Ballet Arizona’s 2024-2025 Season

Contemporary Council

Contemporary Council Officers

Anya Borshch

Anya Borshch

Chairwoman

Anya Borshch

Anya Borshch

Chairwoman

Chairwoman

Anya Borshch

Chairwoman

Norma Gutierrez
norma-gutierrez

Norma Gutierrez

Vice Chair

Norma is a Corporate Recruiter at U-Haul International. She is an established recruitment and business professional, passionate about partnering with organizations to solve complex business problems. She strives to improve organizational experiences and loyalty through talent management strategies. Outside of her professional endeavors, she is an avid cellist, a connoisseur of local confectioneries, and a devoted patron of live arts events.

From an early age, she developed a love and appreciation for ballet and the performing arts. She took ballet classes as a child and, after finding out she had two left feet, she translated this love to her cello pieces. She’s grateful to continue utilizing her background and contributing to the success of Ballet Arizona.

Norma Gutierrez
norma-gutierrez

Norma Gutierrez

Vice Chair

Norma is a Corporate Recruiter at U-Haul International. She is an established recruitment and business professional, passionate about partnering with organizations to solve complex business problems. She strives to improve organizational experiences and loyalty through talent management strategies. Outside of her professional endeavors, she is an avid cellist, a connoisseur of local confectioneries, and a devoted patron of live arts events.

From an early age, she developed a love and appreciation for ballet and the performing arts. She took ballet classes as a child and, after finding out she had two left feet, she translated this love to her cello pieces. She’s grateful to continue utilizing her background and contributing to the success of Ballet Arizona.

Vice Chair
norma-gutierrez

Norma Gutierrez

Vice Chair

Norma is a Corporate Recruiter at U-Haul International. She is an established recruitment and business professional, passionate about partnering with organizations to solve complex business problems. She strives to improve organizational experiences and loyalty through talent management strategies. Outside of her professional endeavors, she is an avid cellist, a connoisseur of local confectioneries, and a devoted patron of live arts events.

From an early age, she developed a love and appreciation for ballet and the performing arts. She took ballet classes as a child and, after finding out she had two left feet, she translated this love to her cello pieces. She’s grateful to continue utilizing her background and contributing to the success of Ballet Arizona.

Dani McCune

Dani McCune

Secretary

Born and raised in Phoenix, Dani brings vast knowledge and a youthful perspective to real estate in The Valley of the Sun. She is recognized for her uncompromising work ethic and steadfast commitment to clients. With a real estate license in both Arizona and California, Dani is a seasoned professional with the capability and capacity to assist clients with relocations and provide expertise on the architectural styles similar in the two states. Dani serves the luxury home market in the coastal cities of Los Angeles and has great familiarity with all Arizona cities.

Dani attended Arizona State University where she earned a degree in Economics in Barrett Honors College. With a background in commercial real estate, she understands the world of business and investments where she carries the knowledge over to the residential sector. This provides her clients with the ability to find their dream homes while also thinking about the opportunities of short and long-term investments. Dani is also a certified New Home Buyer Specialist for her clients; both visitors and long-time residents of Arizona and California.

As an avid hiker, biker and golfer, she is well versed in the Arizona lifestyle and amenities it has to offer. In her own time, Dani loves to dance, surf and travel. She has spent time in more than 35 countries which has helped her develop a sensitivity to the unique perspective and desires for a variety of distinct clients.

Dani McCune

Dani McCune

Secretary

Born and raised in Phoenix, Dani brings vast knowledge and a youthful perspective to real estate in The Valley of the Sun. She is recognized for her uncompromising work ethic and steadfast commitment to clients. With a real estate license in both Arizona and California, Dani is a seasoned professional with the capability and capacity to assist clients with relocations and provide expertise on the architectural styles similar in the two states. Dani serves the luxury home market in the coastal cities of Los Angeles and has great familiarity with all Arizona cities.

Dani attended Arizona State University where she earned a degree in Economics in Barrett Honors College. With a background in commercial real estate, she understands the world of business and investments where she carries the knowledge over to the residential sector. This provides her clients with the ability to find their dream homes while also thinking about the opportunities of short and long-term investments. Dani is also a certified New Home Buyer Specialist for her clients; both visitors and long-time residents of Arizona and California.

As an avid hiker, biker and golfer, she is well versed in the Arizona lifestyle and amenities it has to offer. In her own time, Dani loves to dance, surf and travel. She has spent time in more than 35 countries which has helped her develop a sensitivity to the unique perspective and desires for a variety of distinct clients.

