This fall, Ballet Arizona bids a heartfelt farewell to company dancer Katelyn May, who will take her final bow during our upcoming production of The Sleeping Beauty. With a career spanning Houston Ballet, The Sarasota Ballet, and Ballet Arizona since 2021, Katelyn has brought artistry, grace, and dedication to every role she has performed. As she prepares for this next chapter, she reflects on her career and the journey that led to this moment.
Looking back, how has dancing with Ballet Arizona impacted your life, both on and off the stage?
Onstage, I have been exposed to works that I otherwise wouldn’t have danced and worked with many incredible dancers and staff who helped me find nuances in my dancing. Offstage, Ballet Arizona has always felt like my landing place. My family has lived in Arizona for years and no matter where I was dancing throughout my career, Ballet Arizona was where I would come to take class in my off time. When my husband found a job here, we knew we would settle and raise our family in Arizona. I am so grateful to have danced with this company while finding a true sense of “home and stability” within the community.
Was there a pivotal moment in your career that shaped the artist you are today?
On a professional level, I can’t think of one specific moment, but any time of adversity or setback was an instigator for growth. If I didn’t get cast the way I wanted or I felt deficient in certain repertoire, I would reevaluate my goals so that I was always working to make myself better.
On a personal level, marrying my husband and giving birth to my son have hugely influenced my career. Having the experience of finding love and creating life is a miracle that inspires me every day.
What words of wisdom or advice would you share with dancers who are either new to ballet or to the company?
My words of wisdom would be to observe everybody around you. You can learn something from every single person in the studio. Don’t be afraid to mimic those you look up to and try new ideas.
Can you share a little about your decision to retire and what’s next on the horizon for you?
My decision to retire was slow and not one that I took lightly. After having my baby in February of 2024, I aspired to return to the stage stronger and better than ever. I feel like I accomplished that goal but was not prepared for how my heart would change becoming a mother. With each passing production I was more and more convinced.
Over the course of the 2024-2025 season, the thought “I think I’m ready to retire” kept entering my mind, when it never had before. With each passing repertoire I was more and more convinced. Since the beginning of my career I have always aimed to retire feeling at the top of my game and still having a love for ballet, this decision has allowed that for me.
On the horizon, I plan to focus on home life. My husband and I hope to grow our family, and I look forward to being present with our children and creating space for this next chapter.
