Dancing in Southern Arizona For 41 Years
Young Artists Community Ballet, Inc., operating under the trade name Ballet Continental, was established in 1985 by Lisa Baker DiGiacomo as a nonprofit dance company dedicated to fostering a high-quality performing experience for young, aspiring dancers throughout Southern Arizona, including Pima and Santa Cruz counties. Over the years, our mission has expanded to include comprehensive dance training in all of the major disciplines.
Program and Culture
Ballet Continental expands the artistic horizons of both youth and adult dancers by providing meaningful opportunities to grow as performers and collaborative artists. We are committed to offering a challenging, professional-level dance and performance experience that supports each dancer’s technical, artistic, and personal development.
Through this continued professional growth, Ballet Continental has become a dance studio recognized statewide. Participation not only introduces young dancers to dance as a potential career path, but also cultivates a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts, while building confidence, discipline, and expressive artistry.
Ballet Continental dancers actively engage with their communities by sharing their passion and talent through public performances at local schools, civic organizations, care centers, and nursing homes. These outreach efforts strengthen community connections and promote respect, understanding, and appreciation for the arts throughout Southern Arizona.
Organization and Leadership
Ballet Continental is led by an all-volunteer, seven-member Board of Directors who meet monthly to discuss vision, set policy, and provide support to our teaching staff. Board members serve staggered two-year terms and are parents, former dancers, business owners, and educational leaders, bringing diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Day-to-day operations are managed by our director and incredible teaching staff who design curriculum, teach classes, plan performances, and support our growing artists.
They are accompanied by a host of dedicated parent and community volunteers who serve on committees, help with performance preparations, organize fundraising and community outreach opportunities, and more. We couldn’t accomplish our mission without our volunteers! If you would like to donate your time and expertise by volunteering, please reach out to our Volunteer Committee at: volunteer@balletcontinentaldance.org
Support Our Mission
The most impactful way to support our mission and our dancers is by experiencing their artistry in person at one of our upcoming performances. For our 2026 season, the Dance Company is proud to present Enchanted and our annual The Nutcracker Ballet. Dancers can also be seen at various community events throughout the year.
If you would like to get involved more directly, we have monthly fundraisers and countless volunteer opportunities.
Ballet Continental is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN: 86‑0669212. Contributions to our organization may be deductible from federal and state income taxes.
