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When people think of therapy, they often picture themselves talking to a counselor while lying on a couch in an office. While this type of talk therapy can be effective, some people prefer other methods. EMDR therapy in Fountain Hills, AZ, is an option for those dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and other issues. Though different from traditional modalities, many patients reshape their lives and reclaim their well-being with the help of EMDR therapist Christy Maxey. If you have difficulty expressing your thoughts and feelings verbally, EMDR therapy could be a helpful alternative.
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Healing That Helps You Get Unstuck

Every person grows and learns in different ways. To that point, every counselor or guide has their own techniques and exercises to help clients. Not every method is effective for everyone, but with the right guidance, you can defeat your inner demons and recapture your life. That's where Christy Maxey thrives.
Christy is a trauma EMDR coach dedicated to empowering people with the knowledge of true self-love. She aims to help men and women overcome negative self-talk and patterns and finally live the fulfilling life they deserve. Christy has a special focus on supporting women who experience anxiety, depression, lack of self-trust, people-pleasing, and feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, she's an expert in helping men who are navigating anger, stress, and relationship challenges.

If you have received help from therapists and life coaches in the past but find yourself falling back into the same patterns as before, know that you're not alone. The simple truth could be that whatever problem you were trying to face was left unresolved.
Essentially, you cut the top of the weed, but you didn't pull out the entire root. In a sense, you put a band-aid on a serious wound when you needed more comprehensive, specialized treatment. Unlike many life coaches, Christy Maxey aims to solve the root cause of your mental and physical symptoms. By addressing the cause of your issues, you can reclaim your life and move forward without the baggage you've carried for so long. Take it from us - it's an incredible feeling!
Some of the most common problems that Christy helps solve for patients include:
- Difficulty Dealing with the Emotional Content at the Center of Their Problems
- A Lack of Resistance to and Awareness of "What Is"
- Fear and Uncertainty About Making Changes
- Fear of Getting Compassionate Help and Guidance
- Believing False Narratives Associated with Past Traumas and Experiences
What is EMDR Therapy in Fountain Hills, AZ?

EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a technique that assists people in recovering from the effects of distressing life experiences, such as emotional distress and symptoms.
Created by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 as a treatment method for post-traumatic stress disorder, EMDR is an evidence-based treatment approach that provides both trauma-informed treatment and treatment protocol. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR employs bilateral stimulation to replicate the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase of sleep. In fact, EMDR treatments have shown that the mind can heal from psychological trauma faster than traditional talk therapy.
Traumatic events often lead to negative beliefs and emotions, such as shame, anger, and sadness. EMDR enables your brain to reprocess such events, promoting healing, well-being, and positivity in patients.
If you're wondering whether or not EMDR treatment from Christy Maxey might be a good choice for you and your family, ask yourself these questions:
- Do You Feel Stuck in Your Life?
- Do You Find Yourself Stuck Feeling the Same Types of Fear, Sadness, or Anxiety?
- Have You Grown Accustomed to a Negative Inner Critic?
- Do You Feel Stuck with Feelings of Shame from Past Mistakes or Traumas?
- Are You Always Repeating the Same Patterns in Relationships? Too Nice, Too Accepting, Avoidant, Easy to Get Triggered, Etc.?
- Is Your Brain Full of Self-Doubt and Harmful Self-Talk?


How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

Once it's agreed that EMDR therapy is suitable for you, your initial sessions involve discussing your goals and enhancing your ability to cope with stress. In the following phases of EMDR therapy, you concentrate on a specific event or focus on a negative image, belief, emotion, or bodily sensation related to the event. You then focus on a positive belief indicating that the issue has been resolved.
While you're focused on the upsetting event, Christy begins sets of side-to-side eye movements, sounds, or taps. After each set, you are guided to observe what comes to mind. Shifts in insight or changes in images, feelings, or beliefs about the event may occur. It should be noted that you can stop therapy at any moment if necessary. The sets of eye movements, sounds, or taps will be repeated until distress caused by the event decreases. EMDR therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other forms of therapy offered through the Maxx Method.
To help paint you a picture of how EMDR therapy works, think of it like a cast for a broken bone. Unlike other forms of therapy, however, EMDR can be more uncomfortable than traditional treatments. It's important to be ready for possible emotional exhaustion afterward. To cope, you can create a relaxing playlist and plan some activities to unwind. Once the sessions are finished, take some time to recharge and decompress.
Who Should Use EMDR Therapy in Fountain Hills, AZ?