Secretary

Dani McCune

Secretary

Born and raised in Phoenix, Dani brings vast knowledge and a youthful perspective to real estate in The Valley of the Sun. She is recognized for her uncompromising work ethic and steadfast commitment to clients. With a real estate license in both Arizona and California, Dani is a seasoned professional with the capability and capacity to assist clients with relocations and provide expertise on the architectural styles similar in the two states. Dani serves the luxury home market in the coastal cities of Los Angeles and has great familiarity with all Arizona cities.

Dani attended Arizona State University where she earned a degree in Economics in Barrett Honors College. With a background in commercial real estate, she understands the world of business and investments where she carries the knowledge over to the residential sector. This provides her clients with the ability to find their dream homes while also thinking about the opportunities of short and long-term investments. Dani is also a certified New Home Buyer Specialist for her clients; both visitors and long-time residents of Arizona and California.

As an avid hiker, biker and golfer, she is well versed in the Arizona lifestyle and amenities it has to offer. In her own time, Dani loves to dance, surf and travel. She has spent time in more than 35 countries which has helped her develop a sensitivity to the unique perspective and desires for a variety of distinct clients.

Joseph Palomino

Joseph Palomino

Treasurer

Joseph works in tax and economic policy in the nonprofit sector in Phoenix, Arizona. He previously worked as a tax consultant at KPMG and as a corporate tax analyst for the Arizona Department of Revenue. Joseph holds his Juris Doctor and Master of Laws in Taxation from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, a Master of Arts in Economics from George Mason University, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Arizona State University. Additionally, he has a background in political organizing, community mediation, and corporate finance.

Joseph is passionate about the arts and has worked for art museums and film festivals across the United States. His interest in ballet began during college when he took an acting class that required him to learn basic ballet techniques. His favorite ballet is Orpheus. 

Joseph Palomino

Joseph Palomino

Treasurer

Joseph works in tax and economic policy in the nonprofit sector in Phoenix, Arizona. He previously worked as a tax consultant at KPMG and as a corporate tax analyst for the Arizona Department of Revenue. Joseph holds his Juris Doctor and Master of Laws in Taxation from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, a Master of Arts in Economics from George Mason University, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Arizona State University. Additionally, he has a background in political organizing, community mediation, and corporate finance.

Joseph is passionate about the arts and has worked for art museums and film festivals across the United States. His interest in ballet began during college when he took an acting class that required him to learn basic ballet techniques. His favorite ballet is Orpheus. 

Treasurer

Joseph Palomino

Treasurer

Joseph works in tax and economic policy in the nonprofit sector in Phoenix, Arizona. He previously worked as a tax consultant at KPMG and as a corporate tax analyst for the Arizona Department of Revenue. Joseph holds his Juris Doctor and Master of Laws in Taxation from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, a Master of Arts in Economics from George Mason University, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Arizona State University. Additionally, he has a background in political organizing, community mediation, and corporate finance.

Joseph is passionate about the arts and has worked for art museums and film festivals across the United States. His interest in ballet began during college when he took an acting class that required him to learn basic ballet techniques. His favorite ballet is Orpheus. 

Contemporary Council Members

Julie Anderson
Julie-Anderson headshot

Julie Anderson

Julie Anderson
Julie-Anderson headshot

Julie Anderson

Julie-Anderson headshot

Julie Anderson

Brooke Baumer Saldivar

Brooke Baumer Saldivar

Brooke Baumer Saldivar is a Learning and Development Manager at American Express, with over 10 years in the training and learning and development field. Her experience spans from youth development, community outreach with the Maricopa county jails, and corporate training programs. She has a passion for supporting and developing others, and extensive experience in creating, designing, and delivering trainings and learning programs. Outside of her professional endeavors, Brooke enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and dog Mason.   
 
Since the age of three, Brooke has been involved in performance arts. Over the years, she has danced ballet, lyrical, jazz, and was a competitive figure skater. Her most recent involvement with performance arts is as a fan of her sister’s dance company’s productions.  
 
Brooke has several years of experience supporting nonprofits as a volunteer, board member, fundraiser, and consultant. She is thrilled to be part of the Ballet Arizona community.
Brooke Baumer Saldivar

Brooke Baumer Saldivar

Brooke Baumer Saldivar is a Learning and Development Manager at American Express, with over 10 years in the training and learning and development field. Her experience spans from youth development, community outreach with the Maricopa county jails, and corporate training programs. She has a passion for supporting and developing others, and extensive experience in creating, designing, and delivering trainings and learning programs. Outside of her professional endeavors, Brooke enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and dog Mason.   
 
