Stacey Choate
Dancing with grace and purpose
Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, Stacy Choate first laced up ballet slippers at age eight. What began as an invitation to a ballet class with her sister soon became a lifelong calling. Early milestones, from her first ballet skirt to passing Royal Academy of Dance exams with distinction, built her confidence and artistry.
Stacy’s training journey was both rigorous and diverse. Building on her strong beginnings, she studied under respected teachers like Michelle Rozeboom, Marion Sawyer, and Mary Ellen Bryan of Alleluia Ballet, as well as Mary Moe Adams with the Royal Academy of Dance. Each summer presented new opportunities; Stacy attended Ballet Magnificat! intensives in Mississippi and eventually earned a coveted spot as a Trainee. By 2006, this dedication had fueled her debut on the professional stage, with her first performance with Ballet Magnificat! Omega Company under Jiri Voborsky, where she toured nationally and internationally for two years.
Stacy’s career then took her to Springfield, Missouri, where she joined the PETRA Ballet Company under Kimberly Raymond. She expanded her stage presence even further, stepping into roles with Springfield Little Theatre in productions like Narnia, Cats, Annie, and The Wizard of Oz. Her artistry also took her far beyond the U.S.—in 2008, she traveled to Jerusalem to perform with the International Christian Embassy during Sukkot, a profoundly moving experience that deepened both her artistry and her faith. Among her most treasured memories was performing The Hiding Place in the Netherlands for an audience that had lived through World War II, a performance that left an imprint on her heart.
Stacy’s training journey was both rigorous and diverse. Building on her strong beginnings, she studied under respected teachers like Michelle Rozeboom, Marion Sawyer, and Mary Ellen Bryan of Alleluia Ballet, as well as Mary Moe Adams with the Royal Academy of Dance. Each summer presented new opportunities; Stacy attended Ballet Magnificat! intensives in Mississippi and eventually earned a coveted spot as a Trainee. By 2006, this dedication had fueled her debut on the professional stage, with her first performance with Ballet Magnificat! Omega Company under Jiri Voborsky, where she toured nationally and internationally for two years.
Stacy’s career then took her to Springfield, Missouri, where she joined the PETRA Ballet Company under Kimberly Raymond. She expanded her stage presence even further, stepping into roles with Springfield Little Theatre in productions like Narnia, Cats, Annie, and The Wizard of Oz. Her artistry also took her far beyond the U.S.—in 2008, she traveled to Jerusalem to perform with the International Christian Embassy during Sukkot, a profoundly moving experience that deepened both her artistry and her faith. Among her most treasured memories was performing The Hiding Place in the Netherlands for an audience that had lived through World War II, a performance that left an imprint on her heart.
After retiring from professional performance in 2013 to begin a family, Stacy found herself drawn to a new role she never expected—teaching. What began as teaching recreational classes slowly transformed into a passion. Today, she specializes in ballet, lyrical, pointe, character dance, and improvisation, pouring into the next generation not only the technical foundation of dance but also the joy of worship through movement. Her students quickly learn that ballet isn’t just about pliés and pirouettes; it’s about perseverance, creativity, and expressing something bigger than oneself.
Now, as a ballet and lyrical instructor, Stacy brings her love for dance and faith directly to her students. Through her ongoing involvement with StoryTellersAZ, she creates opportunities to inspire with both her skill and devotion. For Stacy, teaching is more than technique—it is about building a legacy of grace, strength, and worship, encouraging others to dance with excellence and heart.
Now, as a ballet and lyrical instructor, Stacy brings her love for dance and faith directly to her students. Through her ongoing involvement with StoryTellersAZ, she creates opportunities to inspire with both her skill and devotion. For Stacy, teaching is more than technique—it is about building a legacy of grace, strength, and worship, encouraging others to dance with excellence and heart.