Stacey and Shay Sebree are taking a spin at a new role in the central Arkansas arts scene. This spring, the two will chair the 45th annual Turning Pointe Gala for Ballet Arkansas.
Their inspiration for involvement sparked years ago when their daughter danced in her first “Nutcracker” production, and their participation has evolved ever since. Stacey joined the board in November 2023 after receiving encouragement from friend and board president Ann Patel.
“I really bought into Ann’s vision of growth for Ballet Arkansas and what the organization can become,” Stacey says. “I am excited to share in that vision and hopefully play a small part in making that happen.”
With his wife and daughter fully invested, Shay was quick to lend his support, too.
“It was a tremendous honor to be named this year’s chairs, primarily because I know how hard Stacey has worked behind the scenes at Ballet Arkansas over the years,” he says. “I know she will bring that same energy to the gala, and, of course, I will be there to support her and Ballet Arkansas in any way I can.”
“[Turning Pointe is] an event we both feel very strongly about since our daughter is actively involved in Ballet Arkansas as both a student and community cast member,” Stacey says. “We want to do everything we can to support the organization.”
According to Ballet Arkansas Executive and Artistic Director Michael Fothergill, it was that dedication and leadership that made the Sebrees the ideal chairs for this year’s gala.
“They’ve contributed significantly over the years, both as advocates for our programming and as donors who understand the transformative power of dance in our community,” Fothergill says.
This year’s theme of La Vie en Rose will offer an elegant setting with varying shades of pink cast throughout and patrons encouraged to don floral prints to complement the rosy ambiance.
While the gala will include traditions like auctions, VIP experiences and a decadent dinner and cocktail hour, it will add something new and exciting to the itinerary this year.
“We’re putting a new spin on our most anticipated elements, including a live stage performance at the Robinson Center Performance Hall to accompany the ballroom festivities patrons have come to know and love,” Fothergill says.
This special performance will feature professional company artists and Ballet Arkansas School for Dance students, but the evening of world-class entertainment, of course, has a deeper purpose.
“It’s crucial to the mission to continue to expose people to Ballet Arkansas in such a fun and entertaining way,” Shay says, “and the gala also reinforces with our long-time patrons that Ballet Arkansas is still an organization that deserves their support.”
Turning Pointe is the organization’s primary fundraiser and is critical to maintaining and advancing programming.
“As part of our growth strategy, we need to expand our facilities to give our dancers a better environment to work in and have a place to showcase their talents to the community, as well as expand our school of dance,” Stacey says. “This will take a great deal of support from the community.”
“The funds raised directly impact our ability to innovate, produce high-caliber performances, bring people together from all walks of life and expand our creative and educational reach throughout The Natural State,” Fothergill adds.
Ballet Arkansas made impressive strides in outreach over the past year, bringing performances to underserved communities and forming new partnerships with organizations like the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Windgate School.
With the feedback overwhelmingly positive, Fothergill says the importance of their mission was reinforced and plans are in motion to extend efforts further.
“Our vision includes enhancing tour outreach to connect with audiences who may not have access to live performances and increasing access to innovative, arts-centered education programs,” Fothergill says. “We plan to expand operations at the Ballet Arkansas School for Dance, better serving diverse populations of children and adults.”
When it comes to those performances, Fothergill says the 2025 spring season has much excitement in store, with productions like “Romeo and Juliet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the lineup alongside “daring” world premiere works in “Nouveau.”
“Each performance will highlight the versatility and artistry of our dancers and bring joy and enrichment to the masses,” Fothergill says.
According to Stacy, this robust arts scene puts Little Rock on the map and makes collaboration appealing to artists everywhere.
“Having an elite dance company will attract the most talented dancers to join our company, ensuring we can continue to put the best product on stage,” she says. “It will encourage continued collaborations with artists who come to Little Rock to share their talents with our community, and it facilitates cross-pollination of other arts within Little Rock, such as our ongoing partnership with Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.”
“We’re a source of tourism and pride for the city and a driver of its cultural and economic vitality,” Fothergill says.
And the endurance of that vitality relies on a relationship with the community, one that includes attending performances, enrolling in classes and sharing a mission.
“Together, we can continue to make Little Rock a hub for the arts.”
Turning Pointe
Benefiting Ballet Arkansas
April 12, 6 p.m. | Robinson Center
Info: balletarkansas.org
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