Indianapolis Ballet Names Michael Vernon as Interim Artistic Director for Remainder of 2025-26 Season

Indianapolis Ballet (IB) is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Vernon as Interim Artistic Director. A distinguished figure in the international dance community and longtime faculty member at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Vernon will lead the company through the conclusion of its landmark 2025-26 season.

Vernon steps into the role during a season that celebrates both the 20th anniversary of the Indianapolis School of Ballet and the organization’s deep commitment to the neoclassical legacy of George Balanchine. His first major undertaking will be overseeing the highly anticipated January production, Ethereal Blue to Fiery Red, at the Tobias Theater at Newfields.

"I am inspired to be working alongside Michael Vernon for the remainder of this season. He brings a fresh perspective to our organization, and encouragement to our professional dancers for our continued success.  His vision for Indianapolis Ballet will strengthen both the dancers' artistry and technique while growing our audience," mentions Kristin Toner, Assistant Artistic Director.

A Legacy of Excellence

Michael Vernon brings decades of world-class experience to Indianapolis Ballet. Trained at the Royal Ballet School in London under legends such as Dame Ninette de Valois and Leonide Massine, Vernon performed with the Royal Ballet, the Royal Opera Ballet, and London Festival Ballet.

In 1976, he moved to New York where he joined the Eglevsky Ballet as Ballet Master and Resident Choreographer under the directorship of André Eglevsky himself. He served as the Assistant Director to Edward Villela and eventually serving as its Artistic Director from 1989 to 1996. His choreographic credits include commissions from Mikhail Baryshnikov for American Ballet Theatre (ABT) and works for companies ranging from BalletMet, Hong Kong Ballet, to the West Australian Ballet. As a teacher, he has worked with the world’s most prestigious companies and dancers, including American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Dance Theatre of Harlem.

“I am excited to work with the dancers of Indianapolis Ballet and help them develop their artistry and expertise to its fullest potential,” stated Michael Vernon, Interim Artistic Director.

Alignment with the Balanchine Tradition

Indianapolis Ballet is proud to be one of the professional companies in the United States authorized by The George Balanchine Trust to present works by the "father of American ballet." Having taught and coached many dancers from the New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and other prestigious professional companies throughout the United States, Vernon possesses a love and understanding of the speed, precision, and musicality required by the Balanchine technique.

January Highlight: Ethereal Blue to Fiery Red

Audiences are invited to experience the full spectrum of dance at the Tobias Theater at Newfields from January 30 – February 1, 2026. This production serves as a powerful testament to the company’s artistic range and fully encapsulates the organization’s mission. Kyra Nichols, Violette Verdy and Kathy Ziliak Anderson Chair in Ballet and professor of music, ballet at the Indiana University of Jacobs School of Music (and George Balanchine Trust Repetiteur), staged both Serenade and Valse-Fantaisie for the company. This production features:

● Waltz of the Hours: A special performance by the Indianapolis School of Ballet, honoring the school's 20th anniversary, with choreography by Jacqueline Hodek.

● George Balanchine’s Serenade: The first ballet Balanchine created in America, for students of the School of American Ballet. Performed in signature blue costumes against a luminous backdrop, this sweeping masterpiece is a milestone of 20th-century dance.

● George Balanchine’s Valse-Fantaisie: A fast, light, and perpetually moving work set to the music of Mikhail Glinka.

● Francis Veyette’s premiere of Bolero: au Fou: An electrifying, high-intensity finale set to Maurice Ravel’s iconic score, representing the "Fiery Red" of the evening's title.

Performance Schedule at the Tobias Theater at Newfields:

● Friday, January 30, 2026 | 7:30 PM

● Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 7:30 PM

● Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 3:00 PM

Tickets are on sale now at www.indyballet.org/blue-red.