Susan Richardson|Southwest Ballet Theatre

SWBT & EMCC Art Club Pointe Shoe Auction

Susan Richardson — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:43:18 +0000

Contact Information:
Rebecca Luedemann
marketing@board.swbtballet.org

Elizabeth Seufert
elizabeth@swbtballet .org

Southwest Ballet Theatre and EMCC Art Club Unveil
Pointe Shoe Art Auction Celebrating The Nutcracker

A Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration Showcasing Ballet and Visual Art

Avondale, Ariz. — Southwest Ballet Theatre (SWBT) and the Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) Art Club have partnered to launch a unique holiday initiative that blends classical ballet with the creative vision of emerging student artists. In celebration of SWBT’s upcoming performances of The Nutcracker, EMCC art students have transformed retired SWBT pointe shoes into intricately designed works of art, each inspired by characters and moments from Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday ballet. The one-of-a-kind pieces will be auctioned online as a fundraiser benefiting SWBT.

“This project is a beautiful example of how art forms can intersect to create something extraordinary,” said Crystal Fullmer, Artistic Director of Southwest Ballet Theatre. “It celebrates creativity while supporting our mission to bring high-quality ballet to the West Valley community. Collaborations like this deepen our connection with EMCC and highlight the powerful impact of arts partnerships.”

A Growing Partnership Rooted in Arts Access and Collaboration

This collaboration expands the longstanding relationship between SWBT and Estrella Mountain Community College — one that has included performance partnerships, student engagement initiatives, arts education access, and community programming. SWBT is the first performing arts organization to receive EMCC’s “Hero of Education” award, and the companies continue to work together to enrich arts opportunities in the West Valley.

The EMCC Art Club, guided by faculty advisor and working artist Miguel Godoy, encourages students to explore innovative techniques and experiment across a range of media. For this project, students created original designs inspired by The Nutcracker, including character-themed works such as “Arabian” by Alyssa Carballo, “Dew Drop” by Luci Watts, and “Clara” by Sophia Rodriguez. The finished pieces reflect diverse artistic voices and highlight the creative potential sparked when dance and visual art collide.

Event + Auction Details

Art Display
Dec. 8–10, 2025
Performing Arts Center Lobby
Estrella Mountain Community College

Performances
Dec. 11–14, 2025
Southwest Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker.
Artwork will be on display throughout the performance weekend.
EMCC Performing Arts Center

Online Silent Auction
Bid at: 32auctions.com/swbt
Auction closes: Dec. 14, 2025
Auction is open to the public. Winners may choose to pick up artwork at the theater or arrange alternate pickup.

About Southwest Ballet Theatre

Southwest Ballet Theatre is a nonprofit ballet company dedicated to exceptional dance education and enriching the West Valley through professional-quality productions and community partnerships. SWBT performs The Nutcracker annually and presents a full-length spring ballet each year.

About the EMCC Art Club

The Estrella Mountain Community College Art Club is a student-driven creative community that fosters artistic exploration, cultural expression, and hands-on engagement. Under the mentorship of artist and faculty advisor Miguel Godoy, the club provides opportunities for emerging artists to collaborate and expand their craft across a variety of media.

Media Contact

Southwest Ballet Theatre
Email: marketing@board.swbtballet.org
Website: www.swbtballet.org
Phone: 623-250-6366

Photos from the Event

“Arabian,” a hand-embellished pointe shoe inspired by the Arabian dance in The Nutcracker, created by EMCC Art Club student Alyssa Carballo. Carballo, an emerging multimedia artist pursuing her associate degree in art at Estrella Mountain Community College, plans to continue her studies at ASU with ambitions in animation and storyboard design.

“Dew Drop,” a hand-painted pointe shoe inspired by the sparkling Dew Drop Fairy from The Nutcracker, created by EMCC multimedia artist Luci Watts. Watts, a freshman pursuing her fine arts degree, draws heavily from nature, music, and atmospheric storytelling in her work and aspires to create background art for animation and books.

“Clara,” a pointe shoe inspired by the heroine of The Nutcracker, created by EMCC artist Sophia Rodriguez.

“Harlequin Doll,” a pointe shoe inspired by the lively Harlequin character in The Nutcracker, created by EMCC multimedia artist Edward Vasquez. Vasquez, a Buckeye-based artist with 15 years of experience, draws influence from comic books, anime, and tattoo design and is pursuing a fine arts degree with ambitions in animation.

