New Orleans Ballet Theatre

The mission of New Orleans Ballet Theatre (NOBT) is to be the premier resident ballet company of the Gulf South, internationally renowned for world-class performances, innovative choreography and outstanding professional training, enriching our community and expanding access to dance.

Gregory Schramel and Marjorie Hardwick founded New Orleans Ballet Theatre in 2002 with the goal of providing local dancers a platform to pursue a full-time career in ballet. Over 20 years later, NOBT has evolved into Louisiana's premier ballet company, becoming the prestigious example and epicenter of classical and contemporary ballet for the Gulf Coast Region.

While first established as a pick-up company, NOBT's ultimate goal had always been to have a full-time resident company, which NOBT proudly accomplished during the 2021-2022 season. The current 2025-2026 season has 17 dancers on full-time contracts, and an additional 8 trainee artists working closely with the company. With a strong professional company now in place, NOBT's foremost goal is to meet the needs of the community by offering excellent concert dance and dance education to New Orleans residents across all ages and backgrounds. NOBT is an artistic reflection of a city that vibrantly stands out in its lustrous and diverse culture. The company is shifting its focus outward and becoming an ambassador on a national level; it seeks to share and represent the unique interplay of multi-ethnic and creative influences.

Testimonials and Ticketmaster Reviews

"We were totally blown away by this production [PILL], and we have seen many ballet pieces at this point, spanning traditional and contemporary. The use of color was fantastic, the storytelling was so moving and well done. The choreography of each was so beautiful and mesmerizing! The music? Couldn't have been more perfectly paired. I feel like the edginess and sexiness of the pieces felt so radical. Truly, I wish I could see this production again. Bravo to you and the rest of the NOBT team!" - Alora Cash

"I attended your [DRACULA] performance on October 27 and must say, I was completely captivated. It's been a long time since I've seen a ballet with such creativity and energy. The entire production was remarkable. Seeing Dracula has renewed my interest in dance and ballet, reminding me of what first inspired me in this art form. Today, as I head back to Portland, I can't wait to share this experience with my friends and our local dance community." - Taylor Edwards-Crider

"I haven’t been to a ballet in quite some time but I won’t wait that long again after seeing this one!!! Tremendous tremendous talent from the first moment to the last. Simple exquisite. I was blown away. What a night." - Blue

"Wow! We have an amazing local, ballet company in New Orleans!!! I've seen several of their productions. There traditional ballets, Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Giselle and Romeo and Juliet were amazing classical ballet performances! I also really appreciate the creative, new, modern pieces that are being preformed and created for the company. Prodigal Son and Cluedo were amazing and their free concert at UNO amphitheater was so much fun. These dancers have been trained all over the U.S. and are amazing!!!! SUPPORT LOCAL BALLET AND DANCE PROFESSIONALS!!!!!"- Carlala