By Shelby Tuttle

Get ready for a unique fusion of artistry and sustainability! Ballet Arizona and local fashion incubator FABRIC are joining forces to host “En Pointe: High Tea & Couture Reimagined,” an innovative fashion show and fundraiser. Taking place on Saturday, April 26, from 2:00-5:30 p.m. at a private residence in Paradise Valley, this elegant event promises an afternoon of high fashion with a conscious twist, all while supporting two vital local nonprofits.

This collaborative event is a highlight of Eco Fashion Week (April 19-26) and will showcase the ingenuity of ten talented fashion designers from FABRIC’s community. These designers have been given a special challenge: to upcycle costumes generously donated from Ballet Arizona’s archives into stunning, one-of-a-kind couture pieces.

To further fuel their creative process and commitment to sustainability, FABRIC is donating fabric from their impressive stock – material originally used to produce 800,000 reusable medical gowns during the pandemic. Adding another layer of innovation, the designers will have access to FABRIC’s eco-friendly textile printer, offering the opportunity to create custom prints that perfectly complement their reimagined ballet costumes.

“This collaboration is a beautiful way to celebrate the arts and sustainability,” said Angela Johnson, co-founder of FABRIC. “By blending the timeless elegance of ballet with the ingenuity of upcycled fashion, we’re showcasing the incredible talent and innovation in our community.”

“En Pointe” is presented by Ballet Arizona’s Contemporary Council, the organization’s junior board dedicated to cultivating a new generation of patrons, alongside FABRIC. The event is co-chaired by Lindsay Danto-BenAviv of the Contemporary Council and Angela Johnson.

Serena Remy, a Contemporary Council member and SVP of Marketing & Communications at GPEC, also shared her excitement. 

“Ballet Arizona’s Contemporary Council is thrilled to partner with FABRIC, a visionary organization disrupting fashion industry norms to build a more accessible, sustainable future. Reimagining treasured ballet costumes as contemporary couture honors the artistry of dance, amplifies the brilliance of local designers, and advances the principles of circularity, all within this one-of-a-kind experience.”

Attendees of “En Pointe” will be treated to a delightful handcrafted high-tea menu curated by chef Smail Yaakoubi while enjoying a salon-style fashion show featuring the ten breathtaking upcycled garments.

Tickets for this exceptional event are available for purchase. General admission tickets are priced at $150, while a limited number of VIP tickets are available for $275. VIP guests will enjoy early access for an exclusive designer collection shopping experience (with proceeds supporting the designers), two drink tickets, and custom swag tote bags.

Ballet Arizona’s Contemporary Council is comprised of young leaders in Phoenix who believe in the transformative power of the arts. The Council actively supports Ballet Arizona through fundraising, education, volunteering, and awareness initiatives.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the beautiful intersection of ballet and sustainable high fashion while supporting two vital Arizona nonprofits.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit balletaz.org/support-us/en-pointe-high-tea-couture-reimagined.