Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Louisville Ballet: Inspiring Through Dance & Culture
Louisville Ballet has been a cornerstone of Kentucky's cultural landscape since 1952, recognized as one of the nation's leading regional ballet companies. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Anthony Krutzkamp and CEO Leslie Smart, we combine classical ballet with innovative contemporary works, creating a living art form that resonates with diverse audiences. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in collaborations with internationally renowned choreographers like Mikhail Baryshnikov and Twyla Tharp, while our educational programs reach over 31,000 school children annually. With a professional company of 24 dancers and a four-year tuition-free Studio Company training program, we bridge pre-professional education with professional careers. Our $5.5 million annual operations support a robust school serving 900+ students, making us a world-class jewel in Louisville's crown.Through performances at iconic venues like The Brown Theatre and The Kentucky Center, we bring stories to life through dance, blending tradition with innovation. Our community engagement initiatives, including adaptive dance programs and student matinees, demonstrate our dedication to accessibility and education. As the Official State Ballet of Kentucky, we maintain rigorous artistic standards while remaining deeply rooted in local impact. Our production team, led by technical and costume directors, ensures every performance achieves the highest production values. This combination of artistic excellence, educational outreach, and community connection defines our enduring legacy and forward-looking vision.
Services
Ballet Performances
Educational Programs
Studio Company Training
Community Engagement
Production Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1952
Highlights and features
- Established in 1952 with a legacy of artistic excellence
- Led by internationally recognized artistic leadership
- Offers tuition-free professional training through Studio Company
- Reaches over 31,000 students annually through educational programs
- Maintains $5.5 million annual operations with 24 professional dancers
Associations and certifications
- Official State Ballet of Kentucky
Services
Ballet Performances
Louisville Ballet presents full-scale story ballets and contemporary works at premier venues including The Brown Theatre and The Kentucky Center. Our repertoire combines classic masterpieces like Swan Lake with innovative new commissions, offering audiences immersive storytelling through dance. Each season features collaborations with internationally renowned choreographers and special productions like The Brown-Forman Nutcracker.
Educational Programs
Our comprehensive educational initiatives serve over 900 students annually through The Louisville Ballet School. Programs range from early childhood classes to pre-professional training, including specialized adaptive dance classes and student matinees that provide behind-the-scenes access to ballet. The curriculum develops technical proficiency while fostering artistic expression and appreciation for dance as a living art form.
Studio Company Training
This four-year tuition-free program bridges pre-professional education with professional careers. Studio Company dancers train intensively in classical and contemporary techniques while performing alongside the main company. The program provides professional-caliber training in technique, artistry, and performance readiness, serving as a critical pathway for emerging dancers seeking careers in classical and contemporary ballet.
Community Engagement
Through initiatives like Ballet Bound and adaptive dance programs, we bring dance education to diverse communities across Kentucky. Our outreach includes school performances reaching 31,000+ students annually, community workshops, and special events that make ballet accessible to all demographics. These programs emphasize dance as a transformative tool for personal expression and community connection.
Production Rentals
We offer rental of full-scale ballet productions, scenic elements, and costumes to other performing arts organizations. Our inventory includes complete story ballets, dramatic drops, and specialized stage components. The rental program extends our artistic impact beyond Louisville while providing technical resources to support other companies' productions.
People
Anthony Krutzkamp
Artistic Director
Anthony Krutzkamp brings extensive artistic leadership experience to Louisville Ballet, overseeing creative direction and choreographic vision. His expertise in classical and contemporary repertoire shapes the company's programming and artistic development. He previously served as co-artistic director before assuming full leadership.
Leslie Smart
Chief Executive Officer
Leslie Smart, CFRE, directs Louisville Ballet's strategic operations with over two decades of nonprofit leadership experience. She manages the organization's $5.5 million budget and oversees community engagement initiatives. Her leadership ensures financial sustainability while expanding educational outreach programs.
Kathleen Kronauer
Director of Production
Kathleen Kronauer leads production operations with extensive technical theater expertise. She manages scenic design, costume creation, and touring logistics. Her team ensures professional-grade production quality for all performances and rental programs.
Christy Corbitt Krieger
School Director
Christy Corbitt Krieger directs The Louisville Ballet School's educational programs. With a background in dance pedagogy, she oversees curriculum development and faculty training. Her leadership maintains rigorous technical standards across all levels of instruction.
Stacey Blakeman
Director of Community Engagement
Stacey Blakeman leads outreach initiatives connecting Louisville Ballet with diverse communities. She develops programs that make dance accessible to underserved populations. Her work includes designing adaptive dance classes and coordinating school performance programs.
Questions
What types of performances does Louisville Ballet offer?
We present classical masterpieces, contemporary works, and original commissions across multiple venues including The Brown Theatre and The Kentucky Center.
How can students participate in Louisville Ballet programs?
Through our School's curriculum serving ages 3 to adult, Studio Company training program, and special student matinee performances with educational components.
Are there opportunities for local dancers to join the company?
Yes, we hold annual auditions and maintain the Studio Company as a pathway to professional careers in dance.
How does Louisville Ballet engage with the community?
Through outreach programs reaching 31,000+ students annually, adaptive dance classes, and neighborhood-based initiatives like Ballet Bound.
Can other organizations rent Louisville Ballet's production elements?
Yes, we offer rental of full productions, scenic components, and costumes to qualified performing arts organizations.
What educational resources are available for schools?
We provide specially designed student matinees with behind-the-scenes access, study guides, and curriculum connections for educators.
