Ballet has been a part of my life since before I can remember. I started dancing ballet with The School of Ballet Arizona at the age of three, and though I chose to hang up my pointe shoes and pursue a career in the law, I have been a fan of ballet and the arts ever since.
For me, ballet has always served as a creative and inspirational outlet. Now, ballet has helped me build a greater community as a young professional in Phoenix.
A few years ago, I learned of Ballet Arizona’s young professionals group, Ballet Barre. Ballet Barre gives young professionals the opportunity to show their love of the arts and support ballet through membership. Members of the Ballet Barre have access to discounted ticket prices, exclusive seat upgrades, and invitations to behind-the-scenes studio rehearsals and after-work networking events – all for a minimum contribution of only $30. It makes ballet more accessible and provides unique networking opportunities to young professionals interested in the arts.
Through the Ballet Barre, I have had the opportunity to meet interesting people, from diverse backgrounds, and to see viewership of ballet – particularly among the younger generations in Phoenix – grow.
Among my favorite Ballet Barre events are the Brews & Ballet quarterly happy hours held at Sip Coffee & Beer Garage, where members can network with other young professionals and Ballet Arizona dancers (who often attend and share their experiences and insights on upcoming performances).
I also enjoy the annual Phoenix Arts Collab mixers, which the Ballet Barre hosts along with the young professional groups of other Phoenix arts organizations, including the Phoenix Symphony, Herberger Theater, Arizona Opera, and Desert Botanical Garden. These mixers facilitate new connections among young professionals across the Valley, who are helping to shape the future of music and the performing arts.
If you are a young professional and are interested in becoming a member, please visit the Ballet Barre web-page. There, you will find details on membership and a calendar of upcoming events.
Please also join us this Saturday for our first event of the season, following the free Ballet under the Stars performance at Steele Indian School Park. Bring your friends, a blanket, and some snacks, and come watch a free performance by Ballet Arizona. Then join us at Hula’s Modern Tiki for special happy-hour pricing and networking with the dancers and other young professionals. We hope to see you there!