When Jami Kozemczak isn’t traveling the world, she can be found leading Ballet Arizona (balletaz.org) in exciting directions. Recently named the company’s executive director, Kozemczak shares her reflections and hopes for the future of ballet.
Ballet Arizona dancers in Juan Gabriel. PHOTO BY ROSALIE O’CONNOR
Executive Director Jami Kozemczak. PHOTO BY KARIAN NEMUNSTEDT
What are you most excited about when taking up this new position? I cannot wait to see where Ballet Arizona will be in two years, five years and even 10 years from now. When I reflect back on my past eight years with this organization and see all we have achieved together, it fills me with such excitement for the future.
Looking back on your time at Ballet Arizona, what accomplishments are you most proud of? One of my proudest moments just occurred witnessing Ib Andersen’s world premiere of Juan Gabriel. The reaction from audiences is something I have never seen before in ballet.
What performance is showing in fall? We have the most fabulous contemporary dance program in Phoenix coming up in September; it is a series of three shorter ballets that are all completely unique and different from one another.
What can the audience expect? Beautiful classics; celebrate holiday traditions with laughter and family; and be inspired by never-before-seen choreography that is modern and contemporary interpretations of classical ballet.
Outside of your work life, what are your other passions? I am an avid reader and writer. I have written more than 4,000 pages in my life in 15 different volumes that I desperately hope no one will ever read. Travel is my other great passion. I am currently planning my trip to the Amalfi Coast that my husband doesn’t know about yet.
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