Ballet Under the Stars is Ballet Arizona’s annual outdoor performance series, bringing professional ballet to various community parks. This overview will help you discover event details, locations, dates, program highlights, and tips for a great evening in a unique outdoor setting, complete with a beautifully designed stage, captivating lighting, stunning costumes, and pleasant Arizona weather.
Key Takeaways
- Ballet Under the Stars is a free annual event that brings ballet performances to outdoor parks in Arizona, making it accessible for families and the community.
- This year’s performances will be held at various locations across the Valley on specific dates in September, providing a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.
- The event features a diverse program of classical and contemporary ballet, aiming to captivate audiences of all ages and promote community engagement in the arts.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Concept | Outdoor, open-air ballet performances offered by professional U.S. ballet companies, presented free or at low cost to the public. |
| Host Companies & Organizations | Established ballet companies (e.g., Ballet Arizona, American Ballet Theatre in touring formats), arts councils, or cultural alliances |
| Geographic Spread | It is commonly found in cities and towns across the U.S., from large urban centers (e.g., Phoenix, Austin) to smaller communities. |
| Venue Types | Public parks, outdoor amphitheaters, botanical gardens, and other scenic, family-friendly outdoor spaces |
| Accessibility & Admission | Often free; no advanced reservations required, ensuring a broad demographic can attend |
| Seasonal Timing | Typically scheduled during late summer or early fall, leveraging warmer evenings and longer daylight hours. |
| Program Content | Curated samplings of classical ballet (e.g., excerpts from “Swan Lake,” “The Nutcracker”) plus contemporary works, designed to appeal to a wide audience |
| Performance Length | Shortened performance formats (approximately 60–90 minutes) that fit informal, open-air settings |
| Audience Demographics | Families, dance newcomers, seasoned ballet enthusiasts, tourists, and community members seeking accessible cultural experiences. |
| Atmosphere & Experience | Casual, picnic-like environment, encouraging attendees to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks for a relaxed evening out. |
| Community Engagement | Often includes pre-show children’s dance lessons, educational talks, Q&A with dancers, and interactive activities to deepen audience understanding. |
| Production Quality | Professional dancers in costume with live or recorded music, supported by portable staging, sound, and lighting adapted for outdoor conditions |
| Cultural & Community Impact | Strengthens community bonds, broadens arts exposure, encourages cultural appreciation, and helps cultivate new generations of ballet audiences |
| Marketing & Outreach | Promoted through local media, social platforms, community newsletters, arts organizations, and partnerships with local cultural institutions |
| Annual Traditions | Many U.S. companies have established Ballet Under the Stars as a recurring tradition, building longstanding local anticipation and support. |
Ballet Under the Stars is an annual tradition that brings the beauty of ballet to the community, making it accessible to everyone. With free performances held under the open sky, Ballet Arizona introduces ballet in a unique outdoor setting. Audiences can experience the grace and artistry of professional ballet in a more casual and relaxed atmosphere.
This first ballet Under the Stars performance caters to all ages, providing tips for a better viewing experience and engaging the audience in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Each performance begins at 7 PM, allowing families and friends to gather and enjoy a spectacular evening showcasing classical and contemporary ballet excerpts.
This event celebrates the art form’s diversity. Its varied program offers a blend of classical and modern works that appeal to a wide audience. From the timeless elegance of traditional ballet to the innovative movements of contemporary dance, Ballet Under the Stars presents a varied program that highlights the versatility and talent of Ballet Arizona’s dancers.
It’s a spectacular evening that entertains and fosters a deeper appreciation for the art of ballet within the community.
Event Locations and Dates
This year’s Ballet Under the Stars performances will grace several locations across the Valley, ensuring that many communities experience this enchanting event. Mark your calendars for September 19th, 20th, 21st, 26th, 27th, and 28th evenings as Ballet Arizona performs in different parks under the gorgeous Arizona sky. Each venue promises a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing evening with loved ones.
Detailed information about each location follows, helping you choose the most convenient or appealing venue for your visit. From the unique outdoor setting complete the serene Fountain Park in Fountain Hills to the unique outdoor setting complete the vibrant Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix, each setting offers a unique backdrop for the ballet performances, enhancing the overall experience.
Explore the specific dates and details for each venue below.
