Ballet Arizona expands with acquisition of Ballet Theatre of Phoenix
Our take
## Our Take: Ballet Arizona's Expansion – A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
The news of Ballet Arizona’s acquisition of Ballet Theatre of Phoenix and subsequent expansion is genuinely exciting, not just for Arizona’s dance community, but for the broader landscape of arts education and accessibility. It’s a testament to the power of strategic growth and a commitment to reaching wider audiences. This move, coupled with their planned satellite campus at Child Crisis Arizona’s Child & Family Wellness Center in Mesa, signals a serious dedication to providing opportunities for dancers of all ages and backgrounds – a mission that resonates deeply with my own belief in empowering individuals to feel strong, confident, and beautiful, inside and out. We've seen similar shifts in the arts sector, as highlighted by [Dance/USA announces conclusion of Fellowships to Artists program], which underscores the need for organizations to adapt and evolve to secure their future and continue their vital work. The importance of a solid foundation, both physically and artistically, is something I understand intimately; whether it's mastering a pole routine or perfecting a plié, the discipline and dedication required build incredible strength and self-assurance. It's also wonderful to see the emphasis on finding the right space - a point echoed in [What’s best for your studio? Gerriets highlights Marley floor offerings], because a supportive and well-equipped environment is key to unlocking potential.
The absorption of Ballet Theatre of Phoenix, led by Artistic Director Jennifer Cafarella Betts, isn’t simply about consolidating resources; it’s about integrating two distinct artistic visions and expanding the overall reach of ballet training in the Valley. It’s a smart move, recognizing the existing talent and infrastructure already established. This kind of synergy can be incredibly beneficial, fostering a more vibrant and competitive dance scene, ultimately benefiting students and audiences alike. I believe in pushing boundaries and finding strength in unexpected places, and ballet, like pole dance, requires incredible core strength, flexibility, and artistry. The discipline and grace inherent in both forms are transferable, building a foundation of physical and mental resilience. It’s about finding what ignites your passion and dedicating yourself to mastering it – whether that’s mastering a grand jeté or a graceful spin on the pole. The dedication required for a full-length production, as showcased in [World premiere of Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company’s ‘FRICTION’ set for Ailey Citigroup Theater], demonstrates the commitment and artistry possible within the dance world.
The addition of a satellite campus within Child Crisis Arizona’s wellness center is particularly poignant. Providing access to arts education for children and families facing adversity is a powerful statement about the transformative power of creativity and self-expression. Dance, in all its forms, can be a lifeline, offering a sense of community, purpose, and joy, especially for those who need it most. It’s about building confidence, fostering self-esteem, and providing an outlet for emotions. As someone who understands the power of feeling beautiful and strong, I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to explore their artistic potential and discover the joy of movement. My own journey has shown me that embracing your sensuality and physical strength is a form of empowerment, and I’m thrilled to see Ballet Arizona championing similar values through their expansion. The dedication to accessible training is a model for other arts organizations to follow.
Ultimately, Ballet Arizona's expansion feels like a positive inflection point for the Phoenix dance scene. It demonstrates a proactive approach to growth, a commitment to community engagement, and a recognition of the importance of arts education for all. The question now becomes: how will Ballet Arizona leverage this expanded reach to cultivate new talent, foster innovation, and ensure that the benefits of ballet training are truly accessible to everyone in the Valley? Will we see a diversification of styles and approaches, incorporating contemporary influences and reflecting the evolving demographics of the community? It's an exciting time, and I'm eager to witness the evolution of this vibrant organization and the positive impact it will have on the lives of countless individuals.
The School of Ballet Arizona has announced its expansion with the addition of a new satellite campus following the acquisition of Ballet Theatre of Phoenix. This milestone acquisition continues The School of Ballet Arizona’s mission-driven growth in the Valley and will be the school’s second satellite campus, following its first satellite in 2025 at Child Crisis Arizona’s Child & Family Wellness Center in Mesa.
For the past ten years, Ballet Theatre of Phoenix, founded by Artistic Director Jennifer Cafarella Betts, has become an important part of the arts community in North Central Phoenix, offering programs for students of all ages, a strong adult open class community, and a home for multiple forms of dance instruction. The acquisition will continue upon the legacy of instruction established by Cafarella Betts, while also offering additional instruction and performance opportunities for students ages 3-20 in Phoenix.
“When you’ve devoted so many years to building a school and watching generations of students grow, you want to ensure its future is in the very best hands,” said Cafarella Betts. “Joining The School of Ballet Arizona allows the studio to evolve while preserving the welcoming community we’ve created. I couldn’t imagine a better opportunity for our students, who will now have access to The School of Ballet Arizona’s outstanding faculty and training while continuing to dance in the place they’ve always called home.”
“We are grateful to Jennifer for the trust she has placed in The School of Ballet Arizona and for the opportunity to honor the legacy she has built within Ballet Theatre of Phoenix community,” said James Payne, school director. “This expansion is a meaningful step in the continued growth of our School. By welcoming the students, families, and faculty of Ballet Theatre of Phoenix, we can build upon a strong foundation while extending The School of Ballet Arizona’s established curriculum, faculty expertise, and pathways for student development to a broader and more connected community.”
The new satellite campus will be integrated thoughtfully and gradually. Since the campus already has its own students, families, teachers, and traditions, The School of Ballet Arizona will honor the community that exists there while carefully introducing its standards, curriculum structure, and educational philosophy. The goal is to preserve what is meaningful to those families while creating a new path forward for their students.
“This is an exciting step in the continued development of The School of Ballet Arizona,” said Jami Kozemczak, executive director of Ballet Arizona. “We are incredibly thankful to Jennifer and the entire community of Ballet Theatre of Phoenix for welcoming Ballet Arizona. We look forward to getting to know the community members and student families while expanding our ability to offer pre-professional ballet training and education to young dancers in central Phoenix and the adjacent cities.”
The experience at The School of Ballet Arizona’s Washington campus will remain an equal focus. Classes, schedules, and the student pathway at the campus will continue as planned. However, over time, there will be thoughtful moments of connection across campuses through shared communication, faculty collaboration, events, and a unified school identity. There is already a buzz of excitement.
“As the official training school of Ballet Arizona, The School of Ballet Arizona is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dancers,” said Artistic Director of Ballet Arizona, Daniela Cardim. “This is an incredible opportunity to further expand the school’s reach in the state of Arizona. We look forward to working with even more young dancers and helping them foster a love for dance, while preparing them for a future in the arts or beyond.”
Enrollment is now open for students at the Washington, Mesa, and North Central campuses. Adult open classes are available at each location for ages 14+. Auditions for new students ages 8-20 will be held on August 8 at The School of Ballet Arizona’s Washington Campus. To learn more about The School of Ballet Arizona and its new dance studio in Phoenix, as well as its programs and audition opportunities, visit balletaz.org/school/.
The post Ballet Arizona expands with acquisition of Ballet Theatre of Phoenix appeared first on Dance Informa Magazine.
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