As the sun drops behind the McDowell Mountains, the annual production by Ballet Arizona rises on stage at Fountain Park.

“Ballet under the Stars,” one of the premier events in Fountain Hills gets underway Thursday, Sept. 13.

The show starts at 7 p.m. and features pieces from performances to be featured during the upcoming season.

Free and open to the public, “Ballet under the Stars” allows the community to enjoy dance in a unique outdoor setting complete with a stage, lighting, costumes and beautiful Arizona weather.

For more than two decades, Ballet Arizona has presented “Ballet under the Stars” as a gift to the community. Those attending are invited to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the varied program, ranging from classical to contemporary.

Ballet Arizona schedules performances at other Valley locations. The other performances are at Tempe Sports Complex, tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 12; Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater in Goodyear, Friday, Sept. 14; and Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix, Saturday, Sept. 15. All performances start at 7 p.m.