Fountain Park, Fountain Hills
Fountain Park in Fountain Hills will host a magical evening of ballet under the stars on September 19th. Located at 16705 E Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, this venue provides a unique outdoor setting for the performance.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for comfortable viewing as they enjoy the ballet against the backdrop of the beautiful Arizona sky.
Chandler Park, Chandler
On September 20th, head to Dr. A.J. Chandler Center Park,, located at Stage Plaza, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., for another stunning performance. This venue offers a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for an evening out with loved ones.
Enjoy the ballet in this charming park setting with family and friends.
Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater, Goodyear
On September 21st, the Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater in Goodyear will host Ballet Under the Stars. Activities begin at 5 p.m., and the ballet performance starts at 7 p.m.
A picturesque setting by the lake makes this venue ideal for experiencing the magic of ballet under the stars.
Centennial Plaza Park, Peoria
On September 26th, Centennial Plaza Park in Peoria will be the Ballet Under the Stars venue. The performance begins at 7 PM, offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy ballet outdoors on a lovely evening.
Blankets and lawn chairs are recommended for full enjoyment of the experience.
Sahuaro Ranch Historic Park, Glendale
Experience the beauty of ballet at Sahuaro Ranch Historic Park in Glendale on September 27th. The performance starts at 7 p.m., making it a perfect evening to enjoy the arts in a casual, historic, and picturesque setting.
Remember to bring blankets and lawn chairs for comfortable viewing.
Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix
The final performance of Ballet Under the Stars will be held at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix on September 28th. Starting at 7 p.m., this performance promises to be a memorable conclusion to the show series.
Wrap up this annual season by opening traditional year’s Ballet Under the Stars performances with an enchanting evening at Steele Indian School Park.
| Ballet Company | Event Name | Date | Location | Highlights | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballet Vero Beach | Ballet Under the Stars | April 25, 2025 | Vero Beach, Florida | Annual end-of-season party supporting education and community initiatives. | balletverobeach.org |
| Metamorphosis Dance | Ballet Under the Stars | May 30-31, 2025 | Zilker Hillside Theater, Austin, TX | Family-friendly event featuring original works in various dance styles. | metamorphosisdance.org |
| Ballet Arizona | Ballet Under the Stars | September 2025 (TBA) | Various locations in Arizona | Free outdoor performances highlight the season’s repertoire. | balletaz.org |
| Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre | Ballet Under the Stars | Late Summer 2025 (TBA) | Hartwood Acres, Pittsburgh, PA | The outdoor event features company dancers performing classical and contemporary works. | pbt.org |
Experience the Magic
With the setting sun and twinkling stars, Fountain Park transforms into a magical stage. The stage lights illuminate the performance area, creating an enchanting ambiance that captivates the audience from the first moment. The natural beauty of Fountain Park and the Arizona night sky enhance the elegance of the ballet, making for a truly spectacular evening showcasing excerpts from various ballets.
The combination of elegant ballet with the energetic atmosphere of an outdoor celebration creates an experience unlike any other. Families spread picnic blankets, children dance to the music, and the sense of community is palpable. This relaxed and festive environment makes connecting the dancers and the audience more personal and engaging.
For many children, Ballet Under the Stars is their first live ballet performance, sparking a lifelong appreciation for the art form. The under-stars ballet performances are designed to entertain audiences of all ages, making it a perfect event to introduce ballet to the entire family. Enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars ballet that will be remembered for years.
Program Highlights
Ballet Under the Stars features a varied program that includes classical and contemporary works, appealing to a wide range of audiences. This blend of old and new showcases the versatility of Ballet Arizona’s dancers and the art form’s diversity. Expect to be mesmerized by classical ballet’s elegance and thrilled by modern dance’s innovative movements.
Professional dancers perform renowned works such as Swan Lake and Paul Taylor’s Piazzolla Caldera in a fully staged live performance on the professional stage. These pieces highlight the dancers’ technical prowess and artistic expression, offering a glimpse into the world of professional ballet.
With various music styles bridging classical and contemporary genres, the performances captivate and entertain audiences of all ages. This spectacular evening showcasing excerpts from diverse ballets promises to be an unforgettable experience highlighting the art form’s diversity and power of dance.
