09/02/2026
With summer coming to its official close, it’s time to report what our company artists did over the break!
Cecily Khuner spent five weeks working with Chamber Dance Project in DC where she performed pieces choreographed by Diane Coburn Bruning, William Moore, and Christian Denice, all accompanied by live musicians! Photo credit: Alexander Sargent, courtesy of Chamber Dance Project.
In June Iori Araya was at Northwest Florida Ballet for the FIFTH time under Todd Allen to teach at their 4 week summer intensive, and in July she danced at National Choreographer Initiative under Molly Lynch with another Ballet Memphis dancer, Darcy McLoughlin!
Harry Warshaw says, “This summer, I had the profound joy of being part of JAD Experience’s 2026 production, LUNAE, in Petaluma, California. Over the course of a month, I slept in a tent and spent each day working and dancing outdoors alongside an incredible community of people on a beautiful farm and rehearsing beside a magnificent flower garden. Led by Julia Adam, we came together as a remarkable group of artists to create an immersive experience woven from contemporary ballet, the beauty of nature, loving connection, and farm-to-table fine dining.
Sharing this work in such a thoughtful and nurturing environment deepened my belief in dance’s power to connect us—to one another, to the world around us, and to something larger than ourselves.
I’m endlessly grateful to Julia and Aaron, the JAD team, my fellow dancers, and every person who poured their creativity, generosity, and heart into this unforgettable experience. I leave LUNAE carrying lasting inspiration, cherished connections, and a renewed appreciation for the community that brings art to life. 🤍”
Darcy McLoughlin performed a solo choreographed by fellow Ballet Memphis dancer Emilia Sandoval at the Manhattan Youth Ballet’s 2026 Gala, and danced at the National Choreographers Initiative “NCI The Last Dance” where she performed pieces by Emily Adams and Dayoung Jung.
Phoebe Magna, Cayce Cavett, and Gretchen Vander Bloomer all danced at Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance in Asheville, NC.
Emilia Sandoval did an Intensive Workshop with choreographer Imre VanOpstal, and went to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park with her boyfriend and sometimes collaborator, Aaron James!
Angelina Broad, Demetrious Reed, Anwen Brown, and Emilia Sandoval were all mentors in the Ballet Memphis School Advanced Summer Intensive! This year we had students from around the region who auditioned during multi-city tours and we even offered dorm housing through University of Memphis! It was bigger and better than ever, and we are so grateful that we had some of our professional company artists sharing their time and talents to help young dancers.
It’s great having everyone back! Come see our dancers in their first performance, Dance In 30, just over TWO WEEKS AWAY on September 17 and 18! Just $30 gets you a beverage of your choice and time to mingle before a 30 minute performance that leaves you inspired and ready to go on with your night! Tickets at link here - https://purchase.balletmemphis.org/EventAvailability?EventId=7801
