As Ballet Arizona returns for its 29th season, the company's talented danseurs and ballerinas continue a tradition of performing Ballet Under the Stars. In several outdoor performances, which are free to the community, viewers will get to watch professional dancers leap, prance, pirouette and plie (plee-yay) in beautiful park settings. With the troupe's unique costumes, lighting and stage setups, local parks are transformed into unique outdoor theaters, and whether you're a fan of ballet or simply enjoy free local events, you won't want to miss seeing one of these exquisite public performances.

Ballet Under the Stars will take place in various parts of the Valley throughout the rest of the month. Mark your calendars and don't be late if you want to grab the best spots! All performances start at 7 p.m. and visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, at Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014, at Fountain Park, Fountain Hills

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, at Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix

Also this year, Ballet Arizona will feature presentations from Class Act, an educational ballet program for local elementary school students. Participating youth have been given the opportunity to choreograph their own dances with the help of Ballet Arizona's professional dancers, and they'll be performing for the community as part of Ballet Under the Stars' program.