The Louisville Ballet Dances Through The Louisville Zoo

By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos by Kathryn Harrington, Matt Johnson, and Antonio Pantoja 

What do ballerinas and zoo animals have in common? More than you might think. In this unique editorial, we brought together dancers from the Louisville Ballet and the incredible animals of the Louisville Zoo to capture a playful intersection of strength, beauty, and curiosity. Set against the zoo’s natural backdrops, the shoot highlights the unexpected harmony between two very different kinds of performers, one trained in choreography, the other simply being themselves. 

Ballet dancers are often seen as delicate, but don’t let the tutus fool you, they’re serious athletes! It takes years of training, discipline, and physical endurance to move with that kind of control and grace. They’re performance artists and premier athletes rolled into one. Placing them in this wild setting helped emphasize both their power and poise in a new way, standing strong alongside the zoo’s most impressive residents. 

We’re grateful to the Louisville Zoo and the Louisville Ballet for saying yes to this creative idea and helping bring it to life. And a special thanks to J Michael’s Spa & Salon for the hair and makeup that kept our dancers looking polished throughout the shoot. 

Go Behind the Scenes—Meet the Animals 

WE’RE ALSO INVITING YOU TO EXPERIENCE THE ZOO LIKE NEVER BEFORE! 

Join the Zoo for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Learn about the importance of the Zoo’s conservation work, how our dedicated keeper staff care for the Zoo’s animals and get VIP access to areas not available to the public. 

Each Backstage Pass Experience is approximately 45 minutes and includes a guided cart tour with an experienced Zoo staff member, a visit to the Zoo’s Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center*, a behind-the-scenes visit to one of the Zoo’s animal areas, and an up-close experience with Zoo animals and their care team. This program is for ages 6 and up, and all children ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult with a separate ticket. 

*Visit to Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center is not included in Sloth Experience. 

Featured Animal Friends: 

Two-Toed Sloth • Rhino • Penguin • Seals & Sea Lions • Red Panda 

Come celebrate beauty, strength, and the wild—right here in Louisville. 

Click Here to learn more about backstage passes.

ALEKSANDR Q. SCHROEDER

Aleksandr Q. Schroeder started his ballet training at the age of 3 at Anderson Young Ballet Theater. In 2014 he was asked to be a part of the Anderson University dance program, which he was with until he graduated high school in 2016, during which he had the opportunity to perform at The Kennedy Center in Washington DC. After that, he joined Nashville Ballet’s Second Company where he trained and performed for two years before being promoted to Company Apprentice. In 2019 he joined Louisville Ballet. In his time at Louisville Ballet, he has performed the roles of The Nutcracker Prince in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Gurn in La Sylphide, Peasant Pas De Deux in Giselle, and The Bluebird in Adam Hougland’s Sleeping Beauty. He has also gotten his degree in Business Administration with the hopes of continuing to work more with arts nonprofit organizations after he retires from dancing.

WALLABIES FROM THE WALLAROO WALKABOUT

The Wallaroo Walkabout at the Louisville Zoo is a free, interactive exhibit where visitors can walk a designated path and interact with wallaroos, wallabies, and other Australian animals. You’ll see a mob of wallaroos and red-necked wallabies up close.

ALEXANDER KINGMA 

Alexander began his ballet training when he was 17 at the Lafayette Ballet School in Lafayette, Indiana, under the direction of Sandra Peticolas and Lisa Douglas. From there, he pursued a B.A. in Dance Performance at Ball State University, studying under Vladimir Stadnik (ballet), Audra Sokol and Susan Koper (modern), as well as Christie Zimmerman and Michael Worcel (jazz). Additionally, he participated in Ball State Dance Theatre, the performing company, for all four years of study. 

Alexander then moved to Louisville for the first time, where he completed the then two-year trainee program under the artistic direction of Robert Curran. Upon completion of the program, he danced professionally with Ballet Quad Cities (Artistic Director Courtney Lyon) for two years, where he danced roles such as Billy in Billy the Kid and the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland. He then moved on to Central Illinois Ballet (Artistic Director Rebekah von Rathonyi) in Peoria, where he was principal dancer for four years. During his time at CIB, he danced roles such as Prince Charming (as well as a stepsister!) in Cinderella, the titular role in Dracula, Antoni in Sweeney Todd, and the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. 

