Lexington Ballet

The Lexington Ballet Company and School was founded in 1974 by Nels Jorgensen with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Our mission is to inspire inspire and delight diverse audiences with vibrant classical, neo-classical, and contemporary ballet. We cultivate collaborations that expand the availability, access, and appreciation for the arts in our community, making Lexington a unique and vibrant city in which to live and work. Our vision is to educate and challenge all individuals to reach their unique potential by providing the highest level of classical ballet training and performance opportunities in a culture of self-discipline, creativity, and respect.

Our Services

We offer a range of services that cater to different needs and goals. Our school provides ballet instruction for students of all ages and skill levels. Our professional company presents high-caliber productions that showcase the artistry of our dancers. We also engage with the community through outreach and education programs that promote the value of the arts.

Our Company

Our company is comprised of talented dancers who have received extensive training in ballet and other forms of dance. Our dancers have performed with renowned companies and have worked with acclaimed choreographers. We are proud to have two company members, Kayleigh Western and Alex Bellocq, who have joined us for the 2022-2023 season.

Outreach and Education

Our outreach and education programs are designed to promote the value of the arts and provide opportunities for people of all ages to engage with dance. We offer classes in ballet and other styles of dance for children and adults. Our company members also participate in outreach programs that bring dance to underserved communities and schools.

Our History

The Lexington Ballet Company and School has a rich history that spans over four decades. From our founding in 1974 to our current home at ArtsPlace in downtown Lexington, we have been dedicated to presenting high-quality performances and providing exceptional dance education. Our history is marked by key milestones, including the production of our first Nutcracker in 1974 at Transylvania University's Haggin Auditorium.

Our Mission

Our mission is to inspire inspire and delight diverse audiences with vibrant classical, neo-classical, and contemporary ballet. We cultivate collaborations that expand the availability, access, and appreciation for the arts in our community, making Lexington a unique and vibrant city in which to live and work. Educate educate and challenge all individuals to reach their unique potential by providing the highest level of classical ballet training and performance opportunities in a culture of self-discipline, creativity, and respect.

Our Story

Our story is one of passion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Our founder, Nels Jorgensen, had a vision for a ballet company and school that would provide high-quality dance education and performances to the community. Over the years, we have been fortunate to have talented dancers, instructors, and staff who have contributed to our growth and success.

Our Values

Our values are rooted in the importance of dance as an art form that embodies the human spirit. We believe that dance has the power to bring people together, to inspire, and to transcend cultural and socioeconomic boundaries. We value diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility in our programming and outreach efforts.