5 Must-See Highlights Of International Ballet Greenville SC’s Explosive New Season
The International Ballet (IB) in Greenville, South Carolina, is more than just a dance company; it is the Upstate’s premier hub for world-class classical and contemporary ballet, continually setting a high bar for artistic excellence and community engagement. As of December 2025, the organization is deep into its highly anticipated 2024-2025 season and already has major productions scheduled for 2026, solidifying its role as a cultural cornerstone in the region. The company’s commitment to professional training, combined with its ambitious mainstage productions at the Peace Center, makes it a must-follow entity for any arts enthusiast in South Carolina.
Founded in 2003, the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operates with a clear mission: to inspire joy and success through professional ballet training and captivating performances. Under its dedicated leadership, International Ballet continues to bring beloved classics and innovative new works to the Greenville stage, often collaborating with the esteemed Greenville Symphony Orchestra to create a truly immersive experience. This deep dive explores the organization’s leadership, its foundational training methods, and the electrifying lineup that defines its current and future seasons.
Leadership and Core Mission: The Engine of International Ballet
The success of International Ballet is driven by a passionate and experienced leadership team committed to fostering both artistic talent and community accessibility. This team ensures the company’s mission—to represent classical and contemporary ballet by offering world-class productions and training—is met year after year.
Key Figures in International Ballet Greenville SC
- Artistic Director: Vlada Kysselova. As the Artistic Director, Kysselova guides the company's artistic vision, overseeing the repertoire, choreography, and professional development of the dancers. She is instrumental in presenting the major classical works the company is known for, such as *The Nutcracker*.
- President: Sarah Shoemaker. Shoemaker works alongside Kysselova, managing the executive and administrative functions of the organization. Her role is crucial in ensuring the financial health and strategic growth of the non-profit.
Foundational Principles and Training Excellence
The International Ballet Academy is the training arm of the organization, providing rigorous instruction to dancers as young as three years old.
- Vaganova Method: The core of the academy’s curriculum is the Vaganova-based classical ballet method. This internationally recognized Russian technique is known for its precision, strength, and dramatic expressiveness, providing students with a world-class foundation.
- Holistic Development: Beyond classical technique, the academy offers supplemental dance training, including jazz and contemporary dance, focusing on the "whole dancer."
- Summer Intensives: For intermediate and advanced students seeking accelerated growth, the organization hosts intensive 3-week summer programs.
The Thrilling 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 Performance Seasons
International Ballet’s season lineup is a blend of timeless classical ballets and vibrant new works, all staged at the magnificent Peace Concert Hall, often with live accompaniment.
1. The Return of the Autumn Masterpiece: "L'Automne"
The 2024-2025 season kicked off with the highly anticipated production of "L'Automne." This performance showcases the company's ability to present sophisticated, seasonal works that highlight the technical and emotional depth of their dancers. The production featured guest stars Logan Acker and Aiden Moss, adding an extra layer of professional polish and star power to the Upstate stage.
2. Greenville’s Favorite Holiday Tradition: "The Nutcracker"
No International Ballet season is complete without the beloved holiday classic, *The Nutcracker*. This production is a cornerstone of Greenville’s holiday calendar and a massive undertaking for the company.
- Live Orchestra: The performances are typically accompanied by the live music of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, elevating the production from a simple performance to a grand, sensory experience.
- Future Dates Confirmed: The magic is set to continue, with *The Nutcracker* already scheduled to return to the Peace Center from December 5–7, 2025.
3. A Glimpse into the Future: The 2026 Season
International Ballet is already planning an exciting and diverse celebration of classical and contemporary dance for the 2025–2026 season.
- The Comedy Classic *Coppelia*: One of the major highlights confirmed for the future is the performance of *Coppelia*, a charming and humorous classical ballet. Tickets for a May 2, 2026, performance at the Peace Concert Hall are already being promoted, demonstrating the company’s long-term planning and stability.
4. The Lasting Impact of Project Pirouette and Accessibility
Beyond the mainstage, International Ballet is deeply committed to making the art form accessible to all members of the Greenville community. This commitment is formalized through a variety of outreach and accessibility programs.
- Project Pirouette: This flagship program is designed to break down financial barriers to ballet. Project Pirouette provides free ballet classes and performance opportunities to children who might not otherwise have access to professional dance training.
- Community Outreach: The organization frequently offers free performances of major works to the public, ensuring that the joy and inspiration of ballet can be experienced by a broader audience.
- Upstate Presence: International Ballet is known throughout the Upstate for performing classic ballets like *Swan Lake* and *Giselle*, ensuring a consistent presence in the South Carolina arts scene. *Swan Lake* was recently performed in May 2024.
5. The Strategic Partnership with the Peace Center
The relationship between International Ballet and the Peace Center is symbiotic and crucial to the company’s professional status.
- Greenville's Premier Venue: Performing at the Peace Concert Hall, one of the region's most prestigious venues, allows International Ballet to present its productions with the highest level of technical and theatrical quality.
- Cultural Hub: This partnership places the ballet company at the heart of Greenville’s cultural landscape, performing alongside major national and international touring acts. The Peace Center's administrative office is also a key location for the company's operations.
International Ballet Greenville SC continues to be a dynamic force, blending its commitment to the classical Vaganova tradition with a forward-looking approach to programming and community service. With Artistic Director Vlada Kysselova and President Sarah Shoemaker at the helm, the organization is poised for continued growth, promising many more seasons of breathtaking performances and essential arts education for the Upstate community.
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