Ballet Arizona’s annual “Ballet Under the Stars,” presented by the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, returns Sept. 18–27th with performances at six locations across the Valley. This free, family-friendly event is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of ballet under the open sky and an ideal introduction to the art form for young audiences.

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This year’s “Ballet Under the Stars” will include excerpts from both contemporary and classic ballets. Audiences will get to experience Robert Bondara’s captivating, “Take Me With You,” set to recorded music by the alternative rock band Radiohead. In addition, Ballet Arizona will present two works by Artistic Director Daniela Cardim: “Nocturne,” a beautiful duet adorned by Frederic Chopin’s “Nocturne No. 13” as well as an excerpt from “The Sleeping Beauty,” which will grace the stage in full later this fall. 

Since its inception in 1997, these performances provide an evening of fun for audiences of all ages. Guests bring chairs, blankets and picnics to experience the beauty of dance in outdoor parks across Maricopa county. Ballet Arizona invites Arizonans to delight in a spectacular evening showcasing excerpts from a range of ballets, offering a vibrant portrayal of the art form’s diversity.  

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 move along with the performance.

“We are excited to begin the 2025-2026 season with an inspiring program like ‘Ballet Under the Stars,’” said Artistic Director Daniela Cardim. “This program offers Arizonans a unique chance to experience the enchantment of ballet under the night sky, surrounded by family and friends, in their own neighborhoods. Ballet Under the Stars has been a cherished tradition for thousands of attendees each year, and we are honored to once again bring these free performances to audiences across the Valley.”

“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. 

THE PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

  • Thursday, Sept. 18 at Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
  • Friday, Sept. 19 at Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler, AZ 85225
  • Saturday, Sept. 20 at Centennial Plaza Park, 9875 N. 85th Ave. Peoria, AZ 85345
  • Thursday, Sept. 25 at Sahuaro Ranch Historic Park, 9802 N. 59th Ave Glendale, AZ 85302
  • Friday, Sept. 26 at Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater, 10300 Estrella Pkwy, Goodyear, AZ 85338
  • Saturday, Sept. 27 at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012

All performances begin at 7 p.m. and are free of charge.

“Ballet Under the Stars” would not be possible without community sponsors including The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation, APS, Grand Canyon University, Stoker Ostler, Applied Materials, Town of Fountain Hills, City of Chandler, City of Peoria, City of Glendale, Desert Diamond Casino, City of Goodyear, Estrella, City of Phoenix, and City of Phoenix Office of Arts + Culture, Chandler Center for the Arts, Chandler Cultural Foundation, The Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation, and the Margaret T Morris Foundation.

To learn more information about this year’s “Ballet Under the Stars” performances, please visit balletaz.org.