EMDR therapy is something anyone can benefit from. It's not only reserved for people with extreme experiences or traumas. Even mild cases of anxiety and depression can be treated by a trained EMDR coach like Christy Maxey. When you remember something that reminds you of a bad experience, your body might react like it's in danger, even if it's not. This is a normal reaction, but if it keeps happening, it can make you feel really stressed out. With EMDR, you can heal and learn new ways to cope without having to talk about exactly what happened. This can help you feel better and live your life without over-worrying and ruminating on negativity.
If you're one of the many people who have experienced lackluster results from one or more EMDR sessions, it's crucial that you do not give up hope. In fact, many men and women come to Christy Maxey having had poor EMDR experiences. Thankfully, they soon realize how impactful and fulfilling the therapy can be for trauma. That's especially true when combined with other therapies like Inner Child Healing and Guided Visualization. Of course, EMDR therapy in Fountain Hills, AZ, isn't the best choice for every patient - after all, every person is different and responds to therapies in different ways.
To truly discover if EMDR therapy is the right choice for your mind and body, contact Christy ASAP to schedule your initial consultation. That way, you and Christy can get to know each other better and discover the best ways to promote long-term healing and well-being. With that said, patients choose EMDR treatments for many reasons. Some of the most common reasons for using EMDR therapy include the following:
- Panic Attacks and Anxiety
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome)
- Eating Disorders like Bulimia, Anorexia, and More
- Trauma from Abuse and Violence
- Abusive or Violent Relationships
- Rest and Sleep Problems
- Social Anxiety
- Depression
- Childhood Trauma and Abuse
- Anger and Sadness
- Fear of Speaking in Public
- Betrayal and Grief

The Life-Changing Benefits of EMDR Therapy

Though EMDR therapy is more popular than ever, many people are still unaware of its benefits and how life-changing the therapy can be for people who are stuck. If that sounds like you, keep these benefits in mind as you continue to research this amazing therapy choice.

Triumph Over Trauma
Recovering from a traumatic experience can be extremely challenging, but EMDR therapy can provide a solution. Trauma can create triggers that make you feel like you're experiencing the event all over again. EMDR can help reorganize the thoughts, feelings, and experiences associated with the trauma so that you no longer feel controlled by it. While the effects of trauma may never completely disappear, EMDR can significantly reduce its impact on your life and enable you to live in the present without constantly reliving the past.

Enhance Your Mental Fortitude
Achieving personal growth involves accepting one's identity, building self-esteem, and understanding the internal narratives that shape our daily experiences. EMDR and guided therapeutic processing can help create a peaceful, efficient, and confident setting for individuals to accept their past and move forward. This therapeutic process empowers individuals, providing them with the strength and courage to confront any obstacle that impedes their well-being.

Reshape Your Life
During EMDR therapy sessions, traumatic events are broken down, enabling patients to gain a different perspective on negative events. This altered view can be as life-changing as the traumatic event itself, giving individuals greater control over how they adapt to the effects of trauma.

Overcome Circular Thinking
If you struggle with circular thinking patterns related to anxiety disorders, phobias, or generalized anxiety, EMDR therapy may be helpful. EMDR can assist you in overcoming these thought spirals by teaching you how to deal with your fears and worries without becoming overwhelmed by anxiety.

Understanding the Phases of EMDR Therapy in Fountain Hills, AZ

According to the EMDR Institute, there are eight phases in traditional EMDR treatment:
The EMDR Institute has identified eight phases of EMDR therapy. These are:
- History and Treatment Planning
- Preparation
- Assessment
- Desensitization
- Installation
- Body scan
- Closure
- Reevaluation

History and Treatment Planning
During the initial stage of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Christy will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your medical and emotional history and create a treatment plan. This stage involves discussing the particular issue that led you to seek therapy. You'll also identify behaviors and symptoms associated with the issues you're facing. Based on this information, Christy will develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines the goals to be addressed using EMDR therapy in Fountain Hills, AZ:
- The Traumas or Events Causing Issues
- Present-Day Problems and Traumas Causing Distress
- Healthy Behaviors and Skills Needed for Long-Term Well-Being

Preparation
During this phase, Christy will explain the theory of EMDR, how it is applied, and what you can expect during and after treatment. Christy will then teach you several techniques for relaxation so that you have the tools to calm down in the event of emotional disturbance.
One of the biggest goals of this first phase is to establish trust between you and your EMDR coach. While you don't have to go into great detail about disturbing memories, if you don't trust your therapist, you may not accurately report what is felt and what changes you are or aren't experiencing. If your goal is to please the therapist and say you feel better when you really aren't, no therapy in the world will resolve your trauma.

