Ballet Mississippi

read moreOur History: In 1964, a group of citizens joined forces to promote ballet, one of the world's most beautiful and expressive art forms. The Jackson Ballet Guild was formed under the artistic direction of Albia Kavan and Rex Cooper. Their commitments to the success of Jackson's first ballet company resulted in countless hours of training, direction, and artistic development. In 1975, at the request of the Jackson Ballet Guild, Thalia Mara was appointed Artistic Director. In 1983, members of the Board of Directors of the Jackson Ballet and Mississippi Ballet Theater merged to establish Ballet Mississippi whose primary focus was to further develop a professional school and company.

read moreThe Ballet MS Summer Intensive is a two-week program for students ages 9-18. Curriculum includes ballet technique, pointe, character, classical variations, jazz, and Pilates. Previous dance experience is required. Total cost for the two-week intensive is $650.00. A non-refundable deposit of $150.00 is required to reserve a space in the Intensive. The deposit goes toward total tuition. Ballet Mississippi is holding a number of one week summer workshops for children ages 3-8 at both our Jackson and Madison locations.

read moreMake your Nutcracker experience even sweeter. Join us for a traditional tea party at our annual Sugarplum Fairy's Tea Party. These pre-performance parties will be hosted on Saturday, December 7th (1:30 PM) and Sunday, December 8th (1:30 PM). We will gather at the gorgeous Westin Jackson hotel, located adjacent to Thalia Mara Hall. The tea party includes a seated traditional tea, visits with Nutcracker characters, and live music. Tickets must be purchased in advance. The tea party reservation does NOT include admittance to The Nutcracker performance.

read moreAs a leader in providing classical ballet training and performances to our city and state, Ballet Mississippi seeks to provide participation in the arts throughout the metropolitan area. We are in our twelfth year of providing weekly after-school ballet classes at Casey Elementary, a Jackson public school. In recent years, we have added classes at two additional Jackson Public Schools: McLeod Elementary and Spann Elementary. Currently, these students receive tuition-free classes, and participate in Ballet Mississippi's Lower School Spring Performance.

read moreIt is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Ballet Mississippi! From the beginning with the founding of the Jackson Ballet in 1964 under the extraordinary guidance of Albia Kavan and Rex Cooper, through many years of hard work and change, Ballet Mississippi has been the leader in dance in our state. We take great pride in the many accomplishments of our past board members and supporters, who along with Thalia Mara brought the USA International Ballet Competition to Jackson. It is a great honor for me to follow my teacher's footsteps!

read moreWith a long rich history of supporting ballet, the Ballet Mississippi Guild continues to be a vibrant support group for Ballet Mississippi. The membership extends far and wide, from parents who work many hours to support their dancers in the school and many productions, to many supporters in our community who love ballet and want to support our efforts to enrich the cultural life in our community. It is our desire for our students and audiences to have the opportunity to experience the arts through ballet.

read moreThe following leotards are recommendations/suggestions. Any brand/style/maker that fits a student well is fine as long as there are no multiple straps in the back, no mesh, no low or high cut. We want a clean line without all the frills. Pointe Shoes: All pointe shoes must be fitted by David Keary, Cherri Barnett, or Elizabeth VanDeburgh. Any changes in maker must be approved before classes begin. We prefer lambs wool, but please consult David Keary, Cherri Barnett, or Elizabeth VanDeburgh.