For more than four decades, Gail Passy Reed has been part of Ballet Arizona’s story- as a dancer, teacher, administrator, mentor, and even headpiece designer. Wearing many hats, she has witnessed the company grow from its early days in small studios to the thriving organization it is today, while watching generations of dancers and students discover the magic of dance. As Ballet Arizona celebrates 40 years, Gail reflects on the people, experiences, and support that have shaped our company’s journey.
1. You’ve been part of Ballet Arizona since the very beginning. Can you paint a picture of what the company was like when it was founded?
I started as a dancer with the company in August 1985. Our first studio was at 15th Avenue and Thomas. Whenever we needed to rehearse large scenes like Snowflakes or the party scene in The Nutcracker, we had to go to Phoenix College or Metro Tech High School because there simply wasn’t enough room in our small studio.
I remember being so excited when we moved into our current location. After many attempts to find a larger building, Carlos Falcarcel put me in a hard hat and walked me through this building. I was floored. Seeing all the studios, offices, storage and the costume shop was a huge upgrade.
2. When you look back over the past 40 years, what has been the most remarkable change you’ve witnessed? What has stayed the same?
Definitely how much everything has grown. I’ve worked with six or seven school directors and five company directors, plus an interim, so I’ve seen many changes and different chapters. I love the direction the company is taking now. Daniela is honoring the past while expanding the company and its repertoire, and it’s wonderful to see.
The School has also expanded tremendously, with more students and more levels. I especially love that we now have Studio Company. It gives dancers who have worked so hard an important step before they enter Ballet Arizona or another professional company. I also love that we’re expanding our outreach to include people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to study ballet. Ballet can be a very elite art, and things like tuition and pointe shoes can be expensive, so making those opportunities more accessible is important.
With all this change, our mission and values still remain the same. There’s still that magic of dance and the inspiration of the next generation. I’ve been here for 41 years, and I’m definitely what you would call a “bun head.” Ballet is so beautiful, and I love watching each generation of dancers come through our doors. I hope to pass some of that passion on to the next generation through my teaching.
3. Many of our donors believe they’re investing in the future of dance. From your perspective as someone who has taught generations of students, what impact does their support have on the dancers who walk through our doors?
A huge impact. Donor support helps us reach students who might not otherwise be able to dance through opportunities like scholarships. Their support also provides important future resources such as housing for Studio Company and dancers, and costumes.
It’s all part of making the experience better and helping Ballet Arizona move forward. We can dream, but donors help fuel those dreams.
4. What gives you the most hope or excitement as Ballet Arizona begins its next 40 years?
I’m excited to see Ballet Arizona honor its past while continuing to grow. I’m especially excited about the international choreographers Daniela is bringing in to expand the company’s repertoire. It’s exciting to see the company continuing to grow artistically. When we did Frida, for example, it was amazing. I love seeing the possibilities for the future.
5. If you could share one message with the Ballet Arizona community, what would you want them to know?
The first thing that came to my mind was, “It takes a village.” Every single person in this organization and every single donor is important, whether they’re giving $5, $500 or $5 million. It all counts, and it all helps.
Everybody should be appreciated because it truly takes a village to make Ballet Arizona what it is and what it will become.
After 41 years, Gail’s perspective comes back to one simple truth: it takes a village. Every dancer, teacher, staff member, volunteer, family member, patron, and donor plays a role in sustaining Ballet Arizona and helping it grow. As we look toward the next 40 years, your support continues to fuel the dreams of the dancers and students who will carry the magic of dance forward.
