A letter from Executive Director, Samantha Turner.
I can’t tell you what a pleasure it is to write this message, the first since all of our lives changed in so many ways. That we are still here and are making plans for the future is because of you!
The outpouring of support from you during this time has been overwhelming and inspiring. As buildings were closed and performances were cancelled, your hearts opened revealing a depth of generosity beyond expectations. As a result, dancers could keep working and stay in shape with remote classes, faculty kept students moving forward in their training while at home, and staff found new ways to stay in touch with you and the rest of our community. And everyone became experts at video meeting technology.
In July, we announced the next step in this strange journey we are all taking – an alternative fall season adapted to the current circumstances. We are thrilled that we will start performing again in October, and hope that you’ve made arrangements to join us in the Dorrance Theatre or through a streamed video performance. Thanks to the expertise of health and safety consultants associated with Barrow Neurological Institute and Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions, we’ve made certain the protocols we have in place can help protect both our employees, students and patrons as we are able to come together.
As we wait to see what the spring will bring, we are already making plans for our 2021-2022 season. We know we can get there because of you are helping us build the bridge over this difficult time. There are many challenges ahead as we cross that bridge to future, and we are grateful for the help you are providing for that journey. Without the ability to perform at Symphony Hall and the Orpheum, Ballet Arizona will have less than half of the revenue we would normally see in a season. While we’ve cut budget by more than $2.5 million, the expenses necessary to maintain operations still exceed revenue. The Be Our Bridge – COVID-19 Recovery and Relief Fund is designed to close that gap.
More than ever, your gifts are what keep dancers dancing, faculty teaching, and our staff reaching out to serve the community. If you haven’t yet joined the Be Our Bridge campaign, please make your gift or pledge today, along with your annual gift of support. To stay on the stage, the ballet really needs this extra help in this extraordinary year.
In the midst of the challenges of this year, we’ve been able to explore new ways to connect with you and bring the ballet to the community. We hope you’ll join us for some of these new opportunities – the Ballet Arizona Book Club, Movement Moments, and, of course, new performances that you can watch from home.
Thank you for being there for us in this moment. We will continue to find ways to be with you.
Gratefully,
Samantha Turner
Read ‘A Conversation with Ib Andersen’
