Sometimes a leap of faith can turn into a pirouette of success.

Such was the case when Ballet Magnificat! — America’s premier Christian Ballet Company — made its Natchez debut seven years ago.

“It was just kind of one of those things that you dream about happening,” said local resident Carolyn Ridley, who has helped organize the event each year.

Before the Jackson-based ballet company first graced the stage of the City Auditorium in 2009, Ridley was seeking a way to raise funds for the Guardian Shelter, which serves battered women and children in Natchez and the surrounding area.

Ridley said she has always been a ballet enthusiast, and had inquired about getting Ballet Magnificat! to perform in Natchez some years before.

“Over 10 years ago, I called the company and said ‘What would it take for you to come?’ And when they told me what it would cost, I said ‘OK, thank you,” hung up the phone, and that was it,” Ridley remembered with a laugh.

The same week Ridley was called on to raise funds for the shelter, however, a miracle happened, she said.

“Someone (from the company) called and said, ‘A few years ago, someone called and asked us about coming to Natchez. Would you be willing for us to come now?’” Ridley said. “I was absolutely floored.”

With no start-up money in place to cover the cost of the production, Ridley said she relied heavily on volunteers and community support to get the ballet to come to Natchez.

With plenty of prayer and droves of local support, however, the event was a success, she said — and it was able to raise money for the shelter simultaneously.

Since its inaugural year, Ridley said Ballet Magnificat! has been successful in spreading the Christian message in Natchez while also raising approximately $5,500 to $8,500 for the shelter.

Last year’s funds, she said, were specifically set aside to begin a fresh start program at the shelter, which provides mothers with a kit of startup items like dishes, clothes and more to begin a newer, safer chapter of life.

“Domestic violence is a real and growing issue, not just in our community,” Ridley said.

The shelter, which is located at an undisclosed address, has helped countless families who have endured domestic violence regain their strength, Ridley said.

Providing a cultural arts experience while raising money for a worthy cause is something the whole community should support, she said.

This year’s performance is titled “Deliver Us,” inspired by the Old Testament story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt.

Through dance and song, the company provides a thorough message of the Christian message, Ridley said.

“It’s just a beautiful performance, every year,” she said.

The performance will begin at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the City Auditorium, 207 Jefferson St.

Tickets cost $15, and group discounts are available upon request.

“To bring the ballet to Natchez, the Christian message and all the proceeds go to the battered women shelter — that’s the heartbeat of all of this,” Ridley said.

For more information on Ballet Magnificat, visit balletmagnificat.com. For ticket information, call 601-442-0142.