About Ballet Memphis

For almost 40 years Ballet Memphis has aspired to reveal and celebrate the human experience through dance and movement. As one of America’s 50 largest ballet companies, Ballet Memphis enjoys a distinctive reputation for not only interpreting and performing the classics of the canon, but also producing new, contemporary works representing the best of dance by dynamic, emerging storytellers in the 21^st century. As one of the cornerstones of the city’s cultural and civic capital, Ballet Memphis challenges itself to continuously create programming that is high-quality, relevant, and accessible to its diverse stakeholder audiences.

The American Music Project (AMP)

Nestled in the birthplace of rock and roll, Ballet Memphis has built an inspiring repertoire of contemporary ballet that is deeply connected to the music of Memphis, and beyond. Through movement, we translate the rhythms, stories, and spirit of our soundscape into dynamic, unforgettable performances.

Why This Project Matters

American music is a cultural powerhouse—shaped by history, innovation, and diverse voices. Ballet, when reimagined through the lens of these genres, becomes an electrifying and accessible experience that transcends tradition. AMP challenges expectations of what ballet can be, offering audiences a fresh, visceral, and deeply resonant way to experience the music we all know and love.

What We Do

Ballet Memphis commissions visionary choreographers to create original works inspired by the catalogs of iconic American musicians and the genres that define our nation—jazz, blues, rock, country, folk, hip-hop, and beyond. These works are not just performances; they are immersive storytelling experiences, blending movement and music to capture the soul of America.

With every performance, we:

• Reimagine dance through the rhythms, phrasing, and energy of American music
• Engage new audiences by making ballet more immediate, relevant, and thrilling
• Build a world-class touring repertory that is marketable on a national and international stage
• Create meaningful artistic collaborations with musicians, designers, and cultural institutions
• Move beyond cliches and nostalgia to respect the rich, layered influence of cultural identities