Artistic Director

Louisville Ballet, a nationally recognized professional ballet company and school based in Louisville, Kentucky, is inviting applications for the position of Artistic Director.

Operating with an annual budget of over $5.5 million, the Louisville Ballet includes 24 professional dancers, a distinguished four-year, tuition-free professional training program, and a robust school serving more than 900 students, including a pre-professional training program. 

About the Role

The Artistic Director will be responsible for shaping and advancing the long-term artistic vision of the Louisville Ballet. This individual should be a visionary leader with a deep commitment to building a diverse and compelling repertoire—spanning classical, narrative, and contemporary works, as well as the creation of new ballets.

Working in close partnership with the CEO, the Artistic Director will ensure that all productions align with the company’s mission and are delivered within budget. The Artistic Director will report directly to the CEO, while also maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with both the Board of Directors and Louisville Ballet staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Artistic Leadership: Develop and oversee classical and contemporary programming, including mainstage productions, The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, repertory works, and cross-disciplinary collaborations.

• Company Management: Lead auditions, casting, hiring, and professional development for dancers; guide artistic productions in partnership with choreographers, musicians, designers, and production teams.

• Strategic Planning & Budgeting: Partner with the CEO and Board on budgeting, planning, and artistic strategy to ensure financially sustainable programming.

• Community Engagement & Representation: Serve as a visible ambassador for the company in the community, media, and donor circles. Support fundraising initiatives and cultivate donor relationships alongside the CEO.

• Educational Collaboration: Work closely with the School Director to design and implement training programs for trainees and apprentices; teach company class and classes at The Louisville Ballet School as needed.

• Culture & Collaboration: Promote a positive, inclusive workplace culture and contribute to the strategic vision across departments, including school and community engagement efforts.
   

Qualifications

• Extensive professional experience in ballet, including performing, teaching, choreography, staging, and/or artistic administration.

• Demonstrated leadership within a professional ballet company setting.

• A Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Dance, Performing Arts, or a related field is preferred.

• A deep understanding of both classical and contemporary ballet, and a passion for nurturing the next generation of artists.
   

Compensation & Timeline

• The position offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience and industry standards.

• Benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with paid vacation and holidays.

• A search committee composed of Board members and stakeholders aims to identify a candidate by fall 2025, with the Artistic Director joining the company as soon as possible thereafter.