Dear Families and Friends,

Welcome to A Fairy Tale Gathering™! This joyful, interactive ballet was created to spark imagination and introduce young audiences to the magic of live performance through story, music, and movement. For many children, today is a first experience with ballet — and that is something we treasure.

Originally created by Emily as her undergraduate thesis at the University of Virginia, this production has grown alongside us for nearly two decades, traveling across the Commonwealth and delighting thousands of families. It is especially meaningful to share it with you this season as Emily begins transitioning into a part-time role, focusing more fully on her own young family while continuing to lead special projects that support the Ballet’s next chapter.

For eighteen seasons, we have had the privilege of building this organization together. As Co-Founders, we are deeply grateful to our artists, collaborators, partners, and audiences who make this work possible. Thank you for being part of this moment with us—celebrating our foundation and future, nurturing wonder for the next generation, and supporting the evolving story of Charlottesville Ballet.

Now sit back, clap along, and enjoy the magic!