Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
Ballet Arizona hosted its annual Dance With Me Gala on Friday, Feb. 7 at the Scottsdale Center for The Phoenix Arts.
This memorable event was chaired by Stephen Hardy and honored Mary and Jeff Ehret for their decades of philanthropy with Ballet Arizona and their dedication toward keeping the art of ballet alive, according to a press release.
This year’s gala raised $320,000 in support of Ballet Arizona’s professional dance company and its upcoming season of performances as well as its education and community engagement programs, the release states.
This year’s theme was inspired by Ballet Arizona’s spring production, “Frida.” Guests received an exclusive sneak peek look at the U.S. premiere of “Frida” before it was performed at Ballet Arizona the following weekend, Feb. 13 through 16th at Symphony Hall. “Frida” is a biographical ballet depicting legendary painter, Frida Kahlo’s life, featuring choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and a score by Peter Salem.
“It was an honor to chair this year’s Dance With Me Gala,” Mr. Hardy said. “Mary and Jeff Ehret’s dedication to the arts are a true inspiration and we were proud to recognize their years of continued support to Ballet Arizona. On behalf of Ballet Arizona, we were also thrilled to celebrate our first gala with our new Artistic Director Daniela Cardim.”
Mr. Hardy and Ballet Arizona’s artistic and executive director, Daniela Cardim and Jami Kozemczak, welcomed guests and spoke of the impact Mary and Jeff Ehret have had on Ballet Arizona and their passion for the growth of the arts in Arizona. Luis Corrales and Leticia Endler were awarded the “Hazel Hare Award for Artistic Excellence.”
In its seventh year, the Hazel Hare Award honors dancers whose spirit echoes the strength, dedication, and passion that Hare exemplified throughout her entire life.