Assessment
In this phase, you will be prompted to access each target in a controlled manner so it can be effectively processed. Processing does not mean talking about it. From there, Christy identifies different parts of the target to be processed. The first step is for you to select a specific image or mental picture from the target event (identified during Phase One) that best represents the memory.
You then choose a positive statement that you would like to believe. The statement should have an internal sense of control, such as "I am valuable/lovable/a good person/in control" or "I can achieve success." In some cases, when the primary emotion is fear, such as after a natural disaster, the negative thought could be "I am in danger," and the positive thought could be "I am safe now." "I am in danger" is considered a negative thought because fear is no longer necessary, but it is still present in the nervous system. The positive thought should reflect what is appropriate in the present moment.
During this phase, you will also identify negative emotions like anger or fear and physical sensations that you associate with trauma.

Desensitization
This phase of EMDR therapy in Fountain Hills, AZ, hones in on the disturbing sensations and emotions associated with your trauma and the ways that you respond to it. In doing so, patients often resolve similar events as well. The goal of this phase is to use sounds, taps, or eye movements with shifting focus until your subjective disturbance levels are lowered.

Installation
The goal here is to concentrate on the positive belief that you have identified to replace your negative belief(s). For example, you may have suffered child abuse in your younger years and hold the negative belief that you are powerless. Christy will help strengthen and install positive cognitions that reinforce the fact that you are in control, not the negative thoughts and emotions keeping you stuck.

Body Scan
Research into EMDR sessions indicates that physical responses to unresolved thoughts are common. After your positive cognition is fortified and installed, Christy will ask that you bring the original target event to the forefront of your mind. If she notices any additional body tension, those physical sensations are reprocessed. If you do not have any body tension or symptoms present when your original target event is brought up, your EMDR session is considered successful.

Closure
Typical EMDR sessions end with closure and a debriefing on what you can expect between your current and subsequent EMDR sessions. If necessary, Christy will provide calming techniques that you can use outside of therapy. This part of the EMDR process ensures that you leave Christy's office feeling better than you did at the beginning of the session.

Reevaluation
This phase gives Christy insight into any other treatment plans that may be necessary for your healing and well-being. Like any type of sound therapy, reevaluation is critical in determining the success of your EMDR treatment over a period of time.
Reshape Your Life with EMDR Therapy from Christy Maxey

