Business Details
9 Years
experience
Indianapolis Ballet: Elevating Classical & Contemporary Dance
Founded in 2017, Indianapolis Ballet has been dedicated to reestablishing professional ballet in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our mission is to embrace the history and future of classical ballet through dynamic performances, visionary new works, and transformative community outreach programs. With a focus on the Balanchine technique, we provide world-class training at the Indianapolis School of Ballet, preparing students for professional careers while fostering a culturally diverse environment. Our company has grown to include over forty ballets in its repertoire, collaborating with renowned institutions like Newfields and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. We prioritize accessibility, ensuring our performances and educational programs reach audiences of all ages and backgrounds.Our artists, many of whom reside locally, contribute to the city's vibrant artistic scene through performances, workshops, and community engagement. Recognized for excellence, we have received critical acclaim for productions like Swan Lake and Carmen, solidifying our role as a leader in American dance. Through partnerships and sponsorships, we support the growth of both emerging and established dancers, offering unique opportunities for artistic development. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures that all individuals, regardless of background, can participate in and benefit from our programs. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to advancing ballet in the 21st century while honoring its rich traditions.
Services
Ballet Performances
Dance Education
Outreach Programs
Summer Intensives
Professional Trainee Program
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We offer training in the Balanchine technique by certified instructors.
- Our company performs over 40 ballets annually with live orchestral accompaniment.
- We provide community access through free outreach programs for local schools.
- Our faculty includes professional dancers and internationally recognized choreographers.
- We maintain a 20-year legacy of placing students in elite university programs.
Associations and certifications
- George Balanchine Trust
Services
Ballet Performances
Indianapolis Ballet presents over 40 annual performances ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. Our productions feature professional dancers, live orchestras, and collaborations with local arts organizations. Audiences experience world-class ballet through full-length story ballets and mixed repertory programs.
Dance Education
The Indianapolis School of Ballet offers pre-professional training in the Balanchine technique for ages 3 to adult. Programs include children's classes, youth pre-professional tracks, and adult workshops. Students receive technical instruction, performance opportunities, and career development guidance.
Outreach Programs
Indy Ballet Classrooms provides free dance education to third-grade students in local schools. The program includes classical ballet instruction, social dance training, and culminating performances. Selected students receive scholarship opportunities for advanced training at our school.
Summer Intensives
Our summer programs offer specialized training for dancers aged 13 and up. Participants receive daily ballet technique classes, rehearsals, and performance preparation. The sessions feature instruction from professional company members and guest artists.
Professional Trainee Program
This full-day program prepares advanced dancers for professional careers through intensive Balanchine technique training. Trainees perform with the company, receive mentorship from artistic staff, and gain exposure to professional rehearsal processes and performance standards.
People
Victoria Lyras
Artistic Director & Founder
Victoria Lyras founded Indianapolis Ballet in 2017 after establishing the Indianapolis School of Ballet in 2006. She has created over 15 original works for the company, including The Firebird and Carmen. Her choreography has been praised for its masterful storytelling and technical precision.
Jane Gordon
Pilates Instructor
Jane Gordon is a certified Pilates instructor and company artist who leads our Open Pilates Reformer Workshop. She brings professional dance expertise to fitness training, focusing on core strength and body alignment for dancers and general fitness enthusiasts.
Questions
How can I purchase tickets to performances?
Tickets are available through our website or at venue box offices. Subscriptions offer discounted rates for multiple performances.
What dance styles do you teach?
We specialize in Balanchine technique classical ballet with supplementary training in tap, jazz, and modern dance.
Are there volunteer opportunities?
Yes, we welcome volunteers for performances, events, and administrative support. Contact our development office for details.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Scholarships are available for outreach program participants and select students based on merit and need.
How are dancers selected for the company?
Company members are chosen through annual auditions evaluating technical proficiency, artistry, and professional experience.
Can I visit a class before enrolling?
We offer free trial classes for new students aged 3-18 during specific enrollment periods.
Videos