Having returned to Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2023, he is thrilled to begin the 2025-2026 Season! 

KOOKABURRA 

Follow the path to Wallaroo Walkabout, and just nearby, you’ll encounter the unmistakable call of the kookaburra. Known for its loud, laughter-like call that echoes through the trees, the kookaburra is a true icon of the Australian outback. Its iconic call sounds like loud, echoing laughter—and it’s actually used to establish territory and communicate with family members, especially at dawn and dusk! 

AMBER WICKEY 

Amber Wickey is originally from Tenafly, New Jersey, where she began her dance training at Nunnbetter Dance Theater under the direction of Leath Nunn. She graduated from Butler University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Pedagogy. After dancing with the Louisville Ballet Studio Company for two years, she joined the Company in 2022. 

Amber has enjoyed performing a variety of works with the company, from classical ballet to contemporary. Some of her favorite roles include the pas de trois in George Balanchine’s Emeralds, a soloist in Dysart Award winner Anne Jung’s original work #fourwithsix, Confidence Fairy in Adam Hougland’s Sleeping Beauty, Dawn in Robert Curran’s Coppélia, Marie in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, and Spring Fairy in Alun Jones’ Cinderella. Amber has also enjoyed dancing in Robert Curran’s Swan Lake and La Sylphide, George Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony, Alun Jones’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet, Andi Schermoly’s Appalachian Spring and original work Limbic, Adam Hougland’s Cold Virtues, Ching Ching Wong’s original work 502, and Stephan Mills’ Light/ The Holocaust and Humanity Project. 

When Amber is not dancing, she can be found teaching at The Louisville Ballet School or relaxing with her cats and a good book. Amber is excited to continue bringing dance to the Louisville community! 

MASAI GIRAFFE 

Found in the Africa zone at the Louisville Zoo, Male giraffes grow to be 15 – 18 feet tall and weigh 1,200 – 1,800 pounds. They also have a massive heart (approximately two feet long and 25 pounds in adults) and extremely high blood pressure, which is necessary to force blood up the seven or eight-foot path to the brain. 

ANNA FORD 

Anna Ford is originally from Lilburn, Georgia. She began her training at the Northeast Atlanta Ballet. After graduating, Anna moved from her hometown to Louisville to join the Studio Company in 2020. While training in the Studio Company for three years, Anna enjoyed performing roles alongside the Company in their productions. Some of these include Cygnet in Robert Curran’s Swan Lake, Marie in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Autumn Fairy in Alun Jones’ Cinderella, Robert Curran’s Coppélia, Alun Jones’ Violin Concerto, George Balanchine’s Emeralds, Adam Hougland’s Sleeping Beauty, and George Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony. Anna was honored to join Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2023. 

PENGUIN COVE 

Little Penguin Conservation Center 

The Paul Ogle Foundation, Inc. 

This tropical exhibit will introduce you to a species of penguin that arrived at the Louisville Zoo in 2016 — little penguins! Penguin Cove allows guests the opportunity to observe the penguins’ social and natural behaviors in an expansive outdoor exhibit area that will transport you to the rocky sand-filled coasts of Australia. 

Waddle on over for an up-close encounter with one of the Zoo’s resident penguins and get a rare peek into how the Zoo’s team cares for the colony behind the scenes! This tour includes an exclusive opportunity to visit the Zoo’s Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center. 

ASHLEY THURSBY 

Ashley grew up in Richmond, Missouri and received her formal training at age nine from the Kansas City Ballet School on full scholarship. After spending her senior year as an Apprentice with KCB she went on to study Ballet and Journalism through Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. There she had the privilege of being coached by Violette Verdy, Cynthia Gregory, Helen Starr, Michael Vernon, and Deborah Wingert, and was awarded the Friends of Music Scholarship and the National Society of Arts and Letters award. 

In 2008 Ashley joined Louisville Ballet and enjoys dancing in the classics as well as new works by Ma Cong, Tim Harbour, Adam Hougland, Andrea Schermoly, Amy Seiwert, and Ching Ching Wong. So far, her favorite experiences on the KPA stage have been the role of Ballerina in Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, Soloist in George Balanchine’s Rubies, and as The Sugar Plum Fairy in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. 

