Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Ballet Experience in Chesterfield, MO
Saint Louis Ballet is a premier nonprofit ballet organization dedicated to enriching the St. Louis community through world-class performances and educational programs. Established in 1975, we expanded significantly under the leadership of Executive and Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi in 2000, evolving into a resident company with 21 professional dancers and five annual productions. Our performances at the Touhill Performing Arts Center and Kirkwood Performing Arts Center attract over 17,500 attendees annually. The organization also operates Saint Louis Ballet School, offering pre-ballet through upper division training, summer programs, and adult classes. We prioritize community engagement through initiatives like Pointe to Succeed, which provides dance education to underserved youth.Our commitment to artistic excellence is supported by donors and sponsors who fund live music, pointe shoes, and dancer stipends. With a focus on classical and contemporary works, we preserve iconic ballets while commissioning new choreography. Our donor tiers recognize contributions that sustain operations, educational programs, and artistic innovation. As a cultural institution, we aim to inspire appreciation for ballet through accessible performances and training opportunities. Our team of professional dancers, faculty, and staff work tirelessly to maintain the highest standards of artistry and community service.
Services
Ballet Performances
Professional Training Program
Summer Dance Programs
Community Outreach
Dance Education
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of excellence in classical and contemporary ballet performance
- Our 21 professional dancers deliver 20+ annual performances at state-of-the-art venues
- We provide comprehensive dance education from pre-ballet through professional training
- Our community programs make ballet accessible to over 17,500 people annually
- We commission new works while preserving classical ballet traditions
Services
Ballet Performances
Saint Louis Ballet presents five annual seasons featuring classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Our 21 professional dancers perform 20+ shows at premier venues including the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Each production combines technical excellence with artistic storytelling to engage diverse audiences.
Professional Training Program
Our rigorous training program prepares dancers for professional careers through daily technique classes and performance opportunities. Students receive personalized instruction from industry professionals while studying classical ballet and modern techniques. The program includes company apprenticeships and guest artist workshops.
Summer Dance Programs
Summer programs offer intensive training for dancers aged 6-22 through technique classes, choreography workshops, and performance preparation. Participants gain valuable stage experience while developing technical proficiency under the guidance of our professional faculty.
Community Outreach
Pointe to Succeed and other initiatives provide free dance education to underserved youth while offering discounted tickets for community members. Our outreach programs aim to make ballet accessible to all socioeconomic groups through partnerships with local schools and organizations.
Dance Education
From pre-ballet through upper division levels, our school offers structured curriculum for students aged 3 to adult. Classes focus on technical development, artistic expression, and performance training while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention.
People
Gen Horiuchi
Executive and Artistic Director
Gen Horiuchi has led Saint Louis Ballet since 2000, transforming it from a civic company to a professional resident organization. Under his direction, the company expanded to 21 dancers and five annual productions while establishing comprehensive educational programs.
Questions
How can I purchase tickets for Saint Louis Ballet performances?
Tickets are available through our website or at the Touhill Performing Arts Center box office. Season subscriptions and single tickets can be purchased online or by calling 636-537-1998.
What community programs does Saint Louis Ballet offer?
Our Pointe to Succeed initiative provides free dance education to underserved youth. We also offer discounted tickets for community members and partner with local schools for arts education programs.
Does Saint Louis Ballet have educational programs for children?
Yes! We offer pre-ballet classes starting at age 3, with progressive training through upper division levels. Summer camps and adult classes are also available for all skill levels.
Where are performances held?
Mainstage productions occur at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at UMSL and Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. Check our website for specific venue details for each season.
How can I support Saint Louis Ballet?
Support options include donations to specific funds like the Pointe Shoe Fund or Live Music Fund, corporate sponsorships, or becoming a season subscriber. We also accept tribute gifts and planned giving.
Are there volunteer opportunities available?
Yes! Volunteers assist with performances, events, and administrative tasks. Contact our office for current opportunities or to join our volunteer committee.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Megan R.
Dec 16, 2021
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My daughter loves her ballet class and she absolutely adores Ms Dana! She knows every week which day she gets to go to ballet, and she is always so excited about it. She frequently tells me about how much she loves Ms Dana- my daughter cant wait to see her and give her a hug every time she goes to class. Im definitely glad we picked SLB for my daughter!
Vivica Foxwell
Feb 03, 2020
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St Louis only professional ballet company. Provides classes for toddlers up. Friendly, welcoming staff. Nonprofit.
Sharon R.
Jan 23, 2020
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My daughter started ballet at age 3. Moving on to add jazz, hip-hop & tap as she gotten older. Professional dancers, understanding gifted instructors all the way through performances & recitals. They build up my daughter self-esteem, critique ballet positions as needed which build a positive relationship as she continue her medical degree in college. Thank you for the memories & support!
Samantha Denny
Jan 10, 2020
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We are really very lucky to have the treasure that is the Saint Louis Ballet. Relative to the size of St. Louis, the Saint Louis Ballet is a much better program than would normally be in a city of our size.
Led by the amazing director Gen Horiuchi, I have been coming to see their shows for quite a few years now and I am always amazed by the caliber of the dancers' performance. The technical aspects of the shows are also incredibly impressive; everything from the costumes and sets to the consistently high caliber sound and lighting design (courtesy of technical director James Dolan). I see every
Led by the amazing director Gen Horiuchi, I have been coming to see their shows for quite a few years now and I am always amazed by the caliber of the dancers' performance. The technical aspects of the shows are also incredibly impressive; everything from the costumes and sets to the consistently high caliber sound and lighting design (courtesy of technical director James Dolan). I see every
Dr. Albert Sanders
Jul 10, 2019
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Amazing atmosphere for the technical aspects of dance especially ballet. My daughter continues to love the experience and has grown so much!!
