Ballet in the City is an organization with international reach which facilitates authentic connections between burgeoning and professional dancers, which bring the art up-close and personal to ballet enthusiasts spanning generations. It embraces cities worldwide through its work, connecting ballet dancers of diversified backgrounds and ages.
MISSION: The mission of Ballet in the City is to enhance the unique culture of ballet in cities worldwide through dance education, mentorship, and the development of meaningful connections, relationships, and artistic collaborations. VISION: Ballet in the City engages and inspires individuals in the art of ballet and communicates the relevance and value of the artform, which advances and sustains ballet culture in our cities and beyond.
Jessica Wallis, Founder and Executive Director
Jessica Wallis has produced and presented programming with dancers such as Ashley Bouder, Sonia Rodriguez, and Misty Copeland, at prestigious venues including The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She is a two-time honors graduate of The University of Akron, the founder of The Ballet in the City Scholarship, and was honored for her work with an official proclamation from the City of Cleveland. Ms. Wallis was presented with the Distinguished Alumni award by the Cuyahoga Falls Schools Foundation in 2018 and the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty award at The University of Akron in 2022. She was invited to the UK in 2023 to work with the Royal Opera House, English National Ballet School, and Scottish Ballet.
Jessica Wallis Founder & Executive Director
Alexis Ziemski Photography
Erik Zito Guys Dance Too
Angelina Rutherford Administrative Coordinator
In August 2024, Ballet in the City established residence inside Weathervane Playhouse in Akron's Merriman Valley. It is honored to have its home headquarters inside this respected Northeast Ohio arts institution.
Still curious? Wondering, “What IS Ballet in the City?” Click here for The Ballet in the City Story
Ballet in the City Board of Directors Chairwoman, Catherine Wiseman-Hakes, PhD
