DEBUT

September 3, 2010
Convergence Ballet Company Celebrates Summer Dance with DEBUT

Scottsdale, AZ – Convergence Ballet Company unveiled its professional ballet program with DEBUT, its inaugural performance held at Mesa Arts Center on August 28. Performing before a sold-out audience of over 200 people, the non-profit ballet company brought together professional dancers and talented choreographers to deliver a spellbinding performance during
what is normally considered downtime in the dance industry.

Despite this being its very first season, the company’s seasoned dancers worked tirelessly to perfect three 10-minute pieces, choreographed by Diane McNeal Hunt, Nicole Olson, and Rusty Toth, respectively. DEBUT also featured distinguished guest performers Bernadette Gaxiola and Scorpius Dance Theatre. Together, the evening showed the tremendous support that Phoenix has for dance, even in the off-season.

A dessert reception immediately followed the performance, allowing audience members the opportunity to meet with dancers, board members, and the company’s founder and artistic director, Jennifer Cafarella. “I am thrilled by the response to Convergence and humbled to have been able to perform for an audience representing a virtual who’s who of the dance world,” says Cafarella of DEBUT. Among those in attendance were Nancy Crowley, director of the School of Ballet Arizona, Gia Firicano, director of the dance department at Arizona School for the Arts, Donald and Sybille Dadey, directors of Scottsdale School of Ballet, Fran Cohen, director of Center Dance Ensemble, Kenda Newbury, director of AZDance Group, and Paola Hartley, principal dancer of Ballet Arizona.

A portion of the proceeds from DEBUT ticket sales went to benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital, echoing the company’s desire to give back to the community. “By sharing our success with Phoenix Children’s Hospital,” explains Cafarella, “this completes our vision for Convergence Ballet Company as a non-profit organization.” As the summer draws to an end, Convergence Ballet Company is already fundraising and making plans for an even greater summer next year.

About Convergence Ballet Company
Convergence Ballet Company is a non-profit summer dance company established in 2010. The company features professional dancers, with performances during the off-season months of the summer. Online: www.convergenceballet.org and www.facebook.com/ConvergenceBallet.
Contact: Jennifer Cafarella
Artistic Director, Convergence Ballet Company
16211 N. Scottsdale Rd, Suite 477
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-335-4084
info@ConvergenceBallet.org