Professional Ballet Reimagined

Enlighten Inspire Engage

Intimate, human, and deeply connective performances for seniors and communities nationwide. Led by professional ballerina Emily Ricca, the Enlighten * Inspire * Engage Project (EIE) brings world-class artistry into everyday spaces, transforming senior living centers, schools, and cultural venues into places of shared memory, movement, and meaning.

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Our Sponsors

See your impact unfold

Each season, the Enlighten * Inspire * Engage Project shares the gift of ballet and human connection with senior communities across the country. Your support helps bring moments of beauty, memory, and belonging to those who need them most.

Help create a difference—one season at a time!

Hearts we’ve touched

16 of 18 Communities Reached

Approx. 480 seniors, families and staff inspired during our Summer 2025 campaign (July–September). Thank you to our supporters for helping us share connection nationwide.

Making magic right now

3 of 18 Communities Visited

Our Fall 2025 campaign is under way (October–November). Each week brings new opportunities for movement, memory, and joy. Follow our journey—every visit counts toward our mission.

Your impact awaits

Help Bring EIE to 15 More Communities This Season

Your gift helps extend our reach to seniors in need of art and connection.

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Our Mission

At its core, the Enlighten * Inspire * Engage Project (EIE) is about restoring human connection through the art of ballet. Each performance blends classical dance, storytelling, and conversation—breaking the traditional boundaries of stage and audience. Emily’s performances are participatory, uplifting, and deeply human, offering moments of joy, reflection, and beauty to communities across America.

See the joy Emily brings
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  • “A truly special world-class experience—from her breathtaking performance to her inspiring lecture, the day was filled with artistry, elegance, and community connection.”

    — Weisman Delray Community Center, Delray Beach, FL

  • “In 10 years, this was by far the most unique and interesting thing residents have seen... The absolute joy was amazing to see. If you’re ever back, we’d love to have you again!”

    — Sarah, Activity Director, Phoenix, AZ

  • “Her flowing movements were so beautiful… she was so gracious and walked around afterwards meeting residents and shaking hands. Thank you so much for a beautiful performance, Emily!”

    — Carillon at Belleview Station, Denver, CO

  • “Thank you again for bringing Emily to The Gatesworth! The residents and guests haven’t stopped talking about her! Please definitely let us know when she will be back in town!”

    — Janine Lawler, Event and Entertainment Director, The Gatesworth, St. Louis, MO

  • “Emily Ricca shared the beauty of ballet with our community, filling the room with elegance and inspiration. Thank you, Emily for sharing your gift with Immanuel Living!”

    — Immanuel Living, Kalispell, MT

  • “I felt so inspired.”

    — Resident, Lenoir Woods, Jefferson City, MO

  • “Emily Ricca, professional dancer and Armour Dance Theatre faculty, gave an amazing lecture with her partner, Isaiah Gonzalez… performing a classical ballet duet and sharing extraordinary experiences… even giving our students the chance to learn fouettés with a partner!”

    — Armour Dance Theatre, South Miami, FL

  • “This was fabulous! Thank you for inviting this internationally known ballerina to The Gardens Assisted and Independent Living!”

    — The Gardens Assisted/Independent Living, Springfield, MO

  • “Thank you to Emily Ricca for her amazing Nutcracker performance. The residents were mesmerized with the ballet performance.”

    — Artis Senior Living, Davie, FL

  • “We enjoy Emily Ricca's visits, where she shares her talent and offers insight into the history and heritage of ballet.”

    — The Peninsula Assisted Living & Memory Care, Hollywood, FL

  • “It’s always such a joy when professional ballerina, Emily Ricca comes to perform for us! Such an experience to be front and center and able to connect with her as she did more than just dance!”

    — The McKnight Place, St. Louis, MO

  • “Emily was so sweet and professional.. some of her dancing left me breathless!”

    — Resident, Terry Ammon, Omaha, NE

Why this isn’t your typical ballet performance

  • Performed in living spaces, not distant stages.

  • Can include sound, breathwork, and simple seated movements—creating shared moments of human connection.

  • Performances often blossom into conversations as residents share memories and ask questions.

Become a sponsor

Help us bring ballet to more communities

When you support the EIE Project, you're investing in human connection, cultural preservation, and the transformative power of dance.

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Book a performance

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