The Estrella Mountain Community College Art Club

— More Shoe Designs and Pictures Available Upon Request —

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Southwest Ballet Theatre names new Artistic Director and School Director

Susan Richardson — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:01:22 +0000

Crystal Fullmer appointed as new Artistic Director for Southwest Ballet Theatre

AVONDALE, Ariz. – Southwest Ballet Theatre (SWBT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Crystal Fullmer as the new artistic director and Sydney Walker as the new school director. Both Fullmer and Walker bring extensive experience and fresh perspectives to the organization, marking an important new chapter for SWBT as it enters its 10th season.

Background in Dance and Education

Crystal Fullmer’s journey in ballet began at the Jacquie Kunzman School of Ballet in Oregon, where she was introduced to classical ballet. As a teen, Fullmer was a founding member of the Clackamette Youth Ballet, performing various roles in annual Nutcracker productions and gaining experience in costuming and production.

Fullmer received her bachelor’s degree in dance with a pedagogy emphasis from the University of Idaho and subsequently purchased a studio in eastern Washington state. There, she produced full stage productions of The Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, The Firebird, Les Sylphides, and scenes from Raymonda, alongside annual concerts and smaller showcases. Fullmer later earned her master’s degree in dance choreography from the University of New Mexico and has since been a key figure in higher education dance programs.

Vision for SWBT

Fullmer is enthusiastic about her new role at SWBT. “Given my history, it seems a natural fit to step into SWBT and direct the creative and performance endeavors of the young dancers training here,” she stated. Fullmer plans to bring her extensive experience in teaching, mentoring, choreographing, and designing to SWBT’s productions.

She looks forward to adding her own choreographic style to the annual Nutcracker production and exploring new creative endeavors with the spring ballet. “I have long been considering creating original full-length ballets and also enjoy staging repertoire from the classical canon,” Fullmer shared. Her ongoing involvement with the GCU Dance Department will also strengthen SWBT’s partnerships with Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) and Grand Canyon University (GCU).

Holistic Approach to Ballet Education

Fullmer’s teaching philosophy is holistic, focusing on anatomical safety, developmentally appropriate movement and artistic exploration. She aims to produce well-rounded dancers who are both skilled technicians and expressive artists. “My aim in the classroom is to integrate knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology, and movement somatics with classical curriculum to develop healthy, versatile dancers,” she explained.

Fullmer emphasizes the valuable life skills gained through dance training, recognizing that not all students will pursue dance professionally. “Experiences in the performing arts allow participants to learn collaboration and big-picture thinking, while also fostering individual focus and growth,” she said. Her former students have pursued various successful careers, utilizing the discipline and focus instilled through dance.

Sydney Walker Named School Director

SWBT is equally excited to have Sydney Walker stepping into the new position of school director. She will also continue as an instructor for the Primary and Lower Division students. Sydney successfully completed the American Ballet Theatre (ABT®) Teacher Training Intensive and is certified in Pre-Primary to Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Sydney is also certified in Adaptive Dance and Progressing Ballet Technique.

“Over the last nine years, Sydney has become an invaluable asset to SWBT. We are very proud to see Sydney continue to grow with SWBT!” expressed Elizabeth Seufert, SWBT Operations Director.

About Southwest Ballet Theatre

Southwest Ballet Theatre (SWBT) is a nonprofit ballet company dedicated to enriching, inspiring and uplifting lives through classical dance education and performance. Based in Avondale, Ariz., SWBT brings high-quality, professional ballet performances to the West Valley community at an affordable price. SWBT performs The Nutcracker every December and another full-length ballet in the spring, under a co-production agreement with the Performing Arts Center at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC).

SWBT encourages learning in a positive, nurturing and developmentally sound environment, building on the principles of ballet technique for students of all levels. For more information about SWBT and their class offerings, please visit www.swbtballet.org. Enrollment for the 2024-2025 season is now open.

Southwest Ballet Theatre Receives 2023 Hero Of Education Award

Susan Richardson — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 21:22:57 +0000

Pictured (left to right):
Sydney Walker, SWBT Production Director, Assistant Operations Director, Instructor; Anthony Spaulding, SWBT Interim Artistic Director, Instructor; Elizabeth Seufert, SWBT Volunteer Operations Director, Board Treasurer; Tim Butterfield, EMCC Coordinator of Fine Arts Facilities; Dr. Rey Rivera, EMCC President; Jonathan Robles, EMCC Director Alumni, Corporate & Foundation Relations

Avondale, AZ – Southwest Ballet Theatre (SWBT) proudly announces its recent recognition as Estrella Mountain Community College’s 2023 Hero of Education. This esteemed award, presented by the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, acknowledges SWBT’s exceptional commitment to supporting students and educational opportunities in Arizona. Notably, SWBT was the only arts organization to receive this prestigious honor from the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation.

