Ballet Tyler

History

Through hard work and dedication, Tyler Civic Ballet, Inc. was founded by Kathy Senger in 1988. In 1991, Paula Sansom was appointed Artistic Director and in 1996, Helen Chambers was appointed Assistant Artistic Director. Under the direction of Mrs. Sansom, and later, with help from Mrs. Chambers, the Company continued to grow while building community interest. The Mission of the Company is to promote education in the art of dance and to provide performing experience and scholarships for promising young dancers in East Texas.

The repertoire of Tyler Civic Ballet, Inc. has grown since its beginnings in 1988. The Company holds an annual Spring Ballet and also participates in other community performances. Full length ballets performed by the Company have included "Coppelia", "Les Sylphides", and "Pas De Quatre", as well as excerpts from "Giselle", "Swan Lake", and "Sleeping Beauty". With professional guest artists from around the country, the Company not only presents dance from the classical repertoire, but also original works in classical and contemporary styles.

Kym Lanier was appointed Artistic Director in the Spring of 2002 and Jennifer Bailey Assistant Director in 2003. Under Ms Lanier's direction, Tyler Civic Ballet has performed "Snow White", "Cinderella" and "Alice in Wonderland". In June of 2005 TCB, Inc. was re-named to Ballet Tyler and the School of Ballet Tyler was founded, under the direction of Ms Lanier. With Ms Lanier's experience in leadership abilities, the company continued to grow with tremendous success.

During the Summer of 2009, School of Ballet Tyler merged dance programs with Tyler Junior College in an effort to better serve the Tyler community. Ballet Tyler remains commited to providing quality classical dance to both students and patrons of classical dance in East Texas.

As a non-profit organization the Company depends on the support of friends, patrons, and benefactors for financial operation. Financial support also comes from grants and fund-raising projects undertaken by the Ballet Guild and Board of Directors.