Regardless of the events and trauma keeping you stuck, EMDR might be a viable solution for reclaiming your life. Christy Maxey provides patients with the safe space needed to do so. If you're ready to let go of past or present traumas and reclaim your love of life, EMDR therapy could be the first step on your healing journey. Contact our office today to learn more about the Maxx Method, EMDR therapy in Fountain Hills, AZ, EMDR online, and how Christy Maxey can help you defeat the inner demons holding you back.
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Latest News in Fountain Hills, AZ
Fountain Hills becomes latest Valley community to prohibit urban camping
Helen Rummelhttps://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale/2023/09/14/fountain-hills-becomes-latest-valley-community-to-ban-urban-camping/70837851007/
The Fountain Hills Town Council, during an August meeting, passed ordinances prohibiting urban camping and standing in streets and medians.The council is now exploring ways the town can partner with an organization to provide shelter beds so they can enforce the camping ban, but no partner group has been identified yet.Three ordinances were proposed at the Aug. 22 meeting to address concerns raised in a June meeting about the unsheltered population in the region. A proposed ordinance prohibiting panhandling, whic...
The Fountain Hills Town Council, during an August meeting, passed ordinances prohibiting urban camping and standing in streets and medians.
The council is now exploring ways the town can partner with an organization to provide shelter beds so they can enforce the camping ban, but no partner group has been identified yet.
Three ordinances were proposed at the Aug. 22 meeting to address concerns raised in a June meeting about the unsheltered population in the region. A proposed ordinance prohibiting panhandling, which was nearly identical to an ordinance passed in Glendale last fall, failed.
Fountain Hills joins several cities in Central Arizona that prohibit urban camping, including Tempe and Phoenix, but the number of people experiencing homelessness in the town is drastically lower than in those cities.
Two unhoused people were counted in Fountain Hills in January during the Maricopa Association of Governments' annual point-in-time count. In the August meeting, council members said the number was more like four or five.
Law blocks standing in roadways and medians
An ordinance that passed 4-3 prohibits “standing or stopping in the roadway, medians, or areas adjacent to roadways where the speed limit is 35 mph or greater.” Emergency and maintenance workers are exempt from the rule.
Councilmember Peggy McMahon said it was disingenuous for the council to say the ordinance is only about safety since it was originally proposed in relation to people experiencing homelessness.
“I think this is indirectly targetting panhandlers,” McMahon said in the August meeting. “I think we have to be very very careful about that because they are a vulnerable, protected class.”
Phoenix has similar ordinances preventing someone from standing in medians and streets.
Tempe has an ordinance prohibiting people from lying or sleeping in streets or on sidewalks.
Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, has previously pushed legislation targeting panhandling. The most recent attempt was a bill proposed in January that aimed to prohibit people from asking for money from drivers stopped at red lights.
Urban camping ordinance not being enforced — yet
An ordinance that passed 5-2 will prohibit people from sleeping and camping in public roads. However, because of a decision from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, urban camping cannot be criminalized if there is no available shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
Mayor Ginny Dickey said the town is looking for an organization to partner with to provide shelter space — one hasn't been selected yet. Until an agreement is finalized, the ordinance will not be enforced.
Helen Rummel covers housing insecurity and homelessness for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at hrummel@gannett.com.
Coverage of housing insecurity on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Arizona Community Foundation.
Ballet Under the Stars coming to Fountain Hills, Phoenix
CITYSunTimeshttps://www.citysuntimes.com/things_to_do/ballet-under-the-stars-coming-to-fountain-hills-phoenix/article_882c218e-58ad-11ee-aa51-2b89741cf08b.html
Ballet Arizona’s annual Ballet Under the Stars performances, presented by the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, will return Sept. 28 to Fountain Hills and Sept. 30 to Phoenix. Free and open to the public, Ballet Under the Stars is the perfect show for the entire family and a great way to introduce ballet to young people for the first time.The Fountain Hills performance on Sept. 28 will be at Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd. The Phoenix performance on Sept. 30 will be at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd. Pe...
Ballet Arizona’s annual Ballet Under the Stars performances, presented by the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, will return Sept. 28 to Fountain Hills and Sept. 30 to Phoenix. Free and open to the public, Ballet Under the Stars is the perfect show for the entire family and a great way to introduce ballet to young people for the first time.
The Fountain Hills performance on Sept. 28 will be at Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd. The Phoenix performance on Sept. 30 will be at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd. Performances are also planned in Glendale on Sept. 23 and Goodyear on Sept. 29.
All performances begin at 7 p.m.
These performances promise an evening of fun suitable for all ages, as guests bring chairs, blankets and picnics to experience the beauty of dance in outdoor parks across the county. The evening features a fully-staged live performance by the professional company dancers of Ballet Arizona, including Juan Gabriel’s “Se Me Olvidó Otra Vez” and George Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments.
