Cincinnati Ballet

For residents across Ohio, and indeed for ballet enthusiasts nationwide, Cincinnati Ballet stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and a vital cultural institution. Since its inception in 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, captivating audiences with a bold and adventurous array of classical full-length ballets and innovative contemporary works, often performed with the enchanting accompaniment of live orchestral music. More than just a performance company, Cincinnati Ballet is deeply committed to enriching lives, inspiring excellence, and cultivating community through the power of dance, making it an indispensable part of Ohio's vibrant arts scene. This article will explore the multifaceted offerings of Cincinnati Ballet, from its breathtaking mainstage productions to its world-class academy and impactful community engagement programs.

Cincinnati Ballet's mission is clear and expansive: "to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and engagement in local to global communities." This mission is brought to life through their diverse repertoire, which includes beloved classics like "The Nutcracker" (a holiday staple for many Ohio families) and innovative new works such as "King Arthur's Camelot." The company is recognized for its artistic adventurousness, commissioning world premiere works and engaging in unique collaborations with a wide range of artists. This dynamic approach ensures that Cincinnati Ballet remains a creative force within the larger dance community, offering fresh and engaging experiences to its loyal patrons and attracting new audiences to the art form.

Beyond the stage, Cincinnati Ballet is dedicated to making dance accessible to everyone. Their comprehensive Otto M. Budig Academy serves as a preeminent training ground for aspiring dancers, while extensive education and outreach programs bring the joy and discipline of dance to communities throughout the region. This commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion is central to their belief that "dance expresses a humanity that can be felt by everyone," fostering a culture of belonging for anyone who intersects with their organization.

Cincinnati Ballet is proudly headquartered at the state-of-the-art Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance, located at 1801 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA. This iconic facility, opened in 2021, serves as both the administrative home of the professional company and the primary campus for the Otto M. Budig Academy. Situated in Cincinnati's vibrant Walnut Hills neighborhood, the location offers excellent accessibility for individuals and families from across the city and surrounding areas in Ohio.

Gilbert Avenue is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation to the center. While specific parking details for the general public might vary depending on events or class schedules, the presence of a dedicated facility often indicates considerations for attendee convenience. Being a central cultural hub, it's typically well-connected by local transportation networks. This modern facility allows Cincinnati Ballet to operate with optimal space for rehearsals, classes, and administrative functions, solidifying its presence as a major artistic landmark in the heart of Cincinnati. Major performances, such as "The Nutcracker" or "King Arthur's Camelot," are typically held at larger venues like the Cincinnati Music Hall, which is also conveniently located within the city.

Cincinnati Ballet offers a broad spectrum of services that encompass professional performances, world-class dance education, and extensive community engagement initiatives.

• Professional Performances: The main company presents a full season of diverse works, including:
  • Classical Ballets: Full-length productions like "The Nutcracker," "Swan Lake," and others, often with live orchestral accompaniment.
  • Contemporary Works: Innovative pieces and world premieres by leading choreographers.
  • Mixed Repertory Programs: Showcasing a variety of shorter ballets in one performance.
  • Family Series: Accessible and engaging performances designed to introduce younger audiences to ballet.
• Otto M. Budig Academy: The official school of Cincinnati Ballet, offering a structured dance education with various divisions:
  • Children's Division (Ages 2-7): Inspiring a love of dance through age-appropriate curriculum, building confidence and physical potential.
  • Preparatory Division: Exploring classical ballet rigor and introducing other dance disciplines, developing strong foundations.
  • Young Dancer Division: For ambitious students, introducing pointe work and elevating skill in ballet and other disciplines.
  • Advanced Division: The pinnacle of training, preparing students for professional careers or collegiate pursuits, with rigorous technical refinement and artistic exploration.
  • Professional Training Division (Ages 17-22): An elite program supporting the transition from student to professional dancer, with intensive training, repertoire, and performance opportunities with the Second Company and professional Company.
• Adult Dance & Fitness Classes: Flexible and diverse class options for adults and older teens, including Ballet Basics, Intermediate Ballet, Street Dance Fundamentals, Contemporary, and Barre Fitness.
• Community Division Classes (Ages 10-17): Flexible options for students interested in dance as an enhancement to other pursuits or a more individualized schedule, including jazz, street dance, musical theater, and ballet.
• Education and Engagement Programs: Reaching outside the studio to build community and offer learning opportunities through dance. Programs explore topics such as arts appreciation, literacy, STEM, and cultural diversity in schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities.

Cincinnati Ballet stands out as a preeminent arts organization in Ohio due to its exceptional features and highlights.

• World-Class Artistic Excellence: Consistently praised for "excellent" performances and captivating productions like "King Arthur's Camelot," the company brings high-caliber ballet to the region, attracting and retaining top talent.
• Renowned Academy and Training: The Otto M. Budig Academy offers unparalleled dance education, providing students with intimate access to the professional company, opportunities to perform in mainstage productions, and mentorship from nationally recognized faculty.
• Inspiring Leadership: Under the artistic direction of figures like Victoria Morgan, the Ballet has become a creative force, commissioning new works and fostering collaborations, demonstrating a commitment to artistic innovation.
• Impactful Community Commitment: Beyond performances, Cincinnati Ballet actively engages with local communities through extensive outreach programs, promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) by offering dance education in various settings and tailoring programs to community needs.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance provides a modern, dedicated space for training and administration, reflecting the organization's investment in its future and its dancers.
• Diverse Repertoire: Presenting a mix of classical full-length ballets and adventurous contemporary works ensures that there is something to appeal to a wide range of tastes and keeps the art form vibrant and relevant.
• Supportive Environment for Dancers: Students from the academy have the chance to perform with the Second Company and professional Company, offering invaluable real-world experience and a clear pathway for professional development.

For those in the Ohio region eager to experience the magic of Cincinnati Ballet, whether as an audience member or an aspiring dancer, contact information is readily available.

Address: 1801 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

Phone: (513) 621-5219

Mobile Phone: +1 513-621-5219

For performance tickets and season subscriptions, the official Cincinnati Ballet website (cballet.org) is the primary resource. It provides comprehensive details on upcoming shows, ticket pricing, and venue information. For inquiries related to the Otto M. Budig Academy, including registration for children's, youth, or adult classes, specific program details, or audition processes, prospective students and parents can also find information on the website or by calling the listed phone number. The staff are available to assist with all inquiries, ensuring a smooth entry into the world of Cincinnati Ballet.

Cincinnati Ballet stands as an extraordinary cultural gem for locals across Ohio. For those seeking world-class artistic experiences, its captivating performances, often enhanced by live orchestral accompaniment, provide moments of "excellent" artistry and pure enjoyment, whether it's the beloved tradition of "The Nutcracker" or a groundbreaking contemporary work. For aspiring dancers, the Otto M. Budig Academy offers unparalleled training right here in Cincinnati, with opportunities to learn from top faculty and even perform alongside professional dancers.

Beyond the stage and studio, Cincinnati Ballet's deep commitment to community engagement and accessibility makes it truly suitable for everyone. Their diverse programs reach schools, community centers, and individuals of all ages and abilities, fostering a love for dance and its many benefits. For Ohioans looking to enrich their lives through the beauty of dance, pursue professional training, or simply engage with a vibrant and inclusive arts organization, Cincinnati Ballet offers an inspiring and invaluable resource that continues to elevate the cultural landscape of our state.

Cincinnati Ballet

1801 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA