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.
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.
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.
Testimonials
“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
“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
“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
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.
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.
Browse the gallery
