A Letter from the Executive Director, Jami Kozemczak
This past year truly became a year of firsts. And as we all know, every milestone begins with a first step.
We are just coming off the highest-grossing production of Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker in Ballet Arizona’s history, welcoming more than 35,000 patrons to share in the magic of the season. We are especially proud that this cherished tradition continues to introduce new families and first-time attendees to the art form, shaping a broader and more inclusive future for ballet in our community.
Another meaningful first arrived with The Sleeping Beauty, marking Daniela Cardim’s debut work as Artistic Director. Her luminous vision and artistry launched the season in grand style, setting a bold tone for what lies ahead and reaffirming our commitment to classical excellence paired with fresh perspective.
This season also reflects intentional growth within our company. We welcomed five new dancers and continue to deepen our artistic bench—investing in the versatility and longevity of our artists as we expand the scope of our repertoire. That commitment is already resonating with audiences, from the nearly sold-out premiere of Septime Webre’s ALICE (in Wonderland) to two additional premieres in March that will introduce works by Alexander Ekman and Hans van Manen to Ballet Arizona for the first time.
Beyond the stage, our Community Engagement team achieved a powerful first with the inaugural sensory-friendly adapted performance of The Nutcracker. Families shared heartfelt appreciation for a performance environment where they felt welcomed and comfortable – underscoring how access and inclusion strengthen not only our audiences, but our mission.
Honoring tradition while embracing renewal, we returned to the historic Arizona Biltmore for our annual Dance With Me gala – where this celebration first began decades ago. It was a remarkable evening, raising more than $500,000 in support of our mission and honoring Emerita Board member, Joan Berry, and her husband, Charlie, for their extraordinary generosity and dedication spanning more than 40 years.
Looking Ahead
One of my most meaningful “firsts” – and one that continues to require your support – was the launch of our employee retirement match program. This initiative reflects a long-term investment in the well-being of our dancers and staff, recognizing that sustaining artistic excellence begins with nurturing the people who carry our work forward.
As I reflect on the year, here are my takeaways:
- The more tickets we share with deserving families, the more our audiences grow.
- The more we invest in our people, the higher the caliber of our artistry.
- The more time we spend in the community, the more people discover and fall in love with Ballet Arizona.
Thank you for being part of every first, every step forward, and everything still to come.
