PHOENIX (Sept. 20, 2010) — The Arizona Lottery recently announced its $15,000 sponsorship of Ballet Arizona’s annual performance series, Ballet Under the Stars.

Ballet Under the Stars allows Arizona communities to enjoy dance in a unique outdoor setting complete with a stage, lighting and costumes.  Ranging from classical to contemporary dance, Ballet Under the Stars is a great family event and the perfect opportunity to expose children to ballet for the first time. The program features outdoor performances in parks across the Valley from Sept. 22-26.  These free performances begin at 7 p.m. every night and are open to the public.

“Community sponsorships are a core initiative of the Arizona Lottery,” said Jeff Hatch-Miller, executive director of the Arizona Lottery. “In addition to Ballet Arizona, the Arizona Lottery will be sponsoring many other community initiatives during fiscal year 2011.  We are honored to sponsor Ballet Under the Stars for the second year in a row and enjoy the tradition of bringing free performances to the public.”

Sponsorship dollars from the Arizona Lottery are allocated through an application and RFP process. Special consideration is given to community programs and events that promote arts, diversity, education, human services, public health and public welfare. Sponsorships are limited to one contribution per organization per year and are designated for events where the primary audience is age 21 or older. Applications are currently being accepted for fiscal year 2011 sponsorships. For more information about applying for a sponsorship, contact Cindy Esquer at cesquer@azlottery.gov.