LOUISVILLE Ballet creates moving art that respects tradition while encouraging innovation and fostering life-long learning. As an intrinsic element of its main goals, Louisville Ballet seeks to inspire connection, conversation and a profound sense of community by striving for bold collaborations, nurturing the next generation of artists, celebrating diversity and creating access for all.
Louisville Ballet serves nearly 60,000 patrons annually. Professional dancers and resident artistic staff hail from around the world to create productions that include the sweetest treat of the holiday season,
The Louisville Ballet School serves as the training center for 899 students, with movement programs designed for those as young as three months on up to seniors. The school draws students from approximately 27 states annually for the summer intensive program. The organization’s community engagement programming serves nearly 22,000 and provides a wide range of in-school residencies, performance assemblies, afterschool workshops, student matinees, adaptive dance programs, audience engagement initiatives, and scholarship opportunities.
How did the organization get started?
Louisville Ballet has been one of the nation’s leading regional ballet companies since 1952 and is the fifth oldest ballet company in the country. As the Official State Ballet of Kentucky, Louisville Ballet has worked with some of ballet’s brightest lights, including Alexandra Danivola, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Twyla Tharp and Louisville native Wendy Whelan with the New York City Ballet.
Today, Louisville Ballet, led by CEO Leslie Smart and Artistic Directors Mikelle Bruzina and Harald Uwe Kern, is an evolved but accessible ballet company committed to communicating artistic stories both classic and new. Louisville Ballet is also committed to serving the community and providing access to the art of ballet.
Louisville Ballet’s community engagement program, Ballet Bound, is a decade-long scholarship program that builds accessibility to dance. Louisville Ballet believes all children who want it should
have access to high-quality dance education and training regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity or socio-economic status.
Ballet Bound is an initiative of Louisville Ballet, providing young dancers from across Greater Louisville the opportunity to study classical ballet free of charge in a professional setting. Ballet Bound is designed to build diversity in the world of ballet while serving as a pathway for dancers to The Louisville Ballet School, Louisville Ballet Studio Co. and eventually a career with Louisville Ballet.
Currently, 35 students are enrolled at The Louisville Ballet School either on a 100% continuing Ballet Bound scholarship or partial tuition assistance. Three of our continuing scholars are entering the pre-professional program in the 2024-2025 school year, a huge milestone for the Ballet Bound program.
The primary challenges
Like many arts organizations post-pandemic, Louisville Ballet has struggled to regain audience participation. With new leadership at the helm this past season, the organization achieved record audience attendance and contributions increased significantly, ending the fiscal year with a positive surplus of over $609,000.
Still, ticket revenue does not offset the cost of productions for ballet companies. That means the community’s support is critical for sustaining the ballet company.
A major focus is on growing younger audiences. This upcoming season, a new creation by Ching Ching Wong with a soundtrack by rapper Jack Harlow, a Louisville native, will be a part of the Triple Take production in November.
What are the current needs of the organization?
Ballet is more than just a dance form; it is a vital part of cultural heritage, personal development and community life. Its impact resonates through artistic expression, educational benefits and social contributions. Supporting a community ballet company can be a rewarding way to foster local culture and artistry. A thriving artistic community is a proven partner element of an innovative, problem-solving business community and world.
By actively supporting Louisville Ballet, you help ensure its sustainability and growth, and contribute to a vibrant local arts scene. Whether buying season subscriptions, single tickets or making an outright gift, your impact will help sustain a vibrant arts community. When arts are supported, communities thrive.
How can people get involved?
Getting involved with the Louisville Ballet can be a fulfilling way to support and engage with the arts in your community. There are numerous ways to contribute to and benefit from this vibrant arts institution: children and adult classes, workshops, volunteering at events, serving on a committee, attending performances, making a charitable gift or simply being an enthusiast. Visit us at louisvilleballet.org
Louisville Ballet
315 E. Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202
Box office:
(502) 583-2623
Administration:
(502) 583-3150
louisvilleballet.org
