Saint Louis Ballet School

About Us

Mission and Vision

At Saint Louis Ballet, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality ballet performances for the cultural enrichment and enjoyment of the entire community. Our mission is to advance the art of ballet in St. Louis, and our vision is to be a preeminent ballet institution that enriches the community through our performances and engagement activities.

History of Success

Established in 1975 as a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization, Saint Louis Ballet has been a staple in the St. Louis arts community for nearly 50 years. Under the leadership of Executive and Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi, who joined the organization in 2000, we have grown from a small, civic company that occasionally hired guest artists and staged one production per year to a resident ballet company that employs 21 professional, paid dancers and stages 5 artistic productions each season (20-25 public performances) at the 1,600 seat, state of the art Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri - St. Louis. Our performances reach over 17,500 people per year.

Executive and Artistic Director

Gen Horiuchi, our Executive and Artistic Director, has been instrumental in expanding and elevating Saint Louis Ballet. With his extensive background in dance and a passion for advancing the art of ballet, he has brought a new level of professionalism and artistic excellence to our company.

The Dancers

Our company consists of 21 professional, paid dancers who are dedicated to their craft and committed to delivering exceptional performances. Each dancer brings their unique talent and skill to the stage, creating a dynamic and captivating ensemble that showcases the beauty and power of ballet.

Artistic Staff

Our artistic staff includes accomplished choreographers, dancers, and instructors who are dedicated to advancing the art of ballet in St. Louis. They work tirelessly to create new works, refine existing pieces, and ensure that every performance is of the highest quality.

Administration and Board of Directors

Our administration and board of directors are comprised of dedicated individuals who share our passion for ballet and our commitment to enriching the community through the arts. They work behind the scenes to ensure that our operations run smoothly and that we are able to continue providing high-quality performances and engagement activities.

Services Offered

Saint Louis Ballet offers a variety of services to the community, including:

• Performances: We stage 5 artistic productions each season, featuring classical, neoclassical, and contemporary ballets.
• Engagement Activities: We offer a range of engagement activities, including workshops, masterclasses, and community outreach programs, to engage with the community and promote the art of ballet.
• Professional Training Program: We offer a professional training program for aspiring dancers, providing them with the training and resources they need to pursue a career in ballet.
• School: Our school offers classes for students of all ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced, as well as adult classes and private lessons.
• Summer Programs: We offer summer programs for students, including intensive training sessions and workshops with renowned instructors.

Community Impact

Saint Louis Ballet is deeply committed to enriching the community through the arts. We believe that ballet has the power to inspire, uplift, and transform individuals, and we strive to make our performances and engagement activities accessible to everyone. Through our programs and services, we aim to foster a love of ballet and a deeper appreciation for the arts in the St. Louis community.