ON POINTE

Anya Borshch is bringing ballet to the next generation

Anya Borshch, chairwoman for Ballet Arizona’s Contemporary Council, traces her love of ballet back to her childhood in Ukraine, where attending performances at the baroque-style opera house in her city was a regular occurrence.

“My parents took me to see a ballet performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs when I was 6 years old. It was my first memory of ballet,” says Borshch, who started taking ballet classes shortly after. “It is truly a beautiful artform to watch and perform, allowing each audience member to escape to their own worlds and experience a different set of feelings or emotions. It makes me feel calm, as if I am out in nature.”

Borshch earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Arizona State University and worked as a retail manager for more than a decade before becoming a stay-at-home mom. After she left the workforce, a friend connected her with Ballet Arizona’s Contemporary Council – a group of young professionals working to instill a passion for the artform in the next generation – and it proved a perfect fit.

A natural born leader, Borshch moved up the ranks from development chair to chairwoman by fundraising, serving on gala committees, and organizing networking events to recruit new members.

“I first joined during the pandemic and the council was working to develop engaging virtual fundraisers like Q&A sessions, virtual cocktail making, trivia and more,” she says. “Even through the challenges, we still met our fundraising goal that year. It was a standout moment because I was able to help Ballet Arizona patrons connect with the arts community during a difficult time.”

With the Fashion & Fizz fundraiser on the calendar for this October, Borshch is more excited than ever for the future of Ballet Arizona, crediting her family for her unwavering dedication.

“My family, including my parents, grandparents, and my kids, all inspire me,” she says. “Coming from a family of immigrants, my parents worked hard to provide for my brother and I when we were younger. I want my kids to see that success can come in multiple forms and that it is important to give back.”

BY KAYLOR JONES / PHOTO BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE