Ballet Arizona, the Valley’s only professional ballet company, received a gift of $2 million from the Estate of Dr. Amy Barmeier Dru.

This bequest will grow the nonprofit Ballet Arizona’s endowment by more than 30%.

The endowment funds both longterm and immediate mission-based programs such as the creation of new works, live music accompaniment, expansion of educational services, and community engagement initiatives.

Barmeier Dru’s gift will have an immediate impact on the organization by supporting the world premiere production of “Moving Movies” in February.

Barmeier Dru passed away on Dec. 3, 2021, after a courageous battle with lymphoma. She was born in 1951, was raised in Youngstown, Ohio, and earned a doctorate degree in psychology from Western Michigan University.

Barameier-Dru moved to Arizona shortly after marrying her husband, where she spent her time managing commercial real estate properties and raising her two sons.

One of her many passions in life was tap dancing. She took classes at her local community college and would practice on the wood floor because the sound was excellent. While she also enjoyed horseback riding and fly fishing, dance always held a special place in her heart.

“On behalf of the entire organization, we are humbled to receive this incredible gift from an even more incredible individual,” Ballet Arizona Executive Director Jami Kozemczak shared in a press release. “Amy was an extraordinary and tenacious individual with a generous and courageous heart. This is a transformational gift to our organization and I am reminded of her often, as we put forward visionary plans aimed for the stars. We have a bright future ahead thanks to people like her.”

Ballet Arizona is the official ballet company of the State of Arizona, whose mission is to create, perform and teach outstanding classical and contemporary ballet. The company is dedicated to preserving and celebrating classical dance while creating and commissioning new innovative works.

“Mom always said she wanted to come back as a ballet dancer in her next life,” Dr. Christopher Dru stated. “I hope this donation helps to make her dream a reality for young men and women in the Valley. Mom will be watching all your performances. Please make her proud.”

Visit balletaz.org.