Victoria Lyras Concludes Transformative Tenure in Indianapolis, Leaving a Lasting Ballet Legacy

Victoria Lyras concludes a transformative chapter in Indianapolis, leaving behind an enduring legacy that has shaped the city’s cultural and civic landscape and elevated its standing in American ballet. For 23 years, Indianapolis was her home and the place where her vision to build a nationally respected ballet institution took root.

In August 2006, Lyras founded the Indianapolis School of Ballet, and in January 2018, she established the professional company, Indianapolis Ballet. Under her leadership, the School placed dancers in major companies across the United States, while Indianapolis Ballet brought exceptional performances to local audiences, including the annual tradition of The Nutcracker, works by George Balanchine, and acclaimed collaborations with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet.

Over a 19-year tenure, Lyras choreographed more than thirty original premieres and staged an additional ten works made possible by her personal and family resources, friends, and community benefactors. Her work was sustained by the generosity and belief of many partners, including the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, James Johnson, CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and Maestro Jack Everly.

She departs with gratitude for the city, artists, audiences, and supporters who believed in her vision for a professional ballet company.

“Indianapolis has been my artistic home for more than two decades, and I am deeply grateful to the dancers, families, collaborators, supporters, and audiences who made this work possible,” said Victoria Lyras. “I am proud of what we built together and excited to carry these experiences forward as I look toward new artistic endeavors.”

Recognized nationally for her artistic leadership and institution-building, Victoria Lyras leaves behind a legacy reflected in the dancers she trained, the works she created, and the cultural imprint she leaves on Indianapolis—an influence that will continue far beyond the city.