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.