Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Premier Ballet Training Partner in Hammond, LA
Hammond Ballet has been dedicated to cultivating classical ballet excellence since 1996. Our mission focuses on three core objectives: providing performance and training opportunities for young dancers to develop their artistic potential, introducing dance as an educational art form to youth audiences, and enriching our community through professional dance programming. With dancers aged 8-24 selected annually from regional studios and colleges, we offer structured pathways for artistic growth through our Junior/Senior Company and Youth Ensemble programs. Our dancers receive rigorous training in classical variations while participating in prestigious competitions like Youth America Grand Prix and Universal Ballet Competition.Under the artistic direction of Janet Neyrey and Grace Jeanfreau, we maintain partnerships with guest choreographers and educators to deliver comprehensive dance education. Our annual Nutcracker production and summer intensive programs provide professional performance experiences, while our Youth Ensemble offers advanced training through daily ballet classes and coaching sessions. The company's reputation for excellence has established it as a regional leader in ballet education and performance opportunities.
Services
Nutcracker Production
Youth Ensemble
Variation Workshop
Ballet Training
Community Performances
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- Nonprofit organization dedicated to ballet education since 1996
- Led by experienced artistic directors Janet Neyrey and Grace Jeanfreau
- Offers competitive Youth Ensemble program with daily training
- Partners with guest choreographers and educators from prestigious institutions
- Proven success in national ballet competitions including Youth America Grand Prix
Services
Nutcracker Production
Our annual Nutcracker production showcases classical ballet excellence with professional-grade performances. Dancers aged 8-24 participate in this cherished holiday tradition at Columbia Theatre. The production features elaborate costumes, live orchestral accompaniment, and opportunities for young dancers to perform principal and ensemble roles.
Youth Ensemble
This intensive program offers rigorous daily ballet training for serious dancers. Participants receive technical coaching in classical variations while preparing for national competitions. The program includes masterclasses with guest artists and performance opportunities in major productions.
Variation Workshop
Our summer intensive focuses on classical ballet variations from iconic productions. Dancers train in Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and Nutcracker repertoire while preparing for annual auditions. The workshop includes two age-specific sessions with professional coaching and performance preparation.
Ballet Training
We provide comprehensive ballet training for students aged 8-24 through structured programs. Our curriculum develops technical proficiency in classical ballet while offering performance experience. Training includes pointe work, partnering, and competition preparation under experienced instructors.
Community Performances
Our outreach programs bring ballet to young audiences through school performances and educational events. We offer interactive experiences that introduce classical dance while supporting arts education in local communities through accessible programming.
People
Janet Neyrey
Artistic Director
With decades of experience in classical ballet, Janet Neyrey co-founded Hammond Ballet to provide professional training opportunities for young dancers. She oversees curriculum development and artistic direction for all productions.
Grace Jeanfreau
Artistic Director
Grace Jeanfreau brings extensive performance and teaching experience to Hammond Ballet. As co-director, she focuses on dancer development and competition preparation while maintaining partnerships with national dance institutions.
Questions
How do dancers audition for the Youth Ensemble?
Auditions occur annually in May. Dancers must attend both days of our Variation Workshop to qualify for Youth Ensemble consideration.
What are the age requirements for ballet classes?
Our programs serve dancers aged 7-24 through age-specific workshops and training opportunities.
Where are performances held?
Mainstage productions like The Nutcracker occur at Columbia Theatre in Hammond, Louisiana.
What performance opportunities exist for young dancers?
We offer multiple performance pathways including Nutcracker roles, Youth Ensemble showcases, and community outreach events.
How can families support the company?
Support options include attending fundraising events like our Nutcracker Tea, purchasing program ads, or volunteering for productions.
What competition experience do dancers gain?
Our dancers compete nationally at events like Youth America Grand Prix and Universal Ballet Competition with professional coaching.
