The Montgomery Ballet was established in 1958 as the Montgomery Civic Ballet by a small group of volunteers.  Directorship changed hands during the first sixteen years quite frequently.  Determination and dedication by the Presidents of the ballet and volunteers kept the vision going throughout these years.   

The Montgomery Civic Ballet was selected as a member of SERBA (South Eastern Regional Ballet Association) in 1964.  Tours to other cities in Alabama and performances in Montgomery relied on guest artists in the early years.  In 1966, they presented the Birmingham Ballet's production of The Nutcracker under the direction of Richard Englund.  Desiring to produce The Nutcracker locally, the Montgomey Civic Ballet began presenting segments of the Christmas classic in 1971.  In 1976, a review written by Judith Helms (Weathers) stated that "Montgomery had a first Friday night - the complete Nutcracker and more than 1,600 people rose to cheer the accomplishments at Lanier Auditorium."  

Priscilla Crommelin (Ball, our present Executive Director) danced the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, partnered by Florin Scarlat as the Cavalier.  At that time, Priscilla and Florin were members of the Maryland Ballet Company.  The review praised their performance and stated that they "danced with elegance and technical confidence."        

The scenery was a gift from the Kiwanis Club of Montgomery.  The review stated that "the scenery was carefully designed and executed to last indefinitely .... for the continuing delight of all Montgomerians annually for years to come." This scenery which has been embellished and repainted by our own artist, Seay Earehart is still being used today and was such a wonderful vision and investment of the board and the Kiwanis Club at that time!  The late Mary Gene Bailey was President of the Montgomery Civic Ballet at the time of the first full-length production of The Nutcracker.  (A scholarship is given each year in memory of her by her husband, George "Bubber" Bailey.  Abby Maruna is the receipent of this scholarship for the last two years and she definitely exemplifies the vision that Mary Gene had for this company.)        

The ballet moved the school from Hull Street in the fall of 1970 to space at Huntingdon College.

Montgomery Civic Ballet presented it's first Performance on the Green at Huntingdon College in 1974.  (This peformance has become one of the biggest events in the city over the last 34 years and continues today.)  The "Party of the Year" fundraisers were born during the 1980s and were hosted by the late Jim Wilson and his wife Wynona who graciously continued the tradition for over ten years.          

In 1984, the board of directors hired Don Steffy as Artistic Director and his wife, Marylou Hume as Associate Director and Director of the Montgomery Ballet School.  Mr. Steffy made many exciting innovations during his 11 year tenure with the ballet.  One of his visions was to turn the Montgomery Civic Ballet into a professional company - The Montgomery Ballet.  The company began with three full-time professional dancers, the Ensemble and grew to six members.  The quality of performances during this time increased considerably an the Montgomery Ballet was designated an "Advanced Arts Institution" by the Alabama State Council on the arts and became a part of the state touring program.  Designated "The Official Performing Ballet Company of the City of Montgomery"  in 1987, the ballet represented the city when it toured the state and southeastern region.  The ballet also achieved the highest rank in SERBA and was selected for membership into DANCE/USA.  Also, during Mr. Steffy's leadership community-based outreach was established and the Ballet became a Partner-in-Education and developed it's own outreach prgram - LEAP (Linking Education and the Arts Program).  Another exciting annual outdoor performance was also started - "Ballet and the Beasts"  at the Montgomery Zoo.        

In 1989, the Ballet outgrew the space at Huntingdon College and moved to new studios on the Troy Highway where they stayed until the summer of 1995.  Once again, the school enrollment continued to increase along with exciting new faculty and staff members, and the board of directors secured yet another location on East Shirley Lane.  This facility had 2 studios for classes and one very large studio for the professionals to rehearse in.  It also provided the much needed wardrobe rooms, dressing rooms and office space for the growing company of 8 full-time professional dancers.          

In the spring of 1996, the board of directors voted unanimously to hire the Associate Director/School Director, Priscilla Crommelin-Ball as the Artistic Director.  Under her leadership the company continued to grow and the school expanded in size and quality as well.  An exchange program, "The French Connection" was created by Mrs. Crommelin-Ball prior to becoming Artistic Director.  Professionals and students of the ballet school attended classes in France and performed at the school of Madame Francine Hartard.  Madame Hartard brought her students to Montgomery every other summer for our Intensive Summer Seminar and they performed in our Performance on the Green.  Also, Mrs. Crommelin-Ball created the STEP (Strategies to Elevate People) dance program in three inner-city school's as Artistic Director and was recognized for her achievement.          

In 2007, the Board of Directors hired, Elie Lazar as Artistic Director and promoted Priscilla Crommelin-Ball to Executive Director of the Montgomery Ballet.  After two years, the professional company has grown to 14 fabulous, full-time professional dancers, two apprentices and a school of over 300 local students being taught by the finest, professional teachers in the region.  The company's diverse repertoire includes classical ballets as well as new works by Mr. Lazar.    

The ensemble performs regularly before Montgomery audiences and tours throughout the state.  This past summer, the ballet moved to yet another location, The Courtyard expanding the number of studios to four and much more office space and a board room for members to meet and students to use to do their homework on a daily basis.        

After 51 years of hard work and determination, the Montgomery Ballet continues to grow and bring us joy throughout the year!