The Hero of Education award celebrates champions of education who have demonstrated both personal and professional dedication to advancing educational initiatives. SWBT has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant partnership with Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), providing free tickets to EMCC students for all SWBT performances. Additionally, SWBT contributes 25% of all ticket sales and a monthly sum in lieu of rental fees to the EMCC Friends of the Performing Arts Center Scholarship Fund.

This partnership has yielded the creation of the SWBT Fine & Performing Arts Scholarship, a $2,000 annual award, further supporting arts students in achieving their educational goals. The EMCC Friends of the Performing Arts Center Scholarship Fund also awards additional $500 scholarships annually. This collaborative effort not only empowers arts students but also addresses equity and access gaps in the arts.

To learn more about SWBT’s partnership with EMCC and the Hero of Education award, please visit Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation.

“We are grateful to Estrella Mountain Community College for the honor and the nomination, extending special appreciation to Tim Butterfield and the Performing Arts Center staff for their outstanding partnership that benefits SWBT dancers, the community, and the college,” expressed Elizabeth Seufert, SWBT Volunteer Operations Director, Board Treasurer.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST BALLET THEATRE

SWBT’s goal is to encourage learning in a positive, nurturing, and developmentally sound environment while building on the principles of ballet technique for students of all levels—recreational through pre-professional.

To learn more about Southwest Ballet Theatre and the full spectrum of dance offerings, visit www.swbtballet.org.

Southwest Ballet Theatre Announces Boys Ballet Tuition-Free Dance and Names New Interim Artistic Director

Susan Richardson — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 23:51:02 +0000

Avondale, AZ – Southwest Ballet Theatre (SWBT) is thrilled to unveil its groundbreaking initiative, the Boys Ballet Tuition-Free Program, aimed at making ballet accessible to boys in the West Valley. In conjunction with this exciting venture, SWBT is proud to introduce Anthony V. Spaulding II as the new Interim Artistic Director.

BOYS BALLET TUITION-FREE DANCE PROGRAM

Ballet is for boys, too! Designed to provide boys with unparalleled access to ballet training, SWBT’s Boys Ballet Tuition-Free Program recognizes the unique attributes of male dancers. Central to the program is a boys-only class, skillfully guided by Interim Artistic Director Anthony Spaulding. This class aims to enhance athleticism, flexibility, muscle strength, and coordination, all while fostering a supportive environment that celebrates the energy of boys. To complement this class, additional co-ed ballet sessions tailored to varying ages and abilities are offered, further enriching the students’ dance journey.
“We believe in the transformative power of dance for all individuals,” stated Anthony V. Spaulding II. “The Boys Ballet Tuition-Free Program offers boys the chance to experience the immense benefits of ballet training, empowering them to excel in sports, cultivate self-expression, and embrace the joy of captivating audiences.”
The program also encourages voluntary participation in productions such as The Nutcracker and the spring showcase, providing students with the chance to shine on stage and share their artistic expression.

INTRODUCING ANTHONY V. SPAULDING II

Mr. Anthony V. Spaulding II brings an impressive array of experience to his role as Interim Artistic Director. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, his journey began at Dance Incorporated under the guidance of Hodgie Jo. His passion for ballet then led him to the School of Ballet Arizona, where he honed his craft under the esteemed direction of Mr. Kee Juan Han and Nadia Zubkov. Mr. Spaulding’s dedication led him to San Francisco Ballet School, where he perfected his skills under Gloria Govrin’s tutelage. His exceptional talent secured him a position as an Apprentice with the San Francisco Ballet in 2004, and subsequently, he ascended to the esteemed role of Soloist dancer in 2008. Mr. Spaulding’s dynamic background and unwavering commitment to the art of ballet position him as an exceptional addition to the Southwest Ballet Theatre leadership team.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST BALLET THEATRE

Bringing the art of ballet to the West Valley; Southwest Ballet Theatre (“SWBT”) is a nonprofit ballet company that brings high quality, professional ballet performances to the West Valley community at an affordable price.
SWBT exists to enrich, inspire, and uplift lives through classical dance education and performance. SWBT performs The Nutcracker every December and another full-length ballet in the spring under a co-production agreement with the Performing Arts Center at Estrella Mountain Community College (“EMCC”). By audition, dance students from the School of SWBT, colleges, and other dance studios have the opportunity to participate in these productions.
SWBT’s goal is to encourage learning in a positive, nurturing, and developmentally sound environment while building on the principles of ballet technique for students of all levels—recreational through pre-professional.
To learn more about Southwest Ballet Theatre and the full spectrum of dance offerings, visit www.swbtballet.org.