Ashley is a passionate advocate for the power performance art gives to a community, and has collaborated with Filson Historical Society, Kentucky Foundation for Women, Louisville Free Public Library, 21c Museum Hotel, and Kentucky Refugee Ministries. After a day of dancing, Ashley enjoys spending time with her daughter Astrid as well as encouraging lifelong learning through managing and teaching within Louisville Ballet School’s mind. body. balance. Adult Division. 

MACAWS 

The Louisville Zoo trail in the Island Exhibit is open year-round and features a variety of beautiful birds. pictured here are the lovely blue Hyacinth Macaw “Saphira” (4 years old) and the Vibrant Red Green Winged Macaw “FIG” (19 years Old). The Bird trail features 23 species and 46 birds flying around in a beautiful and lush setting.

BRIENNE WILTSIE 

Brienne Wiltsie grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and danced professionally with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s company for two seasons after training in both their high school and graduate training programs. Favorite memories of performing in her hometown include Swan Lake and Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs. Her love of being on stage then brought Brienne to Louisville, where she enjoyed performing with Louisville Ballet for two seasons (2009- 2011). 

This year marks the beginning of Brienne’s 15th year teaching in The Louisville Ballet School (2011-present). She feels incredibly fortunate to work with the Pre-Professional students and the Louisville Ballet Youth Ensemble. Brienne also became a certified Pilates instructor since moving to Kentucky, and whether teaching or practicing, she loves being involved in Louisville’s Pilates community. 

Brienne returned as a Company Dancer during the 2018-2019 Season under the artistic direction of Robert Curran. She has treasured every minute of being able to perform in both classical and new works, and is especially grateful for the opportunity to take on the role of Odette in Robert Curran’s Swan Lake, Russian Girl in George Balanchine’s Serenade, and the principal lady in Jerome Robbins’ In G Major. 

TWO-TOED SLOTH 

Sunnie is the Louisville Zoo’s other female Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth. She is four years old. Are you ready to meet one? 

CAITLIN KOWALSKI 

Caitlin started dancing in Radcliff, Kentucky. She was inspired by her teachers who were Louisville Ballet alumni and attended The Louisville Ballet School summer intensive in 2014. She attended the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts in 2016 as a dance major, and then joined De La Dance Center in Cincinnati as a trainee. In 2017 she returned to Kentucky as part of Louisville Ballet’s trainee program, now known as Studio Company, and was invited to join the Company in 2021. 

Since coming to Louisville, she has had the privilege to perform roles such as a demi soloist in Balanchine’s Serenade; Pas De Trois in Balanchine’s Emeralds; The Sylph in La Sylphide; Marie, Rose, and divertissement in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker; Ching Ching Wong’s Grass is Green; and Adam Hougland’s Cold Virtues. 

When not at ballet, she enjoys spending time outdoors, and cuddling with her two cats, Milo and Stanley, and her dog Leroy! 

DROMEDARY CAMEL 

Known as the ships of the desert, the Louisville Zoo offers a camel ride experience for guests from March to October. 

DANIEL SCOFIELD

Daniel Scofield joined Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2022. His stage appearances have included: Romeo in Alun Jones’ Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker and Sugar Plum Cavalier in The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, an Ugly Stepsister in Alun Jones’ Cinderella, Hilarion in Giselle, and a featured dancer in original works by Andrea Schermoly, Ching Ching Wong, and Adam Hougland. 

A Louisville native, Daniel began his performing arts training at the Oldham County School’s Arts Center. He attended Butler University where he graduated Cum Laude in 2021, receiving a B.S. in Dance/Arts Administration and a Minor in Business. While at Butler, Daniel appeared in The Firebird, The Nutcracker, and The Sleeping Beauty as well as in works by Paul Taylor, Gerald Arpino, and Patrick de Bana.

Daniel teaches multiple styles of dance in the Louisville area and choreographs for local musical theatre productions. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and kayaking, and he loves playing with his dog and cat.

MANED WOLF

Sadie the Maned Wolf passed earlier this year. Sadie’s life was a testament to resilience and innovation. In 2016, her zookeeperspartnered with experts, including AZA Maned Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP) nutritionist Dr. Cheryl Morris and canine diet specialist Karla Haas of Rudy Green’s Doggy Cuisine, to create “Sadie’s Stew,” a specialized diet tailored to her needs. This groundbreaking formula not only improved Sadie’s health but also became a model for maned wolf care in several AZA-accredited zoos across North America. 

