Each September, as the sun sets and families gather on blankets and lawn chairs, parks across the Valley are transformed into outdoor theaters. For nearly three decades, Ballet Under the Stars has been one of Ballet Arizona’s most cherished traditions – a free gift of dance to the community and an invitation to experience the magic of ballet together.
This program is about more than a performance, it’s about access. More than 9,000 people attend annually, many of them experiencing ballet for the first time. Entire neighborhoods come together, students watch professional dancers up close, and children often leap and twirl along the edges of the stage. These evenings remind us all that ballet is not a privilege for the few, but a joy to be shared with everyone.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, foundations, and city partners, Ballet Under the Stars has grown even stronger. Over the last two years, Ballet Arizona has expanded the program to additional locations, further extending our reach across the Valley and ensuring more families have the opportunity to experience world-class ballet right in their own neighborhoods. This growth reflects the power of donor investment to expand access and deepen community connection.
City partners feel the impact as well. “The Office of Arts and Culture and the Glendale Arts Commission are honored to continue our sponsorship of Ballet Under the Stars, and to be a host city for this dynamic event. Some of the greatest stories ever told will be encapsulated in one evening, providing an eclectic mix of performances that everyone can enjoy,” shared Chris Taylor, City of Glendale Arts and Culture Administrator.
Ballet Arizona’s vision is simple: ballet for everyone. The performing arts enrich our lives, inspire creativity, and are essential to a vibrant, connected community. With your support, Ballet Under the Stars brings that vision to life— removing barriers, welcoming thousands of people into the world of dance and creating moments that remind us of our shared humanity.
Your generosity makes this possible. Because of you, families discover new traditions, young dancers find inspiration, and communities across Arizona are strengthened through the shared experience of ballet. Together, we are ensuring that the magic of dance continues to shine brightly, under the stars and beyond.
