Cincinnati Ballet records

The Cincinnati Ballet was chartered as the "Cincinnati Civic Ballet" in 1958. The company held their first auditions in 1963 and the original troupe consisted of 41 dancers. Oleg Sabline served as the first artistic director and John A. Spain was the first president of the Board of Trustees. The first performance took place at the University of Cincinnati's Wilson Auditorium in March of 1964.

In 1966, the ballet became more closely affiliated with UC when David McLain, Head of the Dance Division at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), became director of the Cincinnati Ballet Company. This connection with CCM allowed the ballet the use of CCM's facilities for classes and rehearsals and UC's Wilson Auditorium for performances. In 1969, Carmon De Leone became music director, and not long after, the company hired ten salaried dancers. During this time, the company also gained national recognition for training dancers in the Lester Horton technique. Ivan Nagy became artistic director in 1986. During Nagy's tenure, the standard of performance for the ballet was elevated. Nagy left the Cincinnati Ballet in 1989. He was followed by Richard Collins (1989-1991), Nigel Burgoine (1992-1994), and Peter Anastos (1994-1996).

In 1994, the company opened a new facility on Central Parkway at Liberty Street allowing for offices, dance studios, a training school, and rehearsal space to be in the same location. In 1997, Victoria Morgan became the artistic director of the Cincinnati Ballet and in 2008, she was appointed CEO and Devon Carney became associate artistic director. During the 2013-2014 season, the Cincinnati Ballet celebrated its 50th anniversary.

More information on the history of the Cincinnati Ballet is available on their website at www.cballet.org/