BALLET PALM BEACH, INC.
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA

Ballet Palm Beach, Inc., was born in Florida back in 2001 when Artistic Director Colleen Smith started what has now become a beloved nonprofit ballet institution. Its mission? All about keeping the classics alive while sparking new creative ideas on stage and nurturing young dancers eager to learn through dance education. Positioned as the leading ballet company for both Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, Ballet Palm Beach goes the extra mile by breathing life into local communities with its outreach projects and live performances. Its roots are in Palm Beach Gardens, where the Ballet Palm Beach Academy warmly welcomes kids aged 3 and up to experience their first pirouette. Originally kicking off as Florida Classical Ballet Theatre, this outfit was all about giving young dancers from around Palm Beach County a chance to shine in fully-staged ballets. Within its initial 11 years, the organization saw massive growth: more paid roles from what used to be volunteer spots, professional dancers taking charge onstage, and audiences growing larger every year. A fresh chapter began in 2013 when they transformed into Ballet Palm Beach (a name change symbolizing evolution). This move introduced a lineup of fifteen talented individuals-mixing the zeal of six student trainees with the skill of nine seasoned pros. It was also a time for creative exploration, featuring guest choreographers like Leslie Peck from Balanchine Trust and Roger Van Fleteren from Alabama Ballet, while Artistic Director Colleen Smith rolled up her sleeves to craft five original full-length ballets, drawing inspiration straight from classic literature. Since day one, Ballet Palm Beach has been committed to fostering a rich cultural scene. It holds four main shows yearly that keep audiences spellbound. For anyone looking to learn more or get in touch, you can dial 561-630-8235 or reach out at [email protected].