Ballet Arizona annual “Ballet Under the Stars,” presented by the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, returns Sept. 24 through Oct. 3 with performances at six locations across the Valley. This free, family-friendly series brings ballet into outdoor community spaces, offering a welcoming way for new audiences to experience the art form. This year’s “Ballet Under the Stars” will feature excerpts from both classical and contemporary ballets. Audiences will get to experience parts of “Romeo & Juliet,” “Concerto Six Twenty-Two (first movement),” and “Don Quixote.”
Since its inception in 1997, “Ballet Under the Stars” has grown into a Valley tradition, drawing more than 9,000 attendees annually. Guests are invited to bring chairs, blankets and picnics to enjoy professional ballet performances staged in local parks throughout Maricopa County. Each event features a full production setup, including stage, lighting and costumes, along with local food trucks and space for families and aspiring young dancers to participate informally.
Attracting more than 9,000 viewers annually, Ballet Arizona welcomes Arizonans to experience dance in their community in a unique outdoor setting complete with a professional stage, lighting and costumes. Event goers can indulge in local food trucks and enjoy ample space for picnicking or for aspiring young dancers to relax and enjoy the performance.
“Ballet Under the Stars is a long-standing tradition and a special way we begin our season at Ballet Arizona,” said Artistic Director Daniela Cardim. “It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to experience live ballet in a relaxed, welcoming outdoor setting. There’s something extraordinary about seeing this art form under the stars, surrounded by your community. We’re proud to continue this tradition and invite audiences across the Valley to join us for these free performances.”
Ballet Under the Stars” also features world premiere performances choreographed by local elementary students through the Ballet Arizona’s Class Act program. Each year, Ballet Arizona teaching artists lead a three-week dance training program at six schools across the Valley, guiding students through the creative and rehearsal process. Their hard work culminates in a special on-stage performance as part of “Ballet Under the Stars.” This tuition-free educational program is made possible through the generous support of Joan Benjamin and Laurence Cherkis.
Performance Schedule:
- Sept. 25: Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater, Goodyear
- Sept. 26: Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix
- Oct. 1: Sahuaro Ranch Historic Park, Glendale
- Oct. 2: Tumbleweed Park, Chandler
- Oct. 3: Centennial Plaza Park, Peoria
All performances begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Guests may bring picnic supplies, blankets and chairs.
“Ballet Under the Stars” would not be possible without community sponsors, including The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation, City of Phoenix Office of Arts + Culture, The Steele Foundation, City of Chandler, Chandler Center for the Arts, City of Glendale, City of Goodyear, Town of Fountain Hills, City of Peoria, APS, Estrella, Grand Canyon University, BMO | Stoker Ostler, Desert Diamond Casino, and Applied Materials.