Since the age of three, Brooke has been involved in performance arts. Over the years, she has danced ballet, lyrical, jazz, and was a competitive figure skater. Her most recent involvement with performance arts is as a fan of her sister’s dance company’s productions.  
 
Brooke has several years of experience supporting nonprofits as a volunteer, board member, fundraiser, and consultant. She is thrilled to be part of the Ballet Arizona community.

Brooke Baumer Saldivar

Brooke Baumer Saldivar is a Learning and Development Manager at American Express, with over 10 years in the training and learning and development field. Her experience spans from youth development, community outreach with the Maricopa county jails, and corporate training programs. She has a passion for supporting and developing others, and extensive experience in creating, designing, and delivering trainings and learning programs. Outside of her professional endeavors, Brooke enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and dog Mason.   
 
Since the age of three, Brooke has been involved in performance arts. Over the years, she has danced ballet, lyrical, jazz, and was a competitive figure skater. Her most recent involvement with performance arts is as a fan of her sister’s dance company’s productions.  
 
Brooke has several years of experience supporting nonprofits as a volunteer, board member, fundraiser, and consultant. She is thrilled to be part of the Ballet Arizona community.
Rochelle Belsito

Rochelle Belsito

From: Phoenix, Arizona

Rochelle Belsito

Rochelle Belsito

From: Phoenix, Arizona

Rochelle Belsito

From: Phoenix, Arizona

Lindsay Danto

Lindsay Danto

Growing up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Lindsay was passionate about dance and the arts from a very young age, immersing herself in various classes throughout her childhood. Inspired by her aunt, who was a soloist and principal dancer across several ballet companies on the east coast and Europe, Lindsay developed an understanding and appreciation of the societal impact of the art of dance, and its unique ability to unite people of all cultures and backgrounds. Motivated by her family’s philanthropic involvement with the Sarasota Ballet and the profound impact it had on making ballet accessible to disadvantaged communities, she felt compelled to follow in their footsteps. Upon graduating from Boston University, Lindsay delved into the fashion world and launched a self-titled collection of handbags and accessories which went on to garner recognition from British Vogue, Condé Nast, and Glamour Magazines. In 2015, she put that aside to focus on raising her twin daughters, new business endeavors, traveling, and carrying on her family’s legacy of supporting the arts and sciences. 

Lindsay Danto

Lindsay Danto

Growing up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Lindsay was passionate about dance and the arts from a very young age, immersing herself in various classes throughout her childhood. Inspired by her aunt, who was a soloist and principal dancer across several ballet companies on the east coast and Europe, Lindsay developed an understanding and appreciation of the societal impact of the art of dance, and its unique ability to unite people of all cultures and backgrounds. Motivated by her family’s philanthropic involvement with the Sarasota Ballet and the profound impact it had on making ballet accessible to disadvantaged communities, she felt compelled to follow in their footsteps. Upon graduating from Boston University, Lindsay delved into the fashion world and launched a self-titled collection of handbags and accessories which went on to garner recognition from British Vogue, Condé Nast, and Glamour Magazines. In 2015, she put that aside to focus on raising her twin daughters, new business endeavors, traveling, and carrying on her family’s legacy of supporting the arts and sciences. 

Lindsay Danto

Growing up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Lindsay was passionate about dance and the arts from a very young age, immersing herself in various classes throughout her childhood. Inspired by her aunt, who was a soloist and principal dancer across several ballet companies on the east coast and Europe, Lindsay developed an understanding and appreciation of the societal impact of the art of dance, and its unique ability to unite people of all cultures and backgrounds. Motivated by her family’s philanthropic involvement with the Sarasota Ballet and the profound impact it had on making ballet accessible to disadvantaged communities, she felt compelled to follow in their footsteps. Upon graduating from Boston University, Lindsay delved into the fashion world and launched a self-titled collection of handbags and accessories which went on to garner recognition from British Vogue, Condé Nast, and Glamour Magazines. In 2015, she put that aside to focus on raising her twin daughters, new business endeavors, traveling, and carrying on her family’s legacy of supporting the arts and sciences. 

Elizabeth Essex
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Elizabeth Essex

Bio coming soon...

Elizabeth Essex
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Elizabeth Essex

Bio coming soon...

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Elizabeth Essex

Bio coming soon...

