ACF of Sedona

Sedona Ballet embodies a powerful commitment to bringing world-class performing arts to northern Arizona. Under the leadership of Chairman Winifred Muench, whose executive background in healthcare, business development, and finance has helped strengthen long-term sustainability, the nonprofit continues to elevate access to high-quality, live performances in Sedona.

In June 2025, the inaugural Sedona Choreography Retreat, a groundbreaking collaboration between Sedona Ballet and Ballet Arizona, was made possible through an Arizona Community Foundation grant. The retreat positioned Sedona as a national destination for dance innovation, while also inspiring local pride, stimulating tourism, and strengthening the city’s cultural economy. ACF’s support did not just fund a program, it planted the seeds for an annual tradition that will continue to elevate Sedona’s identity on the global arts stage.

The retreat brought nationally recognized choreographers, composers, dancers, and dramatists into the community for 10 days of creation, dialogue, and exchange. Local students and community members were engaged through open rehearsals, free masterclasses, and conversation-focused events.

Looking ahead, Sedona Ballet is expanding its vision with initiatives such as the Reflections Festival, founded with Christel Veraart. The festival celebrates both performing and visual arts, uniting master teachers, professional performers, and emerging artists to explore contemporary life through global culture and universal wisdom. Winifred hopes the effort “plants the seeds for an annual tradition that becomes the hallmark of our cultural life for the next 30 to 100 years.”

ACF’s partnership underscores how philanthropy sustains this work. By investing in Sedona Ballet, donors are helping preserve a vibrant cultural identity while ensuring that the arts remain a cornerstone of civic pride, economic strength, and community life in Sedona.