In 1992, Benn and Debra Savage had a vision for a performing company that would develop young dancers through the art of performing, fulfilling dreams and aspirations, and promoting an appreciation of the arts in Northern Virginia. The Ballet Arts Ensemble (BAE), a troupe of twelve dancers, was born.
Now, 31 years later, more than 40 students carry on that mission as members of the Senior and Junior Ensembles under the direction of Dustin Kimball and Ballet Mistress, Leanne Mizzioni. As a non-profit, the BAE participates in civic outreach to bring the arts to members of the Northern Virginia Community. The BAE performed at Curefest 2019, supporting childhood cancer research, as well as three years of the Autumn Remembrance Day, supporting Helping Hearts thru the Arts (HHA) with their fundraisers for ALS.
In 2022, the Ballet Arts Ensemble expanded to add a third company focused on genres of tap and jazz dance, the Ballet Arts Tap and Jazz Ensemble (BATJE) under the direction of Caitlin Murray and Annah Gibson. Continuing the BAE's goal of civic engagement, in its first year, BATJE hosted an in-studio performance for Insight Memory Care Center community members and volunteers as well as danced in the 2023 City of Fairfax Independence Day parade, winning first place in the judged Dance category.
Members of the BAE and BATJE will perform at the 2023 Fairfax Fall Festival at 3 PM on the Children's Stage.