Indiana Ballet Theatre

About Us

Indiana Ballet Theatre proudly offers dance lessons and various programming at three studios within the Northwest Indiana region -- Merrillville, Valparaiso and Demotte. Our resident company and school have had several locations during the past 36 years. We have had a wonderful journey sharing dance for nearly four decades!

We are the only dance company in NW Indiana to bring over nine full length classical ballets to the local residents: Thumbelina, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Coppelia, Cinderella, Firebird, Gaite Parisianne and Peter Pan under the directions of Founder and Ballet Artistic Director, Gloria Tuohy, MDE.

We also have a strong presence in the modern dance world. Under the direction of Modern/Contemporary Artistic Director, Amanda Tuohy CDE, the dancers have performed an eclectic repertoire including hip-hop and tap to sold-out theaters for many years.

At IBT, we are proud to go beyond the traditional dance school model. We have scholarships that offer financial assistance for families to be able to afford their children the gift of dance. We partner with various community organizations to encourage a vibrant community in support of the arts.

Our mission to transform lives and enrich the community has laid the foundation for our biggest project - the Classical Arts Centre - in Crown Point, Indiana. We are renovating a 20,000 square foot neglected historic landmark: the former three-story Sanatorium Nurses Home in Crown Point, to create this community arts center and surrounding grounds and gardens, spearheaded by IBT founder Gloria Tuohy.

The campus plan for Classical Arts Centre will be a cultural and community gathering place for performing arts and culture in Northwest Indiana. Its shared working and creative space will include a black box theatre, studio spaces, leased space to artists and arts organizations, retail space for a small café, and dance attire, public gardens and sculptures, and much more. With your support, IBT, artists and art organizations will have the opportunity to impact students and our community. We will all witness the benefits for years to come; through the development of our children, the enrichment of our citizens, and the restoration of a grand historic building.

Highly Recommended

"Great place!!"

Highly Recommended

"Intelligent , diverse , Knowledgeable, Dance Science educated , Certified RPM principles of..." Read more "Intelligent , diverse , Knowledgeable, Dance Science educated , Certified RPM principles of movement!!"

Hip Hop Dance Classes

We teach hip hop dance classes in Merrillville and DeMotte studios.

Youth Classes

We at IBT teach from age 3 to adult in all forms of dance. Summer sessions coming up June 21st - July 10th, July 12th - 16th Kids Camp; July 19th...

Modern Dance Classes

We offer modern dance classes in Merrillville.

Highly Recommended

"Sincerely a good person and recognizes businesses for what they do."

"Good products and nice people."

Recent Activity

Gloria from Indiana Ballet Theatre Answered this on August 21, 2022

staff need a raise and we need to spend more on marketing. We are still growing back from COVID so it is tough (more) staff need a raise and we need to spend more on marketing. We are still growing back from COVID so it is tough

1 Reply

Gloria from Indiana Ballet Theatre Answered this on October 24, 2021

We have Sales Force but it is hard to manage, so we now have Network for Good. (more) We have Sales Force but it is hard to manage, so we now have Network for Good.

Gloria from Indiana Ballet Theatre Answered this on February 28, 2021

The difference it would make to us (a non-profit organization) is that we would just employ less younger teachers that are in training. Most of our staff earn from $15-$35 an hour but we have students in training that need that training and earn approx $7.50-$10 an hour. A minimum of $15 would... (more) The difference it would make to us (a non-profit organization) is that we would just employ less younger teachers that are in training. Most of our staff earn from $15-$35 an hour but we have students in training that need that training and earn approx $7.50-$10 an hour. A minimum of $15 would not able us to keep our training program.

Gloria from Indiana Ballet Theatre Answered this on November 10, 2020

We have been forgiven, just had to use what we were given for what we applied for and by a certain date; this was done. (more) We have been forgiven, just had to use what we were given for what we applied for and by a certain date; this was done.

Gloria from Indiana Ballet Theatre Answered this on September 24, 2020

I am renovating a historic structure donated to our 501c3 organization, we need over 1 mil. Went to a business expo - across from me was a loan company that will come up with the funding, I would never have met him but for the networking of the expo. (more) I am renovating a historic structure donated to our 501c3 organization, we need over 1 mil. Went to a business expo - across from me was a loan company that will come up with the funding, I would never have met him but for the networking of the expo.

Gloria from Indiana Ballet Theatre Answered this on September 10, 2020

We are a non-profit dance school and ballet company, it is important to meet people in person as we are also renovating a historic structure. I have masked up and met outside at coffee shops, I may not have done as much of the one on one if it were not for COVID. I find people are amazed that... (more) We are a non-profit dance school and ballet company, it is important to meet people in person as we are also renovating a historic structure. I have masked up and met outside at coffee shops, I may not have done as much of the one on one if it were not for COVID. I find people are amazed that we are still moving forward with all our projects and are want to help.

Gloria from Indiana Ballet Theatre Answered this on April 23, 2020

There is always someone else in more need it seems. Our Zoom classes are going well but for the little tykes. Board meetings also going well at a time when there is not much they can do for us. What we are doing is more messages but not much help so far. Did receive the Cares program so hope... (more) There is always someone else in more need it seems. Our Zoom classes are going well but for the little tykes. Board meetings also going well at a time when there is not much they can do for us. What we are doing is more messages but not much help so far. Did receive the Cares program so hope all are applying if a non-profit.

Gloria from Indiana Ballet Theatre Answered this on June 09, 2019

Cross Road Chamber events (more) Cross Road Chamber events

Gloria from Indiana Ballet Theatre Answered this on February 28, 2019

Go to chamber luncheons and things of that nature and get to know people better and they can get to know you. You did not say what your strengths are, everyone has them. Do you make things, are you technology minded, finances? think about what you do best and use that to show people your... (more) Go to chamber luncheons and things of that nature and get to know people better and they can get to know you. You did not say what your strengths are, everyone has them. Do you make things, are you technology minded, finances? think about what you do best and use that to show people your strengths. You will gain confidence as you meet people on a regular basis and make some friends. Maybe working for your local Chamber of Commerce?

Gloria from Indiana Ballet Theatre Answered this on January 25, 2019

I agree with Sofi's answer. Did anyone talk about them when they made any type of decision in life? I would just hold your head high and act like you have won a million dollars, give them something else to talk about. Be proud and don't let narrow minded people effect you - keep doing what you... (more) I agree with Sofi's answer. Did anyone talk about them when they made any type of decision in life? I would just hold your head high and act like you have won a million dollars, give them something else to talk about. Be proud and don't let narrow minded people effect you - keep doing what you do best - you have one life and its yours!

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