This season, Ballet Arizona celebrates and honors the memory of Natalie Woodman, a remarkable woman whose love of ballet and commitment to community will continue to inspire generations. Though she has now passed, her vision and generosity live on through a legacy gift to Ballet Arizona, fulfilling the promise she made years ago when she joined our Legacy for Dance program.
Natalie’s love of dance began early, attending performances at Jacob’s Pillow during her studies at Smith College School for social work. Later, she lived in New York, where she regularly attended New York City Ballet performances and deepened her appreciation for the art form. After moving to the Phoenix area, Natalie continued her career in social work; serving on the faculty of Arizona State University’s School of Social Work and dedicated her life to the well-being of others.
Her professional life reflected a deep commitment to people and community, and her passion for ballet became a natural extension of that dedication. In 2001, Natalie created trust documents naming Ballet Arizona as a beneficiary. At the time, she explained her decision simply and beautifully:
“It is a company to be proud of, and if you’re proud of something, you give to it. I did this to help assure that Ballet Arizona will continue, for the benefit of the whole community. What it gives to the kids, through performances such as Ballet Under the Stars, is so important. I wanted to assure there would be ongoing giving to the Ballet, which I loved with a passion.”
The Power of Legacy Giving
Ballet Arizona’s Legacy for Dance program celebrates individuals who choose to include the Ballet in their estate plans. These visionary commitments strengthen the company’s long-term financial foundation by supporting operating and capital reserves, the Ballet Arizona Endowment Fund, and sustainable resources for future growth. Legacy gifts are essential to preserving the artistic excellence audiences treasure on stage and the community programs that bring ballet to schools, neighborhoods, and families across Arizona.
Endowment funds, in particular, play a vital role in the health and stability of nonprofit organizations. Unlike annual contributions, endowments are permanent funds that generate income year after year. This reliable support allows organizations like Ballet Arizona to plan boldly, sustain artistic standards, and continue expanding access to dance—even when other revenue streams fluctuate. With ticket sales covering only a portion of our operating costs, endowment income provides both stability in uncertain times and the freedom to invest in innovation, new repertoire, and the next generation of artists and audiences.
A Lasting Legacy
Natalie’s planned gift is a powerful reminder of how individual foresight can sustain an art form for years to come. More than two decades after she first made this commitment, her generosity has become part of Ballet Arizona’s story, lighting the way forward much like the “candles in the dark” she once described.
As we honor her memory, we are reminded that every gift, large or small, helps sustain this art form we love. Through Legacy for Dance, members like Natalie make it possible for ballet to flourish on stage, in classrooms, and throughout our community for decades to come.
