Alabama Ballet

The Alabama Ballet is the state's premier professional ballet company, dedicated to promoting and fostering the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high-quality performances, dance education, and community outreach. With a rich history dating back to 1981, our company has achieved national prominence as one of only eight ballet companies in the world permitted by the Balanchine Trust to perform Balanchine's Nutcracker.

Our Mission

To change lives through dance by promoting and fostering the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high-quality performances, dance education, and community outreach. We strive to inspire and enrich the cultural landscape of our community through our dedication to artistic excellence, education, and community engagement.

Our Services

The Alabama Ballet offers a wide range of services, including professional ballet performances, dance education programs for children and adults, and community outreach activities. Our professional track day program provides a comprehensive training program for aspiring professional dancers, while our adult ballet classes cater to dancers of all levels. Our summer programs, including the summer intensive and junior intensive, provide a unique opportunity for dancers to immerse themselves in ballet technique and performance. We also offer a range of community outreach programs, including CityDance, which provides 16 weeks of dance training for youth from the city of Birmingham and Jefferson County.

Our History

The Alabama Ballet began in 1981 as an outgrowth of the Birmingham Civic Ballet, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Ballet, and Ballet Alabama. Under the co-artistic direction of world-renowned dancers Dame Sonia Arova and Thor Sutowski, the company found status and recognition in the ranks of professional companies. Over the years, we have been led by a series of talented artistic directors, including Wes Chapman, Roger Van Fleteren, and Tracey Alvey, each of whom has contributed to our growth and success. In 2023, Christopher Stuart was announced as our new Artistic Director, bringing his extensive performing and teaching experience to the company.

Our Commitment

We are committed to providing high-quality dance education and performances that inspire and enrich our community. We believe that dance has the power to change lives, and we are dedicated to making ballet accessible to everyone, regardless of age, skill level, or background. Whether you are a student, a dancer, or simply a lover of the arts, we invite you to experience the beauty and passion of ballet with us.