South Carolina Ballet
Founded as a civic ballet in 1961 under the direction of Ann Brodie, Columbia City Ballet presented its inaugural performance in 1962. William Starrett assumed the position of Artistic Director some 37 years ago, and the company has achieved many milestones under his directorship, presenting iconic productions like The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Swan Lake, and Coppelia. William Starrett’s visionary leadership transformed the civic troupe into a professional ballet company, expanding its reach through extensive touring and earning national acclaim.
In 1986, Starrett moved the ballet to its current Main Street home in the Columbia Conservatory of Dance building. Years of success prompted the rebranding to South Carolina Ballet, eliminating confusion with other cities named Columbia during tours. This evolution, while embracing the future, honors the company’s legacy and keeps its core values intact. The company continues to thrive, producing beloved classics as well as new works featuring a variety of choreographic styles and voices. As South Carolina Ballet, we invite all contributors, past and present, to join us in celebrating our rich history and exciting future.
Upcoming Performances
Motown Ballet, Feb 3rd, Koger Center
Snow White, March 16th, Koger Center
Elvis Ballet, April 13th, Koger Center
