Ballet Theatre of Maryland

The Ballet Theatre of Maryland (BTM) is the premier professional ballet company in the state of Maryland, renowned for its dedication to the art of dance, its high-caliber performances, and its comprehensive ballet training program. Founded in November 1978 as The Ballet Theatre of Annapolis, the organization was established as a private non-profit corporation governed by a twelve-person Board of Trustees. It took up residency at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis, where it has remained a resident company for over four decades. The mission of Ballet Theatre of Maryland is to serve the aesthetic and recreational needs of Maryland through expressive movement. BTM accomplishes this by performing known and original classical and contemporary works of artistic integrity, creating new eclectic works that reflect American and Maryland culture, and educating the community with a complete training program and other services that make ballet more accessible, particularly to the underserved. The company is committed to preserving the tradition of classical ballet while promoting the continued evolution of dance as an art form. BTM's journey began under the name The Ballet Theatre of Annapolis, with the organization achieving professional status in 1996. In 2000, the company rebranded as Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Inc., to reflect its broader mission of serving the entire state. Edward Stewart served as the Artistic Director until his passing in 2002, after which Dianna Cuatto took the helm at the start of the 2003-2004 season. Cuatto's tenure was marked by numerous awards for her choreography with BTM, and she now holds the title of Artistic Director Emeritus. Nicole Kelsch, a former Principal Dancer, School Principal, and Ballet Mistress with 14 years at BTM, was appointed as the Artistic Director for the 2020-2021 season. Ballet Theatre of Maryland produces over 20 full-length professional ballet performances per season, including classical and contemporary works at various venues across the state. The company also engages in significant community outreach, performing in schools and for underserved populations, and conducting a Trainee and Apprenticeship Training Program to attract top dancers from across the U.S. Additionally, BTM's Conservatory of Dance offers training for students of all ages and levels, from beginner to professional, and includes programs such as a Summer Intensive Dance Program and Choreographic Institute. BTM is dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, recognizing these principles as essential to fulfilling its mission and vision. The organization serves a diverse array of individuals from various ethnic and racial backgrounds, geographies, economic circumstances, cultures, customs, and languages, and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without discrimination. As it celebrates its 44th anniversary, the Ballet Theatre of Maryland continues to inspire audiences with the transforming power of American dance, striving to make ballet accessible to all and reaching ever-higher levels of artistic excellence.