Support Ballet Arizona
Ballet Under the Stars is more than just a series of performances; it’s a community initiative that brings dance to various parks across the Valley, promoting community engagement and cultural enrichment. By attending these events, you enjoy a night of beautiful ballet and support the arts in your community. Ballet Arizona continues to thrive thanks to the generosity of individuals and businesses.
Donations are vital for sustaining these free performances. Many employers offer corporate matching gift programs, which can amplify the impact of your contribution. Additionally, businesses can support Ballet Arizona through sponsorships and volunteer opportunities, enhancing arts education and cultural engagement while fostering teamwork and brand visibility.
Plan Your Visit
Planning goes a long way toward fully enjoying Ballet Under the Stars. Preparing in advance can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for you and your loved ones. From what-to-bring to know-before-you-go tips, we’ve got you covered.
Bring blankets or lawn chairs for comfortable seating and food and drinks to enjoy during the performance. Food trucks will be available for those who prefer not to pack a picnic, offering various delicious options.
What to Bring
Bring a blanket or lawn chair for comfortable seating for an enjoyable, relaxing evening under the stars. These items will ensure a cozy, relaxing spot to participate in the performances. Additionally, getting your food and drinks can add to the picnic-like atmosphere of the event.
If you prefer not to pack your refreshments, food trucks around the amphitheater will offer various options to satisfy your cravings. From savory snacks to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone.
Family-friendly activities will also be available before the performances, making it a fun evening for all ages.
Know Before You Go
Before heading to the event, check the parking information provided for each location to ensure convenient access. Accessibility features, such as American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, will be available during the performances, making the event inclusive for all attendees.
Guests can bring their food and drinks or indulge in offerings from local food trucks. These vendors provide a great opportunity to support local businesses while enjoying a delicious meal under the stars.
Meet the Team
Ballet Arizona’s team comprises talented and passionate individuals who bring each performance to life. This season, we welcome five new dancers, including Luis Olivera and Cheyenne You, who bring extensive training and performance backgrounds to the company. Erin Meranos, who trained in Michigan and performed with the Orlando Ballet, joins us, adding her unique style and expertise to the team.
Trey Puckett, known for his Balanchine technique, and Leticia Endler, who hails from Brazil, are now part of Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company. Both have had notable performances and bring fresh energy and perspectives to the group and professional stage. Georgia Stig from Australia and Gustavo Ventali from Brazil complete the new additions, each bringing their unique talents and experiences to our performances.
Alecia Good-Boresow, with over 35 years of teaching experience, serves as the studio company manager, guiding and nurturing the next generation of dancers. The event also features performances by local school children, showcasing the future of ballet alongside our professional dancers, making it a truly community-oriented class act.
Stay Connected
Staying connected with Ballet Arizona is easy and rewarding. Engage with the community, receive timely announcements, and get a behind-the-scenes look at our performances by following us on social media. Our social media channels are frequently updated with event highlights, exclusive features, and opportunities for audience interaction.
Whether you’re a long-time ballet fan or new to ballet, staying connected allows you to be part of our vibrant community. Don’t miss out on the latest news and updates—follow Ballet Arizona today and join us in celebrating the art of ballet with the entire family.
Summary
In summary, Ballet Under the Stars is a magical event that brings the beauty of ballet to various parks across the Valley, making it accessible to everyone. With performances featuring a blend of classical and contemporary works, this annual tradition offers something for everyone in a casual and family-friendly setting. The variety of venues and the enchanting outdoor atmosphere make each performance a unique experience.
We hope this blog post has given you all the information you need to plan your visit and make the most of this spectacular evening. Join us under the stars and experience the magic of ballet in a way you never have before. We look forward to seeing you there!
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the performances start?
Performances for Ballet Under the Stars kick off at 7 PM, and some venues even have activities starting at 5 PM for extra fun!
Are the performances free to attend?
Yes, all Ballet Under the Stars performances are free and open to the public so everyone can enjoy the show!
What should I bring to the event?
Bring a blanket or lawn chair for comfort. You can bring your food and drinks, although food trucks will also be there. Enjoy the event!
Is there parking available at the venues?
Yes, parking is available at the venues. The specific parking details for each event location are listed below.
Are there accessibility features available during the performances?
Absolutely. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be available during the performances to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience.
