Michigan’s Premier Pre-Professional Ballet Company

OUR MISSION

The mission of Michigan Ballet Company (formerly Macomb Ballet Company) is to provide meaningful performance opportunities for talented young dancers through the creation of a high-quality, community-based, youth-oriented classical ballet company. We are committed to reaching, educating, and enriching audiences throughout Michigan through both formal productions and special performances.

In addition, we provide serious dance students ages 7–19 the opportunity to grow artistically through performance experience on a professional stage.

OUR HISTORY

Founded in 1982 by Ann Parsley, the Macomb Ballet Company (MBC) was established to provide serious young dancers with a pre-professional platform to develop their artistry, discipline, and stage experience. In 2026, the organization proudly expanded its vision and rebranded as Michigan Ballet Company, reflecting its growing reach and impact across the state.

For over four decades, the company has served as a cornerstone of classical dance education and performance. Dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dancers ages 7–19, Michigan Ballet Company offers exceptional training and the opportunity to perform in professionally staged, full-length classical ballets.

Each season, the company presents two major productions at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Clinton Township, bringing beloved ballets to life for thousands of audience members. With a mission rooted in mentorship, artistry, and accessibility, the company welcomes dancers from studios throughout Michigan.

Through its commitment to cultivating talent and enriching the cultural landscape, Michigan Ballet Company fosters both technical excellence and artistic growth while contributing meaningfully to the performing arts community across Southeast Michigan and beyond. The company is proud to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Michigan Arts & Culture Council, and the Anton Art Center in Mount Clemens.

From its humble beginnings to its current standing as a premier youth ballet company, Michigan Ballet Company remains committed to excellence in classical dance education, inspiring audiences, and shaping the next generation of artists.

OUR BELIEFS

CULTIVATE. INSPIRE. EDUCATE. CREATE. NURTURE.

Cultivating Artists. Inspiring Audiences. Enriching Ballet in Michigan.

At the Michigan Ballet Company, we believe in the power of classical ballet to shape not only skilled performers, but confident, compassionate, and creative individuals. As Michigan’s premier pre-professional youth ballet company, our core values guide every rehearsal, performance, and interaction.

  • At the Michigan Ballet Company, to cultivate means more than just training dancers-it means nurturing potential from the inside out. We foster discipline, artistry, and personal growth in every rehearsal, class, and performance opportunity. Whether on stage or in the studio, our dancers are guided to grow not only in technique, but in confidence, character, and connection to their craft.

  • At the Michigan Ballet Company, to inspire is to spark imagination, passion, and purpose—on stage and beyond.


    We believe in the transformative power of performance. Through high-quality, full-length ballets, meaningful mentorship, and a commitment to excellence, we ignite a lifelong love of the arts in both our dancers and our audiences. Every step, every story, and every stage moment is a chance to uplift, connect, and inspire.

  • At the Michigan Ballet Company, to educate means equipping our dancers with a deep understanding of classical ballet while also enlightening audiences about its beauty, history, and relevance.

    We believe in educating not just dancers, but audiences—making ballet accessible, inclusive, and community-centered. As a nonprofit organization, we are committed to enriching Michigan’s cultural landscape and providing opportunities for dancers of all backgrounds to shine.

    Our mission is not just to produce beautiful ballets—but to develop artists of integrity, elevate the standard of youth ballet, and serve as a vital cultural resource in our region.

  • At the Michigan Ballet Company, to create is to bring stories to life with passion, precision, and purpose. From original choreography to reimagined classics, we offer dancers the opportunity to be part of something imaginative and meaningful. Creativity is woven into every rehearsal and performance, encouraging dancers to express themselves artistically while contributing to a shared vision that captivates and connects.

  • At the Michigan Ballet Company, to nurture is to support the whole artist-mind, body, and spirit. We foster a compassionate, encouraging environment where dancers feel seen, valued, and empowered to grow. Through mentorship, community, and care, we cultivate resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love of the arts in every dancer who walks through our doors.

  • A ballerina and a male dancer performing a dance pose in a dark studio, with the female dancer on pointe in a black tutu, extended leg, and arms, supported by the male dancer.

    CULTIVATE

    We believe in nurturing the whole dancer-technically, artistically, and personally. Through training, mentorship, and meaningful stage experience, we prepare young dancers for success in both the arts and life.

  • Theatre stage with a Disney's Frozen-themed backdrop, actors in costume, and an audience wearing glowing headbands.

    INSPIRE

    We believe in the transformative power of performance. By presenting high-quality, full-length ballets, we strive to engage and uplift our audiences, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.

  • Audience of young adults listening attentively at an event in a dark auditorium.

    EDUCATE

    We educate both dancers and audiences-making ballet accessible, inclusive, and rooted in community.
    Our mission is to develop artists of integrity, elevate youth ballet, and serve as a cultural resource for our region.

  • Stage performance of children in colorful Christmas costumes, with adults in formal attire, in a decorated winter holiday scene.

    CREATE

    We aim to bring stories to life with passion, precision, and purpose. From original works to reimagined classics, we offer dancers the chance to be part of something imaginative and meaningful-where creativity, expression, and collaboration unite to captivate audiences and foster artistic growth.

  • Ballet dancers in blue leotards sitting on the floor and talking

    NURTURE

    We believe in nurturing the whole artist-mind, body, and spirit by fostering a compassionate and encouraging environment where dancers feel seen, valued, and empowered to grow.