Behind Every Leap is a Story: Why Sponsoring a Dancer Means So Much

There’s a moment before every curtain rises that only dancers truly know.

The calm, electric stillness before movement, before music — before magic.

At Golden State Ballet, that magic comes to life because of the extraordinary artists who dedicate themselves, body and soul, to the stage. This season, you have the opportunity to stand behind them in a meaningful way.

What is Sponsor a Dancer?

Our Sponsor a Dancer campaign isn’t just about funding ballet. It’s about honoring the individual dancers who pour their lives into this art form. It’s about recognizing the dreamers, the risk-takers, the artists who show up every day to stretch further, dance harder, and move audiences in ways words can’t touch.

And once you meet them, we think you’ll want to show them some love them too.

What Drives a Dancer?

For Reece Taylor, it’s the music. He hears it and instantly starts choreographing stories in his mind. His favorite role? The Cavalier in The Nutcracker—a part he’s danced many times but says still teaches him something new every season.

Silken Kelly dreams of playing Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, drawn to roles that demand emotional depth. For her, it’s about storytelling—using movement to say what words cannot.

Isabella Bertagni danced Serenade with a live orchestra, a dream come true. She’s inspired by the people in the studio—her peers—who push her to be better every day.

Each dancer has a favorite role, a dream role, and something that fuels their love for ballet. Maybe it’s a teacher who believed in them. Maybe it’s the audience. Maybe it’s the feeling of flying across the stage with nothing but lights and music to hold them.

Why Sponsor a Dancer?

Because behind every performance, every character, every role is a person; because pointe shoes wear out fast; and salaries, rehearsal hours, and visas don’t pay for themselves; because these artists give everything. And now, you have the chance to give back.

Sponsorship is more than a donation—it’s a connection. A chance to build a relationship with the artist behind the curtain. To get a personal letter. To visit rehearsal. To meet them backstage and celebrate at our annual gala.

You’ll see your dancer’s name in the program—and know you had a hand in helping them shine.

What Your Support Covers:

✦ Artist salaries

✦ Pointe shoes

✦ Costumes

✦ Visa and travel expenses

✦ Training, rehearsals, and performance support

Your Support Makes All This Possible

We hope you’ll take a moment to learn more about the dancers whose stories inspire us every day. Thank you for believing in the power of ballet—and the artists who bring it to life.