Like all of the other major performing arts, New Orleans dance has a deep-rooted tradition in New Orleans. Long before professional dance companies were established in the United States, operas and stage productions featured dancers in colorful costumes, performing their graceful movement art to the accompaniment of classical music and what would later come known to be "show tunes."
In the days of the Old French Opera House, from the mid 19th century to the early 20th century, ballet was very much a part of some of the classic French operas, as well as the epic operas in the Wagnerian German repertoire. On board the steam-powered riverboats that once plied the waters of the Mississippi River, dance revues, to the accompaniment of rollicking barrelhouse pianos, were very much a part of the live entertainment of those traveling up and down the river. Burlesque, once considered risqué and vulgar to the more cultured, also has a long, colorful history in New Orleans, and is now recognized as the performance art form it actually is.
Listed below are the major New Orleans ballet events for this cultural arts season with links to the sponsoring organization and venue for more information. Also, be sure to check out our events calendar for the latest ballet offerings in the city.
