Mission

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the stated mission of Ballet Acadiana, Inc. is to provide professional caliber dance training in the Acadiana area, through master classes, summer intensive dance study, scholarships, performance opportunities, and enrichment of young dance students; thereby, helping to nurture strong minds and healthy bodies in an artistic environment. 

Ballet Acadiana, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination in the administration of its performing arts, educational, and community outreach programs and special events using dance to promote the trinity of art, education and culture.

Focus

Ballet Acadiana, Inc. is committed to a cultural focus of the Louisiana peoples and their histories within an educational framework. Gifted with great artistic direction, artistic collaboration, and community support, Ballet Acadiana, Inc. Strives to use dance as a means of expression and depiction of this unique history, as well as its landscape, traditions, people, art, and music.

With a focus on the trinity of art, culture, and education, Ballet Acadiana looks to use the spectrum of Louisiana as content to provide both a wealth of formative experience to company members in their research and creation of these original works as well as increased awareness of the Louisiana experience for our audiences both local and abroad. Ballet Acadiana considers the ongoing and continuing collaboration with Louisiana artists the best mélange to explore through dance Louisiana’s history, culture, life, and geography.

With 20 company members strong, Ballet Acadiana’s spring 2016 performance at the Grand Opera House of the South in Crowley, Louisiana featured and celebrated the work of Floyd Sonnier, world-famous artist from Cajun country. Ballet Acadiana’s Artistic Director Beverly F. Spell along with world-renowned dancer and choreographer Bill Hastings of New York choreographed this original piece. From May 13-15, a total of approximately 1,000 people from across the United States attended these original performances. This folk ballet presentation delighted French speakers as Dr. Michael Vincent, Ph.D. of the LSU AgCenter and young child actor Andre’ Badeaux, who attends a French immersion school in Lafayette, Louisiana, provided narration in French in addition to English. Crafted by the outstandingly creative Jon Rabalais, scenes from the iconic pen and ink work of Sonnier were projected via lights and images onto the stage while company members danced to live music provided by Has Beans, a well-known local Cajun Band. 

Due to a successful debut performance leaving the audience wanting more, Ballet Acadiana is excited to have performed 6 sold out shows of Le Papillon in Lafayette Louisiana November 2-3, 2017 at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. 2018 will see another authentic Louisiana story come to life in a collaborative ballet.

Ballet Acadiana company members performed at Women’s & Children’s Hospital during their Easter break on April 5, 2018. Along with their gift of dance, they also donated toys and gift cards for patients who require long term care.

Ballet Acadiana provided a private and free of charge performance of Le Papillon II on May 22, 2016 and September 30, 2017 to members of the Autism Society of Acadiana. This performance was set and staged especially for those affected with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Ballet Studio at Lafayette School of Performing Arts offered performance space for this event. Both audience members and company dancers enjoyed the experience immensely. 

December 21, 2016 was a very special day for residents of Pelican Pointe Healthcare & Rehab, Eastridge Senior Living Suites, and Eastridge Nursing & Rehab. Company members performed festive dance numbers at all three facilities as part of their commitment to community service.

Ballet Acadiana held a Kids Dance & Fun Day on August 27, 2016 for children of families affected by the devastating flood that affected the Acadiana area. 

 Dr. Ronnie Daigle

Faye Morford & Ed Mulderick