The Virginia Ballet Theatre was established in 1991, and grew from the existing Norfolk Civic Ballet which had been performing since 1961. It now comprises a professional dance company and dance academy with a full program of performances. The Virginia Ballet Theatre's Company is one of only two professional dance ballet companies in the state, and presents an annual performance program featuring classic works and old favorites such as The Nutcracker and Tarantella. The Company performs in many venues in and around Norfolk.
The Academy has a professional faculty that has experience in performance and teaching in the various disciplines of ballet, modern dance, tap, and jazz. There are classes for all ages, and for beginner to more advanced levels. These include the Children's Division for under 7s, leading on to the Training Track and Professional Divisions. The ballet school classes draw on methods from the American, French and Russian dance schools. Students can participate in the annual school performance, the First Pointe Players and the company's yearly performance of the Nutcracker. Younger students can also take part in the performances of the junior company called the VBII, and the Community Division has a program of informal dance classes.
The Theatre works in partnership with the National Football Players Fathers Association on the Athletes for Kids program. Working with inner city and at risk children the program aims to instill the disciplines of dance and athletics, teamworking, stamina and co-ordination. The Barre group is open to young professionals who support the arts, and ballet in particular, through networking and social events.
