On September 14, 2025, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts was buzzing with excitement—a lively mix of artists, participants, parents, Free Arts staff, volunteers, board members, and members of the general public. The event was a prime example of what the arts do better than anything else—to bring people from all walks of life together...

For the last 22 years, Free Arts has partnered with Dance Theater West (DTW) to create DTW’s Storybook Ballet production featuring Free Arts children and teens. Our beloved partnership continued into September 2023, when twelve Free Arts children performed alongside DTW dancers at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

This year’s Storybook Ballet performance and Free Arts Day, we were able to include children and teaching artists from four Professional Artist Series all taking place at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. 

As Free Arts eased back into in-person programming, this year’s Storybook Ballet was reimagined with the health and safety of participating children top of mind.