The Magic of Ballet Under the Stars with Oklahoma City Ballet

Event Photography

Sep 10

Children dancing and playing at Ballet Under the Stars in Oklahoma City.

Meet Oklahoma City Ballet: A Story of Community and Grace

I am always so thrilled when I get the opportunity to work with the Oklahoma City Ballet. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of providing high-end event photography for some of their most wonderful community events, from the Nutcracker Tea to the Day of Dance, and those elegant non-profit gala nights like the Ballet Ball. There’s a special energy that surrounds this organization—a genuine passion for making ballet and dance accessible to everyone in Oklahoma City and beyond. This year, I was honored to photograph their annual "Ballet Under the Stars" at Scissortail Park—a free, family-friendly event that sparkled with magic under those big OKC skies.

Dancers from Oklahoma City Ballet mingling with the audience at Ballet Under the Stars.

The Vision: Capturing the Heartbeat of the Crowd

One of the things I love most about working with repeat clients like OKC Ballet is the trust we've built over countless moments. When they reached out and simply said, "Just do your thing," my creative heart did a little happy dance. Their in-house photographer, Jana Carson, focused on those on-stage moments (hello, action shots of leaps and pirouettes!), while my role let me do what I do best—providing authentic, upscale event photography from the crowd’s point of view. My mission? To capture the pulse and heartbeat of the entire community coming together, telling the story with candid photos that show real joy, love, and those unforgettable community connections you can only get at an Oklahoma City Ballet event.

Behind the Scenes: Capturing an Evening of Dance in Oklahoma City

If you’re looking for the perfect example of elegant event photography in the wild, look no further than an evening at Scissortail Park filled with ballet, families, twinkle lights, and a bit of Oklahoma sunset magic. Picture this: picnic blankets, folding chairs, old friends meeting new ones, and puppies (of course). So many families now treat Ballet Under the Stars as a yearly tradition—and after being there, I totally get why.

Some moments from that night will stay with me forever. Little girls in glittery ballet leotards and tutus, beaming brighter than the stage lights as they met "real" ballerinas and male dancers—posing for photos, soaking in the stardust. During the performances, these same adorable kiddos were twirling in the grass, mirroring pirouettes and leaps—proving that dance really is contagious. If you ever need proof that non-profit event photography can capture true, heartfelt memories, just look at these shots.

Children participating in interactive activities at Ballet Under the Stars in Oklahoma City.

Meanwhile, backstage, students from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County and proud alumni of the Ballet’s free Dance Discovery program all buzzed with excitement. When the ballerinas exited the stage, the stampede of hugs and high-fives could melt even the toughest heart. My professional event photography aim was to catch those unscripted, joy-filled core memories—mission accomplished.

Technically? Oh, it was a gymnastics meet for my Canon RP Mirrorless Camera and trusty Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8 lens. I won't even pretend: shooting before, during, and after golden hour is always an adventure. Note to self: next time, DON’T leave the ND filter at home. I worked every angle (backlit, frontlit, sidelit—you name it) to keep things flattering and the vibes high, because that Oklahoma City sunlight sure knows how to make the shadows dance.

A family enjoying the Ballet Under the Stars event in Oklahoma City.

A Personal Note from Mel Drake | Why I Loved This Photo Shoot

Shoots like this are why I call myself a professional event photographer in Oklahoma City—and why I keep coming back for more. There’s nothing quite like witnessing a community come together, kids falling in love with ballet for the first time, art being shared in a setting where everyone feels welcome. The love from OKC Ballet’s staff, the passion from the dancers, and the joy from the audience made the night feel less like work, more like joining an Oklahoma City family reunion I never want to miss. When you’re let loose with your camera to capture that kind of pure, unscripted happiness for a non-profit that truly gives back—you just know you’re in the right place.

The Gear That Helped Me Bring the Vision to Life

When it comes to professional event photography, gear matters—but attitude and quick feet matter, too. For Ballet Under the Stars, my Canon RP Mirrorless Camera and Canon RF 24-70mm f2.8 lens were put to the test, catching everything from the grandeur of the crowd to those up-close, wide-eye moments of awe. Sure, I juggled tricky light shifts (a friendly reminder from the universe about “always be prepared”), but a little improvisation goes a long way—especially in luxury event photography.

The Final Frames | A Gallery of Joy and Community

Take a peek at a few of my favorite images from this magical OKC event. Each one is a love letter to community, dance, and the kind of lively, heartfelt memories that sum up elegant event photography in downtown Oklahoma City—and honestly, make me love this city more with every shot.

Audience members watching the Ballet Under the Stars performance in Oklahoma City.

Close-up of a child smiling with joy at Ballet Under the Stars in Oklahoma City.

Golden hour lighting over the Ballet Under the Stars event in Oklahoma City.

A group of friends enjoying the Ballet Under the Stars event in Oklahoma City.

Wide shot of the Ballet Under the Stars venue in Oklahoma City, showcasing the stage and audience.

Group photo of dancers at Ballet Under the Stars in Oklahoma City.

A dancer from Oklahoma City Ballet teaching a young child a ballet move during the event.

Volunteers interacting with the crowd at Ballet Under the Stars in Oklahoma City.

Want Photos Like These? Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together

Working with Oklahoma City Ballet is always a joy. If you’re looking for a luxury event photographer for an Oklahoma City celebration, gala, or fundraiser—or just want authentic, heartfelt family moments, you know where to find me. Let’s create something unforgettable together. Contact me today and let’s get your story told, one photograph at a time.

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @MelDrakePhotography and Facebook @MelDrakePhotography for more behind-the-scenes fun, tips, and sneak peeks of upcoming shoots.

XOXO, Melissa "Mel" Drake

#LetsMakeMagicTogether #MelDrakePhotography

QUICK REFERENCES:

Photography:
- Melissa “Mel” Drake (Mel Drake Photography)
Clients:
- Oklahoma City Ballet
Locations:
- Scissortail Park (300 SW 7th Street, Oklahoma City, OK)
Equipment:
- Canon RP Mirrorless Camera | Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 lens

TIME TO MAKE MAGIC: BOOK YOUR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION TODAY

Interested in capturing your own unique story through stunning photos? Together we'll tell your story and bring your vision to life. Let's make some magic together! Contact Mel Drake Photography today.

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