Jamie Brooke Forseth

Jamie Brooke Forseth

Jamie Brooke Forseth has held leadership roles across U.S. public finance, defense, and diplomacy.  Today she is head of research and business strategy at Tower Bay Asset Management, an alternative asset manager specializing in the $4 trillion U.S. municipal bond market. Her prior public finance roles include head of research at a credit hedge fund and lead strategist on Goldman Sachs’ municipal bond trading desk. She previously served as the director of global strategy and senior advisor to the Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon and the Ambassador’s personal chief of staff at the U.S. Embassy in Finland.

A native Arizonan, Forseth danced at Ballet Arizona while a student at Arizona School for the Arts. She went on to earn five degrees in five years from Arizona State University (bachelor’s degrees in violin performance, political science, English literature, and integrated Polish studies as well as a Master’s degree in political theory). She also holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management. She has performed solo violin for a U.S. President, Secretary of State, and Supreme Court Justice, but today is most at ease in the audience of performing arts organizations like Ballet Arizona.

Jamie Brooke Forseth

Jamie Brooke Forseth

Jamie Brooke Forseth has held leadership roles across U.S. public finance, defense, and diplomacy.  Today she is head of research and business strategy at Tower Bay Asset Management, an alternative asset manager specializing in the $4 trillion U.S. municipal bond market. Her prior public finance roles include head of research at a credit hedge fund and lead strategist on Goldman Sachs’ municipal bond trading desk. She previously served as the director of global strategy and senior advisor to the Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon and the Ambassador’s personal chief of staff at the U.S. Embassy in Finland.

A native Arizonan, Forseth danced at Ballet Arizona while a student at Arizona School for the Arts. She went on to earn five degrees in five years from Arizona State University (bachelor’s degrees in violin performance, political science, English literature, and integrated Polish studies as well as a Master’s degree in political theory). She also holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management. She has performed solo violin for a U.S. President, Secretary of State, and Supreme Court Justice, but today is most at ease in the audience of performing arts organizations like Ballet Arizona.

Jamie Brooke Forseth

Jamie Brooke Forseth has held leadership roles across U.S. public finance, defense, and diplomacy.  Today she is head of research and business strategy at Tower Bay Asset Management, an alternative asset manager specializing in the $4 trillion U.S. municipal bond market. Her prior public finance roles include head of research at a credit hedge fund and lead strategist on Goldman Sachs’ municipal bond trading desk. She previously served as the director of global strategy and senior advisor to the Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon and the Ambassador’s personal chief of staff at the U.S. Embassy in Finland.

A native Arizonan, Forseth danced at Ballet Arizona while a student at Arizona School for the Arts. She went on to earn five degrees in five years from Arizona State University (bachelor’s degrees in violin performance, political science, English literature, and integrated Polish studies as well as a Master’s degree in political theory). She also holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management. She has performed solo violin for a U.S. President, Secretary of State, and Supreme Court Justice, but today is most at ease in the audience of performing arts organizations like Ballet Arizona.

Erin Lovrien

Erin Lovrien

Erin's love for dance began early, when she realized how much joy can be experienced both on stage and in the audience. With her passion ignited, she trained with the Richmond Ballet, Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theater in NYC, Ballet Austin, and LINES Contemporary Ballet before landing in Arizona.

Graduating summa cum laude with a BFA in Dance and a BA in Linguistics from the University of Arizona, Erin moved on to simultaneously balance careers as a dancer, choreographer, director of a dance program, and Pilates instructor. She performed professionally in Phoenix with CONDER/dance, Center Dance Ensemble, and HALO. Her choreography has been featured at the Herberger, Tempe Center for the Arts, Arizona Dance Festival, and has won first place with the Arizona Chapter of NSAL.

With more than a decade of experience teaching Pilates, her commitment to excellence and love of learning, Erin became a highly sought after Master Trainer for Club Pilates, responsible for teaching, training, and mentoring the next generation of Pilates instructors across the valley.

Since it aligns perfectly with her own values, Erin is honored to support Ballet Arizona’s vision to make ballet accessible to everyone, and its mission to ignite the human spirit through the magic of dance.

Erin Lovrien

Erin Lovrien

Erin's love for dance began early, when she realized how much joy can be experienced both on stage and in the audience. With her passion ignited, she trained with the Richmond Ballet, Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theater in NYC, Ballet Austin, and LINES Contemporary Ballet before landing in Arizona.

Graduating summa cum laude with a BFA in Dance and a BA in Linguistics from the University of Arizona, Erin moved on to simultaneously balance careers as a dancer, choreographer, director of a dance program, and Pilates instructor. She performed professionally in Phoenix with CONDER/dance, Center Dance Ensemble, and HALO. Her choreography has been featured at the Herberger, Tempe Center for the Arts, Arizona Dance Festival, and has won first place with the Arizona Chapter of NSAL.

