About Us

Lake Erie Ballet Company (LEBC) is a nonprofit ballet company in Erie, Pennsylvania, dedicated to providing high-quality performance, training, and mentorship opportunities for dancers throughout Erie County and the surrounding region.

Founded in 1957 as Erie Civic Ballet, Lake Erie Ballet Company has a long tradition of bringing dancers, educators, artists, and local organizations together through the performing arts. LEBC welcomes dancers from local studios and diverse training backgrounds, creating an inclusive and inspiring environment where young artists can grow, collaborate, and experience what it means to participate in a professional-style ballet production.

Through auditions, rehearsals, community performances, and educational opportunities, dancers gain firsthand experience working alongside professionals throughout the performing arts industry, including:

• Artistic directors
• Rehearsal directors
• Professional dancers and actors
• Costume designers
• Lighting designers
• Stage and backstage technicians
• Other performing arts professionals

At the heart of Lake Erie Ballet Company's mission is the belief that dancers grow through both exceptional instruction and meaningful performance experiences. Participants develop artistry, confidence, discipline, teamwork, stage experience, and a deeper understanding of the many people and professions that bring a live theatrical production to life.

Each year, this experience culminates in one of Erie's most beloved holiday traditions: Erie's Nutcracker at the historic Warner Theatre. Through this annual production and LEBC's additional performances and community programs, Lake Erie Ballet Company continues to celebrate local talent, expand access to the performing arts, and help inspire the next generation of dancers in the Erie community.