Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Ballet Experience in Chesterfield, MO
Saint Louis Ballet is a premier nonprofit ballet company dedicated to enriching the St. Louis community through world-class performances and educational initiatives. Established in 1975, we have grown from a small civic company to a resident organization employing 21 professional dancers, delivering five artistic productions annually at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Our mission focuses on cultural enrichment through classical and contemporary ballet, supported by live music initiatives and community engagement programs. Under the leadership of Executive and Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi since 2000, we prioritize artistic excellence while making ballet accessible to diverse audiences. Our performances reach over 17,500 people annually, and our educational programs nurture future generations of dancers through structured training and outreach.We maintain strong community partnerships, including collaborations with Athletico for dancer wellness and corporate sponsors who enable our operations. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our preservation of classical works like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, alongside commissions of new contemporary pieces. Donor support sustains critical programs such as the Pointe Shoe Fund and Live Music Fund, ensuring accessibility and artistic innovation. Through corporate sponsorships, individual giving levels, and community initiatives like Pointe to Succeed, we foster a vibrant cultural ecosystem. Our vision is to remain a preeminent ballet institution, inspiring appreciation for the performing arts across generations.
Services
Ballet Performances
Dance Education
Community Programs
Live Music Initiatives
Pointe Shoe Fund
Professional Training
Youth Outreach
Corporate Sponsorships
Educational Resources
Summer Programs
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- Established in 1975 with 50+ years of artistic excellence
- Employ 21 professional dancers and produce 5 annual productions
- Offer structured dance education for all skill levels
- Partner with Athletico for dancer health and wellness
- Maintain live music initiatives for authentic performance experiences
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Services
Ballet Performances
Saint Louis Ballet presents five annual productions featuring classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Performances at the Touhill Performing Arts Center and Kirkwood Performing Arts Center showcase 21 professional dancers in full-scale productions like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. Our repertoire includes both preserved classics and newly commissioned contemporary pieces that push artistic boundaries.
Dance Education
Our school offers structured dance education from pre-ballet through advanced levels. Programs include summer intensives, adult classes, and music division instruction. The Professional Training Program prepares students for careers in dance through rigorous technique development and performance opportunities in student productions and mainstage roles.
Community Programs
Pointe to Succeed and Healthy Dancer initiatives provide accessible dance education and wellness support. We collaborate with local organizations to offer free or subsidized classes, masterclasses for teachers, and streaming resources. Donor-funded programs ensure socioeconomic barriers don't limit participation in ballet arts.
Live Music Fund
This fund ensures live musical accompaniment for all ballet performances. By engaging professional orchestras and musicians, we maintain artistic authenticity and enhance audience experience. Donations directly support contracts with local musicians, strengthening St. Louis' performing arts ecosystem through integrated music and dance.
Pointe Shoe Fund
The fund covers costs for over 300 handmade pointe shoes annually, essential for female dancers' technical execution. Donations ensure dancers receive properly fitted shoes meeting professional standards. This critical support maintains performance quality while prioritizing dancer safety and equipment needs.
People
Gen Horiuchi
Executive and Artistic Director
Gen Horiuchi has led Saint Louis Ballet since 2000, transforming it from a small civic company to a professional organization with 21 paid dancers. He oversees artistic direction while expanding community engagement and educational programs.
Questions
How can I support Saint Louis Ballet's mission?
You can donate through our website, choose specific funds like the Pointe Shoe Fund, or become a monthly donor. Corporate sponsorships and matching gift programs are also available.
What educational programs do you offer?
We provide pre-ballet through advanced training, summer intensives, adult classes, and music instruction. The Professional Training Program prepares students for dance careers with performance and technique development opportunities.
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 dates and venue details.
How do donations impact your programs?
Donations fund live music, pointe shoes, community outreach, and educational resources. Contributions at all levels directly support dancers, students, and accessible programming for the St. Louis community.
Can I meet the dancers?
Donors at the Choreographer's Circle level ($10,000+) receive invitations to meet dancers post-performance. Individual and corporate donors also enjoy rehearsal observations and special events.
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