Ballet MS

Ballet Mississippi is Mississippi's premier ballet company, dedicated to enriching the state's cultural life by providing high-quality performances, nurturing the artistic and technical skills of their students, and fostering an appreciation for dance through education, outreach, and audience development. Governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, Ballet Mississippi operates as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, relying on revenue from tuition, productions, grants, and generous donations from individuals and corporations. The history of Ballet Mississippi dates back to 1964 when the Jackson Ballet Guild was formed, followed by the appointment of Thalia Mara as Artistic Director in 1975.

In 1983, the Jackson Ballet and Mississippi Ballet Theater merged to establish Ballet Mississippi, focusing on developing a professional school and company. David Keary, a Mississippian and former member of the New York City Ballet, was appointed as the Artistic Director in 1994, leading the growth of the school to over 300 students. Under David Keary's leadership, Ballet Mississippi has presented captivating performances, including their annual production of The Nutcracker, while also showcasing the emerging talent in their school through the Spring Gala.

Distinguished guest artists from prestigious ballet companies have collaborated with Ballet Mississippi, performing classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works. In addition to his role as Artistic Director, David Keary has also contributed significantly to the USA International Ballet Competition, serving as Director of the International Dance School and receiving the prestigious Mississippi Arts Commission Governor’s Arts Award for Leadership in the Performing Arts in 2018. The Board of Directors, faculty, and staff of Ballet Mississippi work tirelessly to uphold their mission of artistic excellence, providing exceptional training and performances while engaging with the community