Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experience World-Class Ballet in Louisville
Founded in 1952, Louisville Ballet stands as Kentucky's official state ballet company, dedicated to inspiring, engaging, and educating communities through the transformative power of dance. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Anthony Krutzkamp and CEO Leslie Smart, we blend tradition with innovation, offering world-class performances, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our collaborations with renowned choreographers and artists, including Mikhail Baryshnikov and Twyla Tharp, while nurturing local talent through The Louisville Ballet School. With a focus on accessibility, we serve nearly 31,000 individuals annually through inclusive programs like Dance for EveryBODY and student matinees.Our 75-year legacy as one of America's leading regional ballet companies is built on a foundation of artistic integrity, community impact, and educational excellence. As stewards of this art form, we prioritize transparency, ethical practices, and donor accountability, maintaining BBB Accredited Charity status. Our team of professional dancers, educators, and staff brings decades of collective experience, ensuring every performance and program meets the highest standards of quality and creativity.
Services
Ballet Performances
Dance Education
Community Programs
Summer Intensives
School Outreach
Studio Rentals
Youth Performances
Choreography Services
Teacher Training
Adaptive Dance Classes
Details
- Year established: 1952
Highlights and features
- Founded in 1952 as Kentucky's official state ballet company
- Led by internationally recognized artistic director Anthony Krutzkamp
- Serves 31,000+ community members annually through inclusive programs
- Maintains BBB Accredited Charity status with transparent operations
- Offers professional dance education through The Louisville Ballet School
Services
Ballet Performances
Louisville Ballet presents professional classical and contemporary ballet productions at venues including The Brown Theatre and Kentucky Center. Our season features iconic works like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker alongside innovative new choreography. Each performance showcases our company artists' technical excellence and artistic storytelling through dance.
Dance Education
The Louisville Ballet School offers comprehensive dance training from early childhood through pre-professional levels. Our curriculum combines traditional ballet technique with modern innovations, preparing students for professional careers while fostering lifelong appreciation for the arts through programs like mind.body.balance. adult classes.
Community Programs
Our community engagement initiatives bring ballet to diverse audiences through school matinees, sensory-friendly performances, and adaptive dance classes. Programs like Dance for EveryBODY ensure accessibility for all individuals, reaching over 31,000 community members annually through educational workshops and public performances.
Summer Intensives
Annual summer intensive programs provide immersive dance training for students aged 8-18. These programs combine technical instruction with artistic development, offering participants opportunities to work with professional company artists and guest instructors from major ballet institutions nationwide.
Studio Rentals
Professional dance studio rentals available for rehearsals, performances, and special events. Our Main Street Studios feature multiple performance spaces with full technical capabilities, suitable for both intimate showcases and large-scale productions requiring professional-grade facilities.
People
Anthony Krutzkamp
Artistic Director
Former Artistic Director of Sacramento Ballet with 15+ years of leadership experience. Revitalized multiple companies through expanded repertoires and community engagement initiatives. Kentucky native with extensive performance background in classical and contemporary works.
Leslie Smart
Chief Executive Officer
Seasoned nonprofit leader with 25+ years in arts administration. Former dancer with Louisville Ballet and faculty member at Center for Nonprofit Excellence. Holds Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation and serves on multiple arts organization boards.
Mikelle Bruzina
Senior Rehearsal Director
Company artist for 30 years with extensive performance and choreographic credits. Co-Artistic Director of Studio Company and former Ballet Mistress. Trained at Royal Winnipeg Ballet and has worked with leading choreographers including Twyla Tharp and Mark Godden.
Helen Daigle
Principal Repetiteur
20-year company veteran with principal performance credits in major classical works. Experienced educator and rehearsal director with background in staging works by Adam Hougland. Faculty member at Louisville Ballet School since 2005.
Christy Corbitt Krieger
Director of Ballet School
Educational leader with 20+ years developing dance curriculum. Oversees tuition-free Studio Company program that bridges training and professional careers. Former company dancer with extensive teaching experience in Kentucky and national summer intensives.
Questions
What venues does Louisville Ballet perform at?
We perform at The Kentucky Center, The Brown Theatre, and our Main Street Studios. Each location offers unique viewing experiences from grand theater settings to intimate studio performances.
How can I purchase tickets for performances?
Tickets are available through our website, by phone at (502) 583-2623, or at venue box offices. Season subscriptions offer best seats, easy exchanges, and flexible payment options.
What educational programs are available?
The Louisville Ballet School offers training for ages 3 to pre-professional. We provide summer intensives, adult classes, and community outreach programs including school matinees and adaptive dance initiatives.
Are there group ticket discounts?
Groups of 10+ receive discounted rates and early seat selection. Contact our Box Office directly for group reservations and special event pricing for performances like The Nutcracker.
How can I support Louisville Ballet?
Support through donations, volunteering, or in-kind contributions helps sustain our programs. We accept online gifts, stock donations, and planned giving options with tax-deductible benefits for donors.
Do you offer sensory-friendly performances?
Yes, we provide accessible performances with modified lighting and sound for patrons with sensory sensitivities. These events include pre-show preparation materials and designated quiet areas during performances.
Reviews (4)
Asher Taylor-Dawson
Aug 25, 2021
Report
High-quality instruction for dancers of any age and skill level. Whether you're brand new to ballet or a seasoned professional staying on top of your technique during a break, you'll find classes to suit your needs along with a friendly community of hard-working students.
Aida R. Wages
Dec 27, 2019
Report
I thought the performance was great...have seen it many times. The dancers were tight & did the group dances together/ in zinc. The orchestra which accompanied the dancers were also spectacular. My parents were dancers in Europe for yrs. My father had a company. My father was Robert Iglesias mother Aida Ramirez. They toured for many yrs in Europe & also USA at Carnegie hall and were also on Ed Sullivan in New York. They danced flamenco Spanish folk & some ballet incorporated. I've taken ballet for yrs as I growing up. I've been around dance & music about 1/2 of my life. The ballet was wonderful
Angela Bartley
Nov 25, 2019
Report
#chorshow. Beautiful, moving and memorable performances. The simple, somewhat industrial, studio space allowed the art my (well deserved) full attention. Perfect.
Jj Haws
Nov 28, 2017
Report
My girls have danced since they were two and this is where I've seen the most unadulterated joy on their faces, period. This is linked directly to the actual Louisville Ballet