With more than a decade of experience teaching Pilates, her commitment to excellence and love of learning, Erin became a highly sought after Master Trainer for Club Pilates, responsible for teaching, training, and mentoring the next generation of Pilates instructors across the valley.

Since it aligns perfectly with her own values, Erin is honored to support Ballet Arizona’s vision to make ballet accessible to everyone, and its mission to ignite the human spirit through the magic of dance.

Erin Lovrien

Erin's love for dance began early, when she realized how much joy can be experienced both on stage and in the audience. With her passion ignited, she trained with the Richmond Ballet, Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theater in NYC, Ballet Austin, and LINES Contemporary Ballet before landing in Arizona.

Graduating summa cum laude with a BFA in Dance and a BA in Linguistics from the University of Arizona, Erin moved on to simultaneously balance careers as a dancer, choreographer, director of a dance program, and Pilates instructor. She performed professionally in Phoenix with CONDER/dance, Center Dance Ensemble, and HALO. Her choreography has been featured at the Herberger, Tempe Center for the Arts, Arizona Dance Festival, and has won first place with the Arizona Chapter of NSAL.

With more than a decade of experience teaching Pilates, her commitment to excellence and love of learning, Erin became a highly sought after Master Trainer for Club Pilates, responsible for teaching, training, and mentoring the next generation of Pilates instructors across the valley.

Since it aligns perfectly with her own values, Erin is honored to support Ballet Arizona’s vision to make ballet accessible to everyone, and its mission to ignite the human spirit through the magic of dance.

Kathryn Preston

Kathryn Preston

Bio coming soon!

Kathryn Preston

Kathryn Preston

Bio coming soon!

Kathryn Preston

Bio coming soon!

Serena Remy
Serena_Remy

Serena Remy

Serena Remy
Serena_Remy

Serena Remy

Serena_Remy

Serena Remy

Jordyn Siegfried
Jordyn siegfried headshot

Jordyn Siegfried

Jordyn Siegfried
Jordyn siegfried headshot

Jordyn Siegfried

Jordyn siegfried headshot

Jordyn Siegfried

Eleanor Umphres

Eleanor Umphres

Eleanor is an attorney and Captain in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, serving as Area Defense Counsel on Luke Air Force Base.  She achieved a BA in International Affairs and Politics in Bruxelles, Belgium; a master’s in Social Work from Columbia University; and a J.D. from Georgetown Law.

Eleanor was trained classically at the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet.  She spent summers at the School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre in New York, San Francisco Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet.  She danced professionally with the Sacramento Ballet from 2004-2006 and is thrilled to support Ballet Arizona as a member of the Contemporary Council.

Eleanor Umphres

Eleanor Umphres

Eleanor is an attorney and Captain in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, serving as Area Defense Counsel on Luke Air Force Base.  She achieved a BA in International Affairs and Politics in Bruxelles, Belgium; a master’s in Social Work from Columbia University; and a J.D. from Georgetown Law.

Eleanor was trained classically at the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet.  She spent summers at the School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre in New York, San Francisco Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet.  She danced professionally with the Sacramento Ballet from 2004-2006 and is thrilled to support Ballet Arizona as a member of the Contemporary Council.

Eleanor Umphres

Eleanor is an attorney and Captain in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, serving as Area Defense Counsel on Luke Air Force Base.  She achieved a BA in International Affairs and Politics in Bruxelles, Belgium; a master’s in Social Work from Columbia University; and a J.D. from Georgetown Law.

Eleanor was trained classically at the Dallas Metropolitan Ballet.  She spent summers at the School of American Ballet, American Ballet Theatre in New York, San Francisco Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet.  She danced professionally with the Sacramento Ballet from 2004-2006 and is thrilled to support Ballet Arizona as a member of the Contemporary Council.

About the Contemporary Council

The Ballet Arizona Contemporary Council, Ballet Arizona’s junior board was formed by young leaders in Phoenix to reach a new population of community members and cultivate a passion for art and dance.

The Contemporary Council believes that one performance can change lives. The Council supports Ballet Arizona to foster the growth of a new generation of patrons of the ballet through creative fundraising, education, volunteering, and awareness.

To support this mission, The Contemporary Council creates exciting engagement and fundraising events for Ballet Barre Young Professionals’ Group. Check out our upcoming events, we would love to see you at our next event!

We are currently accepting new members! For more information, please contact Elyse Salisz at esalisz@balletaz.org

Don't miss the extraordinary U.S. premiere of FRIDA February 13th - 16th! LEARN MORE
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