Today I am full of gratitude.

Today marks one year I have been Executive Director at Ballet Memphis.

It’s been a joyful and meaningful year. A year that, upon reflection, feels short and long at the same time (colleagues in the arts know this sentiment well: It’s been one year, but how long has it been in “Ballet Memphis” years?).

The staff here are incredible. They are passionate, creative, and savvy. They want to succeed and care deeply about the organization and its impact on Memphis. They LOVE this city. I have come to love it as well. The world needs to know more about Memphis. The Memphis brand has narratives of history, culture, and music. And so much more. Memphis 2026 has a vibrant arts scene that flies under the radar and is bubbling, on the verge of exploding above the surface for all to see and enjoy. The staff here knows this and is awaiting your “aha” moment.

The partnerships and community leaders who work with us and champion the arts are inspiring. Everyone here really believes in what we do.

I feel lucky to be in a city that supports three significant ballet organizations. It’s been a joy to have colleagues at Collage Dance Collective and New Ballet Ensemble & School—we collectively have a shared vision for growing our respective dance programs through collaboration.

Our dancers are mesmerizing. These artist athletes are beautiful interpreters of dreams of movement and storytelling. They embody the artistic vision of our brilliant Artistic Director,

Steven McMahon. He is a prolific choreographer, with nearly 50 works created on Ballet Memphis. His ability to narrate stories through dance is a gift to Memphis and the rest of the country should take notice.

I am grateful for our dedicated Board of Directors. They are engaged and generous, both with time and resources. They have been a valuable window to the past, present, and future. I’ve been able to call on them, and they have answered.

This season marks the first season jointly planned by Steven and me. We’re calling the era of our co-leadership “Memphis 3.0.” He’s prepared a special 40th Anniversary Season for Ballet Memphis. We have great plans in place for this season and many more hopes and dreams for the future.

This season, we welcome back season subscribers. We welcome back dancer sponsorships, an expanded Nutcracker Tea and Nutcracker performance schedule, and an annual gala. Our school now has more than 200 students enrolled and we’re expanding our national audition tour for a growing summer intensive program. Our Ballet Memphis Pilates program has been growing and is poised to continue building demand across two studios. Our building headquarters at the intersection of a bustling midtown city life is open for rentals of its various spaces (including the 200-seat Fly Studio Theatre) and this season is already shaping up to be the busiest yet.

We are proud to carry the city’s name in our name.

We are Ballet Memphis.

See you this season.