Ballet Under the Stars invites Arizonans to experience dance in their community in a unique outdoor setting complete with a professional stage, lighting and costumes. Indulge in local food trucks with space for picnicking and for aspiring young dancers to move along with the performance.
“We are thrilled to kick off our 38th season with Ballet Under the Stars,” said artistic director Ib Andersen. “This beloved annual tradition helps us give back to the Arizona community with a unique outdoor experience allowing friends and families to be immersed in the world of ballet.”
Ballet Under the Stars also showcases world premiere performances choreographed by local school students through the Class Act program. Each year, Ballet Arizona’s professional dancers provide a three-week dance training class for students in four different elementary schools across the Valley.
The culminating highlight of their work is delivered as a performance as part of Ballet Under the Stars. This educational program is provided to students' tuition free and is generously funded by Joan Benjamin and Laurence Cherkis.
Ballet Under the Stars would not be possible without community sponsors including The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation, City of Phoenix Office of Arts + Culture, Town of Fountain Hills, City of Glendale, Stoker Ostler, APS, Grand Canyon University, Estrella, Sticker Mule and Desert Diamond Casino.
To learn more information about this year’s Ballet Under the Stars performances, visit balletaz.org.
Fountain Hills gets Snowee
Fountain Hills Times Independenthttps://www.fhtimes.com/stories/fountain-hills-gets-snowee,423008
Posted Wednesday, August 23, 2023 1:48 am Step inside the ice cream shop along Avenue of the Fountains and one is greeted by bright pastel colors, marble pink archways and a menu of Korean- and Japanese-inspired treats. As the newest ice cream shop to enter Fountain Hills, Snowee has quickly garnered a loyal following with its soft serve ice cream, shaved snow and Taiyaki, a waffle-style, fish-shaped pastry with flavors in red bean, custard, strawberry cheesecake and cinnamon, brown sugar and mozzarella cheese.Inside, a neon...
Posted Wednesday, August 23, 2023 1:48 am
Step inside the ice cream shop along Avenue of the Fountains and one is greeted by bright pastel colors, marble pink archways and a menu of Korean- and Japanese-inspired treats. As the newest ice cream shop to enter Fountain Hills, Snowee has quickly garnered a loyal following with its soft serve ice cream, shaved snow and Taiyaki, a waffle-style, fish-shaped pastry with flavors in red bean, custard, strawberry cheesecake and cinnamon, brown sugar and mozzarella cheese.
Inside, a neon sign reads, “Ice Cream Solves Everything.” Curated to perfection with a delightful menu of sweet treats, Snowee Owner John Hosoo Park wanted to bring something fun and refreshing to Fountain Hills. And while ice cream doesn’t solve quite everything, it does satisfy Park’s sweet tooth.
“A lot of my ideas and goals start from what I like to do or eat,” Park said, a former sushi chef and current owner of Oka Sushi, Snowee’s next-door neighbor. “That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to be a sushi chef, because I love sushi.”
Korean roots
Park is enthralled with the idea of being good at one thing at a time. Born and raised in Korea, he said many restaurants there focus on perfecting and serving a single signature dish.
“They have to really dissect it and be good at one thing because it’s very competitive,” Park said.
For Snowee, Park pulls from his memories as a boy in Korea enjoying Bingsu, a milk-based Korean shaved-ice dessert with sweet toppings like fresh fruit, syrup or red beans. As the owner of Snowee, Park wanted to recreate that same fresh taste in Fountain Hills.
“I want Snowee to be like Oka’s little sister,” Park said. “It doesn’t have to bring in a whole bunch of revenue, but as long as it’s something fun, people are going to cheer for it.”
For the ice cream shop’s interior, Park said he got the idea from a picture of a macaroon. He added the neon lights after he and his wife watched the hit TV series “Stranger Things.”
Fountain Hills resident, Cindy Strazis, visited Snowee with her son on Friday, Sept. 18, for some soft serve ice cream. A volunteer at Fearless Kitty Rescue, Strazis was all smiles as she enjoyed her ice cream on a muggy August day.
“It’s like being a kid again,” Strazis said.
It’s been nearly a decade since Park became a restaurant owner in Fountain Hills, adding that his very first customer still comes in to eat at his restaurant to this day.
“It’s a very rare experience. We don’t have the most population here, but I think when it comes to loyalty in general, I’m very thankful to be where I’m at,” Park said. “Our goal is to offer more at our standards and at our quality.”
Snowee is open from 12 noon to nine p.m., Monday through Saturday, with Sunday hours coming later this year. Snowee is located next to Oka Sushi at 16725 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Suite C105.
Unity Rally planned to support education
Fountain Hills Times Independenthttps://www.fhtimes.com/fountain-hills-independent/stories/unity-rally-planned-to-support-education,451100
Residents are invited to join their friends and neighbors in a “Celebration of Community” at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Fountain Park.“What we hope will become a tradition of gathering in the spirit of friendship and unity, there will be a rally at the amphitheater in Fountain Park,” Mayor Ginny Dickey said. “You can engage with community leaders by attending this positive, welcoming rally … featuring fun musical favorites and guest speakers who will, at this first rally, address the importan...
