About Us
With each season, Ballet Pensacola curates a dynamic repertoire of three to four major productions: a fall performance, the timeless wonder of The Nutcracker each December, a special winter event, and a spring finale. Each production is designed to elevate the artistry and experience of dance for audiences across the region.
As the city’s resident professional company, Ballet Pensacola proudly features 18 world-class professional dancers from across the globe who bring their talent, training, and passion to Pensacola. Together, they form the creative core of our organization, delivering performances that blend classical tradition with bold contemporary expression.
At the heart of Ballet Pensacola is also the Academy, the region’s largest training program for dancers ages 3-18. Here, students dream boldly and train diligently under the guidance of expert faculty. In a unique and transformative opportunity, these aspiring artists regularly share the stage with our professional company members. Their dedication shines each spring during the Academy Student Showcase and Academy Gala, which celebrate their growth and artistry.
From the grandeur of the historic Saenger Theatre to the intimacy of the Clark Family Cultural Center, Ballet Pensacola performances are crafted to inspire, captivate, and connect.
Our impact extends far beyond the stage. Through performances in schools, hospitals, festivals, gallery nights, special community events, and tours, Ballet Pensacola ensures the beauty and power of dance reaches hearts of all ages and backgrounds across the region.
What We Do
Our Mission
Our mission is to enhance the cultural life of the community by developing an appreciation and knowledge of dance by producing quality dance performances and exceptional dance training.
Our Story
In 1978, Italian trained dancer and teacher, Gioia Michelotti, founded Kaleidoscope Dance Theatre to offer performance opportunities to young dancers and to promote the art of dance. During its first season, Kaleidoscope attained its 501(c)3 non-profit status and offered a number of performances to the public. Michelotti’s passion for integrated dance education and performance attracted young dancers from throughout the community and remained the guiding philosophy of the organization after she retired.
In 1980, Kaleidoscope’s Board of Directors established an academy for the training of young dancers. Judy Gomez and Debbie Parrish shared the artistic and educational leadership until 1988, when they were joined by Nannette Grimm and Patsy Hill. In 1989, Kaleidoscope presented, for the first time, Pensacola’s Nutcracker. Soon after, Kaleidoscope developed a partnership with the Escambia and Santa Rose County School Districts to bring dance to elementary schools. Three years later, Kaleidoscope was asked to be the resident dance company and school as one of the anchor tenants in the Pensacola Cultural Center. To coincide with its new home, the senior performing company was named “Ballet Pensacola” to recognize it as Pensacola’s dance company and its many contributions to the community. The Kaleidoscope name remained as the moniker for the ballet school until 2005, when the entire organization was renamed Ballet Pensacola.
In 2003, Artistic Director Bobby Ball, implemented the Dance Chance Scholarship program to give deserving students opportunities to study dance with the Ballet Pensacola Academy. In 2005, the position of Ballet Mistress was established to oversee performance preparation, and Christine Duhon joined the organization. Richard Steinert was named Artistic Director in 2007 and established a resident professional company in addition to the talented student dancers. In 2021, Darren McIntyre was named Artistic Director and expanded the professional company to approximately 20 dancers from around the globe. Today, Ballet Pensacola is led by its Artistic Team, lead by the Company Director, Veronica Ramirez, Academy Director, Debi Janea, Operations Director, Sara Williamson, and Production Manager, Dominic Krippes, bringing the Company, Academy, and productions together in harmony to stand as the largest professional company, and largest training academy in the Pensacola area. The organization brings in renowned guest choreographers from around the world to enhance its productions each season and continues to provide staple performances and training to the Southwest Region.
Discrimination Policy
Ballet Pensacola is committed to maintaining a home for everyone, where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We recognize that while classical ballet has made strides toward inclusivity, our responsibility as an arts organization is to ensure diversity, equity, and belonging are central to all we do.
Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. Discrimination is defined as any unfair, prejudicial, or differential treatment based on an individual's protected characteristics. Ballet Pensacola prohibits discrimination in all areas of its operations, including but not limited to: hiring, auditioning, casting, Academy enrollment and programming, performances, collaborations, board participation, community outreach, and volunteering.
Ballet Pensacola does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
Diversity is not a secondary goal; it is fundamental to our mission.