4 FEBRUARY 2025 EDITOR’S NOTE I’d like to start off my February note with a shout-out and a huge thank you to the good folks of the Arcadia Living Facebook page. For the past few months, I’ve asked the members of this group to help me in finding friends and families that were featured on Arcadia News covers from 30 years ago. Every time, someone has come through and it has been such a joy sharing what our cover models have been up to for the past three decades – not to mention how heartwarming it is to hear, “This was such a fun blast from the past. Thank you for sharing!” Our February edition is all about festivities, with plenty of eateries celebrating the game (including a few popular spots for chicken wings,” places to learn about Arizona history, and a celebration of some of the area’s favorite neighbors. Keep an eye out for the upcoming Home & Design and Camp Guide editions coming your way soon – and thank you, as always, for reading Arcadia News. – Mallory Gleich – Mallory Gleich UPCOMING THEMES: No one has better coverage in the areas of Arcadia, Biltmore and the Camelback Corridor. Promote your business to 45,000 loyal Arcadia News readers. For more: call/text 602-840-6379 or email ads@arcadianews.com .                  1. Jedda , age eight, is an AussiePoo – though we can scarcely see a trace of poodle in her. Jedda is a popular name for Aboriginal girls, believed to have originated from the Noongar word “Djida,” which means little goose. We always thought it meant “mischievous,” which fits our dog to a “T,” as the saying goes. –Philip N. 2. Three-legged Jimmy (2) and blind Stevie (6) know no limitations. They play and plunder, pester their older “sisters,” and nudge me to pet them as they purr and purr. I had thought these wounded pets needed me to love them, but I’m the one who needs them. –Deanne P. 3. We’re excited to introduce Lucy , our five-month-old puppy adopted from the Arizona Humane Society. Lucy loves hiking at Papago Park, playing fetch, and making new friends with neighborhood kids and dogs. Her favorite moments include relaxing on the porch and spending quality time with family. She’s been a true blessing. –Brian E. 4. I’m Allegra and I was rescued in Arizona 15 years ago. I subsequently lived in Connecticut, New York City, and Washington, D.C., in addition to my travels to 21 states. I returned to the Valley of the Sun nearly three years ago and now enjoy checking out the Arcadia News. –Jamie F. 1 2 4 3 ARCADIA 'S PETS Would you like to share your pet? Send a photo and a description (50 words max) of your pet to editor@arcadianews.com . Include your pet’s name and age, along with any fun facts about them you’d like to share. All animals are welcome! • RELACING & REPAIRS • CLEANING & CONDITIONING • GLOVE & MITT BREAK-IN • NEW & USED GLOVES FOR SALE FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED Complete care for your baseball & softball gloves @azglovelab | TheGloveLab.com | chris@theglovelab.com Arcadia News Meet & Greet Stop by Black Cat Coffee House to grab a free cup of coffee and meet the team behind your good news newspaper. We’d love to meet our readers! Friday, January 31 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Black Cat Coffee, 4730 E. Indian School Road #120 Follow us on instagram @arcadianews for details on the next meetup on February 28 .

5 FEBRUARY 2025 By Mallory Gleich Dance Theater West (DTW) has been a hub for creativity, expression, and community for over three decades. Founded by passionate educators and dancers, the company has made a lasting impact on the local arts scene. One of its most heartwarming and unique offerings isn’t the professional performances or advanced training – it’s the ballet classes designed for “Ballerinas Past their Prima.” The story of these classes dates back to 1993. In an effort to support friends and family after the passing of a loved one, DTW’s Susan Silverman – who was running the studio with her colleague Frances Smith Cohen at the time – offered a simple gesture: a free ballet class. This quickly blossomed into a weekly tradition that has taken place for over 30 years. The class is designed to be accessible and enjoyable, and open to everyone, regardless of their experience or background in dance. “Some participants had taken a ballet class or two as children or teens, while others were musical theater enthusiasts looking for a different way to move,” Susan said. “For many, it was simply an opportunity to have fun and enjoy the benefits of dance, no matter their age.” Today’s participants range from 40 to 80+ years old. There are occasional visits from graduate ballet students who come to enjoy the class when they can. The group usually has up to 18 people attending, but it’s not about numbers – it’s about the joy and connection found through movement. The class takes place Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Its structure remains the same as that first session: easy, follow-along warm-ups set to a mix of fun, familiar music: everything from classical pieces to Broadway hits, jazzy tunes, and holiday music when the season calls for it. “What an amazing class Suze Silverman has created. I’m of an advanced age, and this weekly hour of ballet with kindred spirits and continual smiles as I look in the wall of mirrors and see myself decades ago brings me much joy,” participant Judy Lebeau said. “It’s like going to recess at school!” The goal of Ballerinas Past Their Prima is to make dance accessible to all, no matter their age or physical condition. It’s not about mastering complicated steps but about enjoying movement, staying active, and engaging with a community of like-minded individuals. “So many of us dreamed of being ballerinas when we were young. Susie and this magical class make those dreams finally come true,” participant Sam – who founded the Detour Company Theatre – said. “Ballerinas of every shape, size and age can share the love of movement and not care about the story the mirror tells of age. We dance because our hearts are ageless. We are ballerinas because Susie is brilliant.” For those looking to join, the class is open to adults every Tuesday at DTW, 3925 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. dancetheaterwest.com Making dance accessible to ballerinas of all ages DTW class participants Laura, Nancy, Lauren, Patti, MJ, Calli, Susan, Sam, Tobey, Susan, Priya and Mickey. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN SILVERMAN