New Ballet Ensemble & School

Established in 2001, New Ballet Ensemble & School is an after-school dance program located in Midtown Memphis. Every week, the studios are overflowing with dancers from the Mid-South. They train and investigate cultural dance forms while studying a rigorous, college- and career-ready classical ballet curriculum. All six of the salaried teaching artists and trainees have backgrounds connected to New Ballet from childhood and have advanced to the critical staff position through the Professional Training Trainee Program. Since 2020, New Ballet has worked with schools to form school residencies. Investments in active community partnerships allow New Ballet to reach wider audiences and students of all ages.

New Ballet Ensemble is an applauded dance school in Memphis. Mrs. Katie Smythe is its founder, and its instructors boast profound knowledge of all dance genres. The community is receptive, with a welcoming Mrs. Cathy at the entrance. Several classes are available, such as ballet, tap, and hip-hop, fostering creativity in children. It also includes a learning room where the kids interact and work on their assignments. Each November sees the center stage the annual Nut Remix at Cannon Center. Patrons and students affirmed it as the most preferred dance school, with patrons extolling their extended association with the school even after relocating.