History

Central Indiana Dance Ensemble was founded in 1999 by artistic director, Suzann DeLay. The company is committed to providing cultural and educational enrichment to the central Indiana community. The company provides an environment for aspiring young dancers to learn, practice and perform in a pre-professional atmosphere, in a variety of dance forms. The company has been fortunate to work with such choreographers and teachers as William Lark, Richard Rein, Svetlana Cravtova, Gregory Hancock, Heidi Eads and Zhanna Snitsynia.

Annually, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble performs a full-length production of The Nutcracker. Students from all over central Indiana participate with company members to comprise a cast of over 100 dancers. We continue to offer performances to area Girls Scouts and other children's organizations as well as complimentary performances of The Nutcracker to children from the inner-city schools. A repertory concert is presented in mid-winter, showcasing the Senior and Apprentice dancers. The company also presents a full-length spring production, which in the past have included such favorites as Cinderella, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and Coppélia. Promoting the arts through ongoing outreach programs provides the members of Central Indiana Dance Ensemble the opportunity to give back to the community.

In 2006, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble received Honor status. Members of Central Indiana Dance Ensemble have been accepted to many of the top summer intensives, some attending on partial or full scholarship. Graduates of the company are dancing with Nashville Ballet, Butler Ballet, Indiana University and Ballet Met.