THEY DRAG IN from late nights at second jobs. Like medieval torture equipment, legs over bars, the music opens. And the groaning, straining, and sweating begins. Over and over they practice minute to grand movements. Up and down…and again, strengthening and stretching well-formed muscles—these Olympic-like athletes work hard. Watching them collapse exhausted onto the floor during breaks, I marvel at their persistence and sheer guts.

There's also the whir of the sewing machine. Yards and yards of fabric, sequins, ribbon molded and prodded expertly, sometimes even into the wee hours of the night. Stitches here and seams there secure the layers of tulle, satin, and more to bodies that will push them to their impossible limits.

And huge wardrobe boxes stand like soldiers ready to go. Dozens are filled with the finished products of creative souls.

Not to mention the heavy lifting required of other ballet staff to turn the volume up over the noise of the limitless resources of the casino shows in THE entertainment capital of the world. You try being a successful nonprofit ballet company in—of all places—Las Vegas!

And then finally, the theatre is abuzz. Lights go on and the curtain rises. And the dancers and their costumes slice and soar effortlessly through time and space to the ooo's and ahs of full houses of Las Vegas audiences discovering ballet over again and some for the first time.

I once asked one of our dancers, why do you put yourself through such sacrifices?

He replied, "It is about being able to bring extraordinary experiences to the ordinary days of our lives. Looking out at the audience and knowing that for that one precious moment, they aren't worrying about the usual challenges that burden them. It's why I became a ballet dancer."

There is nothing quite like the art of ballet. It is powerful, athletic, breathtaking, passionate, infinite, spiritual, and fun! Ballet transports and transforms us. The magic that moves us is the result of years of determination, hard work, and a focus on excellence above all.

Our community here in Las Vegas is beginning to understand what a special treat it is to relax and enjoy the dance experiences brought to us by such a talented 'home-team'! A full-house standing ovation one Saturday afternoon is the special reward for their hard work. As are the young autograph seekers waiting for them when they exit the theatre.

And this is why it moves me to tears.