As we embark on Ballet Arizona’s 40th Anniversary, I find myself reflecting on a theme that has surfaced again and again over the past several months: the power of storytelling.
Nearly everyone connected to Ballet Arizona has a story to tell.
I have heard them from board members reflecting on what called them to serve: a desire to give back, to ensure the arts remain a thriving part of our community and economy, or, in one touching example, a father who found an entirely new way to connect with his daughter through their shared love of ballet.
I spent an afternoon listening to stories from our longest-tenured employee, Gail Passey-Reed, who has been with Ballet Arizona for 42 years. She blows kisses to the portrait of the Rosenbergs every time she is in our downstairs conference room, remembering how they once funded dancer payroll when the company was on the verge of bankruptcy.
Then there is Dorie, who proudly informed me that she is certain she was Ballet Arizona’s very first subscriber—which means she, too, is celebrating her 40th season.
Other stories remind us just how remarkable it is that we are here today.
A colleague recently found an article tucked inside a book in her father’s home. Published in The Scottsdale Tribune on September 16, 2000, its headline read, “Ballet Arizona on last financial legs.” The company had announced that without $60,000 to meet payroll, it would be forced to close its doors. One dancer captured what was at stake: “This is not just a paycheck for us. This is part of our soul.” …twenty-six years later, that sentence resonates deeply.
Our art form so often tells stories without words. Yet when we hear from those who danced, watched, volunteered, worked, served, gave and believed, we begin to understand Ballet Arizona’s extraordinary impact across four decades.
I have my own Ballet Arizona story.
My first performance was a magical evening at Desert Botanical Garden in 2012 for the world premiere of Topia. I remember describing what I experienced that evening with two words: transcendent beauty.
I could never have imagined that just a few years later, I would have the privilege of helping ensure that same beauty continues for generations to come. And whether at Desert Botanical Garden, Symphony Hall or throughout our community, I continue to experience that feeling today.
Now, as we celebrate 40 years, I ask you to share your story with us.
What was your first Ballet Arizona performance? Who introduced you to ballet? Was there a dancer, production or moment you will never forget? Perhaps Ballet Arizona became part of a family tradition, inspired you to give back, or simply brought beauty into your life when you needed it most.
Because Ballet Arizona’s story was never written by one person. It has been written by all of us—and after 40 extraordinary years, we are still writing it together.
It is a privilege to celebrate this milestone with you all and there is so much more to come!
With gratitude,
Jami Kozemczak
Executive Director
P.S. I would love to hear your Ballet Arizona story! Send me an email or letter, share your story on social media, or write to us at questions@balletaz.org.
