Ballet Arizona Celebrates 22 Years Of Ballet Under The Stars

As Ballet Arizona kicks off its 2019-2020 season, the only professional ballet in the Valley invites residents to spend a relaxing evening under the Arizona sky as the company continues its 22-year tradition, Ballet Under the Stars, presented by the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation. Community performances take place September 11-14 at four Valley locations. Free and open to the public, Ballet Under the Stars allows the local community to enjoy dance in a unique outdoor setting complete with professional staging, lighting, costumes, complemented by beautiful Arizona weather.

For more than two decades, Ballet Arizona has presented Ballet Under the Stars as a gift to our community. For many attendees, the free community performances will be their first exposure to live, professional ballet.

"Ballet Under the Stars is so important to us on many different levels," said Artistic Director Ib Andersen. "I think we are the only company in Arizona that performs a program like this on this scale. It is expensive, but giving back to the community is important to us because it means giving back to the very community that supports us, and allows us to exist. We are creating an interest for those people that may not have been exposed to ballet ever before and hopefully it will inspire them in some way."

Attendees who fall in love with the ballet during Ballet Under the Stars can broaden their exposure to dance with special text discount codes made available during the free performances. Text discounts are valid on upcoming Ballet Arizona performances, Director's Choice (Sept. 26-29) and Napoli (Oct. 24-27).

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a varied program, ranging from classical to contemporary. You won't want to miss this perfect show for the entire family!

In addition to producing sponsor The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, Ballet Under the Stars wouldn't be possible without community sponsors including: the National Endowment for the Arts, Estrella by Newland Communities, APS, Town of Fountain Hills, City of Tempe, Grand Canyon University, US Bank and Wells Fargo.

All performances begin at 7 p.m.

• Wednesday, September 11 at Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills
• Thursday, September 12 at Tempe Center for the Arts Amphitheater, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
• Friday, September 13 at Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater, 10300 S. Estrella Pkwy., Goodyear
• Saturday, September 14 at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix

For more information about The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation's Ballet Under the Stars, visit balletaz.org.

Ballet Arizona, approaching its 34th season, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating classical dance while creating new and innovative works. Under the artistic direction of internationally acclaimed choreographer Ib Andersen - a former Principal Dancer with The New York City Ballet and The Royal Danish Ballet - Ballet Arizona follows his lead to the future of dance in Arizona. The School of Ballet Arizona promotes access to the art form of ballet through dance education, with a focus on excellence in the form, directing each student to a life-long love of dance. Following this vision, Ballet Arizona connects to more than 35,000 children and families every year through its free and low cost outreach programs.