How this new Artistic Director is transforming ballet for everyone

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Meet Christopher Stuart. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)
Meet Christopher Stuart. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

“Our next season will be epic,” says Christopher Stuart, the new Artistic Director for the Alabama Ballet as of May 2023. After learning more about Stuart’s background and plans for The Alabama Ballet Company, we believe him!  Read on to find out more.

Alabama Ballet welcomes Christopher Stuart to Birmingham

Alabama Ballet
Christopher Stuart is the new Artistic Director for Alabama Ballet. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Alabama Ballet welcomed Christopher Stuart as its Artistic Director in May.

His successful dance career began when he started attending the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. After graduation, he joined Nashville Ballet, becoming a principal dancer for 18 years and eventually a resident choreographer.

Next, Stuart moved to Charlotte where he served in a number of leadership roles for both Charlotte and Charlotte Ballet II.

After investing a great amount of time into the Charlotte Ballet, Stuart felt a calling to try something new and branch out, which led him to apply for the open job in The Magic City.

“As Artistic Director of Alabama Ballet, Stuart will curate a diverse and compelling repertoire, selecting ballet productions that showcase both classical masterpieces and contemporary works. He will provide artistic leadership, guide dancers to reach their full potential, collaborate with renowned choreographers and foster relationships with the local community, educational institutions and other arts organizations, ensuring the continued growth and success of the company.”

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Keep up with all the exciting news at Alabama Ballet.

Stuart is helping transform ballet in Birmingham

Alabama Ballet
Alabama Ballet is the state’s premiere professional ballet company. (Melissa Dooley / Alabama Ballet)

Stuart is prepared to bring his visions to life on stage in Birmingham, showcasing storytelling through both contemporary and classical numbers. He has choreographed numerous works for:

  • Ballet Arkansas
  • Charlotte Ballet
  • Chattanooga Ballet
  • Nashville Ballet
  • National Choreographic Initiative

“The most exciting thing about being in Birmingham is helping build the arts. The community wants it, especially with our first performances selling out, you can tell that there’s a hunger for it. I am also excited to help build upon the company and bring more national and international recognition to the organization. Also, I want to help build more educational performances within our community.

 It is up to us as a company to be a driving force with supporting changes in the ballet world. We can show our community that we are transforming ballet for everyone, and we will continue to nourish, educate and promote new artistic voices.”

Christopher Stuart, Artistic Director, Alabama Ballet

What’s in store for the 2024-25 season?

Meet Christopher Stuart. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)
Christopher Stuart is bringing innovative ideas to Alabama Ballet. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

After talking with Stuart about the 2024-25 ballet season it’s clear that creative ideas are coming to the stage.

“I’m excited about the future of Alabama Ballet. I think the dance world is noticing the organization a lot right now and, the future is definitely bright.

The 2024-25 season will hold a lot of ballets that Birmingham has never seen before. The next season will be epic.”

Christopher Stuart, Artistic Director, Alabama Ballet

Coming soon to Alabama Ballet

The Nutcracker
Alabama Ballet performs. (Eric Lucky Photography / Alabama Ballet)

Ready to see what Alabama Ballet is all about? Check out the lineup of performances for the rest of the 2023-24 season.

  • George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
    • When: December 15-17 with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra + December 20-23
    • Where: The BJCC Concert Hall
    • Tickets
    • Fun fact: The Alabama Ballet is one of only eight companies in the world licensed by the George Balanchine Trust© to perform this holiday masterpiece.
  • Giselle accompanied by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra
    • When: February 23-25
    • Where: The BJCC Concert Hall
    • Tickets
  • An Evening of Twyla Tharp
    • When: April 5-7
    • Where: The Dorothy Jemison Day Theater
    • Tickets
  • Bonnie & Clyde
    • When: May 31-June 2
    • Where: Dorothy Jemison Theater
    • Tickets

Stay up to date with all things happening at Alabama Ballet by following them on Instagram and Facebook.

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