Birmingham, AL (May 23rd, 2023) – Alabama Ballet is thrilled to announce the appointment of Christopher Stuart as its new Artistic Director. With a distinguished career as a dancer, choreographer, and educator, Stuart brings a wealth of experience and artistic vision to lead the state’s premiere professional ballet company. This announcement comes after the official retirement of former Artistic Director Tracey Alvey who served the company for sixteen years.
Christopher Stuart, originally from Sandy Hook, CT, graduated in 2002 from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Following graduation, he joined Nashville Ballet, where he was featured in works by renowned choreographers. In 2018, after 16 years as a principal dancer, he was named Resident Choreographer of Nashville Ballet. Stuart’s vast experience as a dancer and performer helped him articulate his choreographic voice through improvisation and exploration of different forms of movement. He has created works for Nashville Ballet, Ballet Arkansas, Chattanooga Ballet, National Choreographic Initiative, and Charlotte Ballet. Stuart first worked with Charlotte Ballet in early 2020 when he choreographed a piece for its Innovative Works repertoire show, which drew inspiration from the Mint Museum’s installation of Immersed in Light by studio DRIFT. Following the success of that collaboration, Hope Muir hired Stuart – then Resident Choreographer of Nashville Ballet – to be Program Director of Charlotte Ballet II, the Ballet’s second company, and Rehearsal Director for the main company. In summer of 2021, Charlotte Ballet appointed Stuart as interim artistic director, which he served until May of 2022 before being promoted to Director, Charlotte Ballet II.
As Artistic Director of Alabama Ballet, Christopher will curate a diverse and compelling repertoire, selecting ballet productions that showcase both classical masterpieces and contemporary works. He will provide artistic leadership, guide dancers to reach their full potential, collaborate with renowned choreographers, and foster relationships with the local community, educational institutions, and other arts organizations, ensuring the continued growth and success of the company. Christopher is eager to begin his role for the 23/24 Season commenting:
“Under my stewardship, my hopes and ambitions are to continue implementing our mission of changing lives through dance by promoting and fostering the development of classical and contemporary ballet through high quality performances, dance education, and community outreach. It is up to us and as a company to be a driving force with supporting changes in the ballet world. We can show our community that we are transforming ballet for everyone, and we will continue to nourish, educate, and promote new artistic voices.”
Alabama Ballet is excited to welcome Christopher and his family to the organization and to the Birmingham community.