Residents are invited to join their friends and neighbors in a “Celebration of Community” at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Fountain Park.
“What we hope will become a tradition of gathering in the spirit of friendship and unity, there will be a rally at the amphitheater in Fountain Park,” Mayor Ginny Dickey said. “You can engage with community leaders by attending this positive, welcoming rally … featuring fun musical favorites and guest speakers who will, at this first rally, address the importance of public education in our fair town.”
Although this rally addresses education, future rallies will focus on other issues and programs in Fountain Hills, all with the emphasis on working together to achieve greater good for the community.
“As a Golden Rule community, Fountain Hills can maintain its reputation as one of the premier Arizona destinations to invest in, reside and visit,” Dickey said.
After the rally attendees are invited to enjoy Saturday evening at a local establishment to experience a sense of place and belonging.
Businessman and former Town Council member Mike Scharnow will serve as the master of ceremonies for the evening and he will introduce speakers including Tom Lindsey (educator), Val Stasik (parent, community volunteer, non-profit organizer and longtime resident), Mike Pameditis (business owner, former student and parent), Susan Dempster (realtor and long-time resident), Jay Schlum (former mayor, realtor, student and parent), Tammy Bell (business owner, Chamber staff and parent), Al Lorenz ( parent, family school staff, bond committee chair), Scott Sommer (Chamber board, Rotary, parent, bond committee), Betsy LaVoie (Chamber CEO, business, parent, longtime resident).
“We wholeheartedly support the positive Rally for Fountain Hills, as it aligns perfectly with the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce’s mission to foster a thriving and vibrant community,” LaVoie said. “Chambers of Commerce play a crucial role in advocating for public policies that enhance the economic and social well-being of our town, and this rally exemplifies our commitment to that mission.
“We’re proud to have endorsed the school bond for the greater good of the town, recognizing the importance of quality education in building a strong community. By coming together in unity and positivity, we can strengthen our community and ensure a brighter future for Fountain Hills.”
Ballet Under the Stars returns to Fountain Hills
Fountain Hills Times Independenthttps://www.fhtimes.com/fountain-hills-independent/stories/ballet-under-the-stars-returns-to-fountain-hills,422936
Ballet Under the Stars brings dance to a unique outdoor venue. (Times file photo)Posted Wednesday, August 16, 2023 3:02 am Ballet Arizona’s annual Ballet Under the Stars performances, presented by the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, will return Sept. 23-30 at four Valley locations. Free and open to the public, a press release announcing this year’s schedule said Ballet Under the Stars is the perfect show for the entire family and a great way to introduce ballet to young people for the first time.“T...
Ballet Under the Stars brings dance to a unique outdoor venue. (Times file photo)
Posted Wednesday, August 16, 2023 3:02 am
Ballet Arizona’s annual Ballet Under the Stars performances, presented by the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, will return Sept. 23-30 at four Valley locations. Free and open to the public, a press release announcing this year’s schedule said Ballet Under the Stars is the perfect show for the entire family and a great way to introduce ballet to young people for the first time.
“These performances promise an evening of fun suitable for all ages, as guests bring chairs, blankets and picnics to experience the beauty of dance in outdoor parks across the county,” the release said. “The evening features a fully-staged live performance by the professional company dancers of Ballet Arizona, including Juan Gabriel’s ‘Se Me Olvidó Otra Vez’ and George Balanchine’s ‘The Four Temperaments.’”
Ballet Under the Stars invites Arizonans to experience dance in their community in a setting complete with a professional stage, lighting and costumes. Indulge in local food trucks with space for picnicking and for aspiring young dancers to move along with the performance.
“We are thrilled to kick off our 38th season with Ballet Under the Stars,” Artistic Director Ib Andersen said. “This beloved annual tradition helps us give back to the Arizona community with a unique outdoor experience allowing friends and families to be immersed in the world of ballet.”
Ballet Under the Stars also showcases world premiere performances choreographed by local school students through the Class Act program. Each year, Ballet Arizona’s professional dancers provide a three-week dance training class for students in four different elementary schools across the Valley. The highlight of their work is delivered as a performance as part of Ballet Under the Stars. This educational program is provided to students’ tuition free and is generously funded by Joan Benjamin and Laurence Cherkis.
The performance schedule begins Saturday, Sept. 23, at Sahuaro Ranch Historic Park in Glendale; Thursday, Sept. 28, at Fountain Park in Fountain Hills; Friday, Sept. 29, at Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater in Goodyear and Saturday, Sept. 30, at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix. All performances begin at 7 p.m.
Ballet Under the Stars would not be possible without community sponsors including The Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation, City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Town of Fountain Hills, City of Glendale, Stoker Ostler, APS, Grand Canyon University, Estrella, Sticker Mule and Desert Diamond Casino.
To learn more about this year’s Ballet Under the Stars performances, visit balletaz.org.
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