ABOUT JEFFERSON BALLET THEATRE

The JBT was founded in August 1995 as a community-based, non-profit arts organization. Since its inception it has contributed to the appreciation and understanding of classical ballet through the professional, quality performances and educational programs.

The JBT hosts professional stars of the ballet world and has become an exciting place for rising stars of the dance world to work right alongside the professionals. JBT also enhances and enriches JBT dance education by hiring some of the world's most internationally re-knowned teachers, choreographers and dancers to conduct master classes open to the community at no extra charge.

Under the artistic direction of Myra Mier, the JBT features talented dancers which adhere to a strict standard of ballet technique and style. Because of these high standards, the success of JBT's production quality and its artistic direction have reached new heights. This can be measured in the continued yearly growth of ticket sales for the season's productions.

The JBT held it's first The Nutcracker performances in December 1995 with eight performances in New Orleans, Jefferson Parish and St. Charles Parish. Spring productions have included a Gala in 1995 and Hansel and Gretel in 1996. Annually, the auditions for the JBT and The Nutcracker are held in September with auditions for the JBT and the spring production held in January.

JBT dancers are trained in the Vaganova Method which is responsible for their solid technique and beautiful upper body movement. Through the years, internationally renowned master teachers have been invited to conduct workshops and master classes at JBT. The company's repertoire is based firmly on the classics and has been expanded to include contemporary style created by guest choreographers from the United States, Russia, Cuba, France and Poland. These members of the international dance world share their talents with JBT dancers creating ballets specifically for them, and give master classes and workshops.

The JBT currently receives grant funding from the Arts Council of New Orleans and the Louisiana Division of the Arts. Grant money has be used for the Spring Gala and to bring professional guest choreographers and dancers from foreign countries such as Poland, Cuba, France and Russia to work with local dancers and as feature performers in JBT performances.

> The JBT Board of Directors