time, and as I leaned over in the seats to explain the story to her, I saw the same sparkle and magic lighting up the eyes of this woman, 67 years young, in the same way, the eyes of an eight-year-old sparkle. I will forever cherish that beautiful memory.
When I relive all of these memories, I wonder… what magical moments will this season hold for us? I encourage you to share yours with me, with your friends, and with your families. Let’s spread the beauty of ballet even further into our community for all to experience.
Thank you for allowing me to work in this space of gratitude and generosity every day. With each day holds the purpose of inspiring others inherently close.
You are simply magic…
