Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Tulsa Ballet - World-Class Performances & Dance Education
Founded in 1956, Tulsa Ballet has established itself as Oklahoma's premier performing arts organization and the state's official cultural ambassador. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Marcello Angelini, the company blends classical and contemporary ballet, earning international acclaim through performances across the globe, from the Royal Opera House to Jacob's Pillow. With a diverse roster of 22 professional dancers representing eight countries, Tulsa Ballet delivers world-class artistic excellence while fostering community engagement through education and outreach programs. The organization's Center for Dance Education provides training for students aged 2.5 to adults, nurturing future generations of dancers and arts enthusiasts. Tulsa Ballet's annual season reaches over 40,000 individuals, combining iconic productions like *The Nutcracker* with innovative new works that push the boundaries of traditional ballet.As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the company relies on donations to sustain its mission of making high-quality dance accessible to all, offering scholarships and community partnerships that serve underrepresented populations. Through its TBII second company, Tulsa Ballet cultivates emerging talent, providing young professionals with mentorship and performance opportunities alongside the main company. The organization's global tours, including a historic 2026 performance at London's Royal Opera House, reinforce Tulsa's reputation as a cultural hub. Tulsa Ballet's commitment to artistic innovation, education, and inclusivity ensures its enduring impact on both local and international stages.
Services
Ballet performances
Dance education
Summer intensive programs
Trainee program
Adult classes
Community outreach
Youth dance training
Pre-professional development
Performance ensembles
Arts education programs
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- Recognized as one of North America's top ballet companies with international touring experience
- Offers 70+ years of artistic excellence and Oklahoma's only AGMA-contracted professional dance company
- Provides comprehensive dance training for ages 2.5 to adult through its Center for Dance Education
- Reaches 40,000+ individuals annually through performances and community outreach programs
- Maintains a diverse, multicultural roster of dancers representing eight countries
Services
Ballet performances
Tulsa Ballet presents classical and contemporary ballet productions featuring professional dancers from eight countries. Performances include iconic works like *Giselle* and *The Nutcracker*, as well as innovative new creations. The company tours internationally, with upcoming performances at London's Royal Opera House in 2026.
Dance education
The Center for Dance Education offers classes for ages 2.5 to adults, from beginner to pre-professional levels. Programs include summer intensives, trainee programs, and adult classes taught by instructors with global performance experience. Curriculum combines classical technique with contemporary training methods.
Community outreach
Tulsa Ballet partners with local agencies to provide free performances for underserved communities. Programs include the Hardesty Family Children's Series, which introduces ballet to thousands of children annually through productions like *Peter and the Wolf*. The Five Moons Scholarship Fund supports dancers from diverse backgrounds.
TBII training program
TBII develops emerging artists through mentorship and performance opportunities. Young professionals train alongside main company dancers, receiving technical instruction and artistic development. Many TBII members transition to the main company after completing the program.
Summer intensive
The Summer Dance program offers specialized instruction for ages 8-19, featuring masterclasses with international faculty. Participants receive daily technique training, pointe work, and performance preparation. The program serves as a gateway to year-round training at the Center for Dance Education.
People
Marcello Angelini
Artistic Director
Marcello Angelini has led Tulsa Ballet as Artistic Director since 1995, transforming it into an internationally recognized company. He curates innovative repertory while maintaining classical traditions, and oversees both the main company and TBII training program.
Roman Jasinski
Co-Founder
Roman Jasinski co-founded Tulsa Ballet in 1956 with his wife Moscelyne Larkin. A renowned dancer in the Ballet Russe tradition, he established the company's foundation of artistic excellence that continues today.
Moscelyne Larkin
Co-Founder
Moscelyne Larkin co-founded Tulsa Ballet with her husband Roman Jasinski. As a celebrated prima ballerina, she helped shape the company's early identity and commitment to classical dance traditions.
Questions
What ballet styles does Tulsa Ballet perform?
Tulsa Ballet performs classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works, including traditional story ballets like *The Nutcracker* and innovative new productions such as *Casanova*.
How can I attend a performance?
Tickets are available through the Tulsa Performing Arts Center box office or online at tulsaballet.org. Group discounts and subscription packages are also offered.
What education programs are available for children?
The Center for Dance Education offers classes for ages 2.5 to 19, including pre-ballet, youth training, summer intensives, and the Hardesty Family Children's Series performances.
Does Tulsa Ballet offer professional development opportunities?
Yes, Tulsa Ballet provides AGMA-contracted positions, TBII training programs, and apprenticeships for aspiring professional dancers seeking careers in classical and contemporary ballet.
How is Tulsa Ballet funded?
Tulsa Ballet operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with approximately 80% of revenue coming from donations, grants, and sponsorships to support its artistic and educational missions.
Where has Tulsa Ballet toured internationally?
The company has performed in Portugal, South Korea, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, with upcoming engagements at London's Royal Opera House in May 2026.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Shawn Collins
Sep 26, 2021
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MY wife and I attended the Saturday September 18, 2021 Creations in Studio K performance. WOW it was great! We are new to the Tulsa Ballet world. We planned an entire evening around this performance, Hotel reservations, Dinner reservation and late night cocktails with friends, All within waking distance. We saw the add in the Tulsa World and though, lets check it all out. My only complaint is with the PAC not stating the location of the performance. We had no clue. We walked to dinner, then the to the PAC. Once at the PAC the staff informed us that we needed to go to 45th and Peoria. They commented
Jody Nathan
Feb 26, 2021
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Wonderful performance, and they were very careful with social distancing. Even the dancers wore masks.
Sydney Barnett
Aug 06, 2020
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I was a student there for 3 years in their upper school and also was a part of their summer intensives. I made so much improvement while I was there and for that I am so grateful. I was in love with ballet, but that was quickly ruined by the treatment i received while a student here..About a year before I left, I got shin splints that turned into a stress fracture that I am still dealing with today.
This happened two years ago. I was told that I was being dramatic because I could hardly even walk when I was first injured. I was encouraged to keep going and made to feel so badly about myself because
This happened two years ago. I was told that I was being dramatic because I could hardly even walk when I was first injured. I was encouraged to keep going and made to feel so badly about myself because
Joanna S.
Jan 18, 2020
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I've traveled the world and never felt more engrossed in the performances than at this theater. Thoughtfully constructed, the stage space is the exact same dimensions as the audience space. This translates to an intimate setting, not a bad seat in the house, and a proximity that lets you see just how hard these dancers are working.
Craig H.
Oct 28, 2018
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Are there more stars that I can give DRACULA? Literally, one of the best experiences I've had in the theatre. (And I've had a LOT.) It was in a word, GORGEOUS.
Audrey S.
Jul 16, 2018
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Tulsa Ballet puts on a wonderful performance, and the dancers are just amazing at what they do. They have classes in the summer, and during the year. The instructors here are wonderful and push you to be yourself. Their facility is beautiful and their faculty is always there to help and they have stationed water fountains throughout the school.
Rob Hurlocker
Sep 21, 2017
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The Children's Program is SO good that we are willing to drive from OKC to Tulsa every week in order for our kiddo to take classes at the Tulsa Ballet. The instructors are professional and knowledgeable, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. The company is also very impressive. Their Nutcracker is a must see every Christmas!
