History and Mission:

For more than 25 years that’s been the driving force behind our mission: Creating, presenting and teaching ballet and dance in many forms as we celebrate the human spirit through our bodies. It pushes us to reach further, providing culturally significant art to all who are willing to nourish it and to continue moving it forward, as well as nurturing young talent both on stage and in our community.

It’s helped redefine Memphis’ cultural landscape and helped Ballet Memphis to evolve into a groundbreaking, nationally sought-after company.

Identified as a “national treasure” by the Ford Foundation, Ballet Memphis annually produces more original work than any other company our size and continues to breathe new life into the classical ballets we’ve long enjoyed. Our combined programs—professional company, ballet school, educational enrichment, community outreach and Pilates Centre—serve 75,000 people annually.

We’ve performed in cities nationwide, including the prestigious Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in Becket, Mass., The Joyce Theater in New York City, and at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., among others.