How are things at the ballet?
That’s a question frequently asked by our donors, patrons and members of the community who have an interest in Ballet Arizona. When they are asking the executive director, that question is usually about the financial well-being of the company.
I’m thrilled to be able to say that, while it’s always a struggle as a non-profit, Ballet Arizona is managing those challenges well. We have strong, engaged support from donors like you. We see tens of thousands of new and returning ticket buyers at performances each year.
It’s less than thrilling – frightening, really – when I get the following response: “That’s wonderful to hear. That means you don’t need my support any longer.” That can’t be any further from the truth. The reason Ballet Arizona is succeeding in the challenging non-profit world is because of the support we receive from donors. That support is needed year in and year out.
Your sustaining support employs a professional company of 30 dancers that perform nearly 100 times each season – we hope to be able to do that again next season and the season after that. Your continued giving makes possible a season like our 2018 – 2019 that includes three major new works – with aspirations to bring more new works of this scale in upcoming seasons. Your annual gift brings more than 6,000 children and families suffering hardships to a ballet performance each year to experience a moment of respite during difficult times. For all of these to continue, so must donor support.
So if you happen to hear someone mention that Ballet Arizona no longer needs his or her support, please share with them that their continuing gift is critical to our ongoing mission. We want to always be able to answer the question “How are things going at the ballet?” with a grateful and enthusiastic “Wonderfully, thanks to you!”