“She leaves a lasting legacy through her contributions to science, her offspring, and in the hearts of all who cared for her. We encourage Zoo fans to follow our social media channels and website for the latest announcements about the future of maned wolves at the Louisville Zoo.” - Louisville Zoo

ELEANOR PRINCE

Raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Eleanor (Ellie) Prince trained in the Louisville Ballet School from the earliest childhood programs all the way through the Pre-Professional Division, then performed as a Trainee with the company. She continued her training at StanfordUniversity under Alex Ketley and Anton Pankevich and graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, graduate studies in Robotics, and recognition for leadership in the arts and ballet. She is also a 2024 alumna of The School at Jacob’s Pillow, where she performed in world premieres by choreographers Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Silas Farley. 

She joined Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2023, where her repertoire has included the Sugar Plum Fairy and ArabianDivertissement in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Third Shade in La Bayadère, Giselle, Raymonda, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, Napoli, Balanchine’s Rubies, and Adam Hougland’s Cold Virtues, as well as works by Stephen Mills, Andrea Schermoly, Lucas Jervies, and Ching Ching Wong.

LEMURS

Lemurs are one of the first animals that Louisville Zoo guests encounter when entering, located across from the Conservation Carousel.

ELIZABETH ABBICK 

Originally from Overland Park, KS, Elizabeth (Ellie) Abbick began her dance training at Legacy School of the Arts. She continued her education at Butler University on the Presidential Scholarship, performing soloist roles in works such as Gerald Arpino’s Viva Vivaldi, Paul Taylor’s Piazzolla Caldera, and George Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments, as well as Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. 

She graduated magna cum laude in 2018 with a BFA in Dance Performance with highest honors and a minor in Mathematics. She completed the University Honors Program, writing a thesis discussing the importance of K-12 arts funding. Ellie danced as a trainee and in the Studio Company of Louisville Ballet for three seasons before joining Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2022. Her favorite performances at Louisville Ballet include dancing The Survivor in Stephen Mills’ Light / The Holocaust and Humanity Project, Scots Lady in George Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony, Effie in La Sylphide, Dawn in Robert Curran’s Coppélia, Alun Jones’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Liebestraume, and Cinderella, Ching Ching Wong’s Grass is Green and 502, Andrea Schermoly’s Rite of Spring, Adam Hougland’s Romeo + Juliet, and The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. Ellie is looking forward to her fourth season as a Company Artist! 

SNAKE-NECKED TURTLE 

This exclusive encounter features a snake-necked turtle named Sammy, which can be seen in the Louisville Zoo’s Herp Aquarium. 

JORDAN NOBLETT

A proud native of Gastonia, North Carolina, Jordan Noblett began dancing at Gaston Dance Theatre and Open Door Studios. In 2018, she continued her training at Kansas City Ballet School for two years, where she had the opportunity to perform Neapolitan in Devon Carney’s Swan Lake and original, award-winning works by Duncan Cooper and Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye at the Youth American Grand Prix. In 2020, Jordan joined Cincinnati Ballet as a Trainee, where she enjoyed performing and being featured in works by Amy Seiwert, Adam Hougland, and Victoria Morgan.

After dancing with Louisville Ballet for two seasons in the Studio Company, Jordan was promoted to Company Artist in 2023. While she has been with Louisville Ballet, she has had the privilege to perform the Pas de Trois in George Balanchine’s Emeralds, the Autumn Fairy in Alun Jones’ Cinderella, Nikiya in La Bayadere, among other works. Jordan is thrilled to continue sharing art with and for the Louisville community.

SNOW LEOPARD

Located near Tiger Taiga, the new snow leopard habitat will be sure to wow you! This new space offers our male snow leopards, Kimti and Meru, and female snow leopard, NeeCee, an engaging environment.

KHALIL JACKSON 

Khalil Jackson is from Georgia and joined Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2023. He has performed in works by Adam Hougland, Ching Ching Wong, Mikelle Bruzina, Alun Jones, and others, and performed roles such as the Cavalier in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. 

LORIKEET LANDING

Enjoy a real nose-to-beak experience as you stroll through this beautiful aviary, surrounded by brilliantly colored, friendly birds that will eat nectar right out of your hand! Nectar may be purchased at the exhibit for $2 per cup. 

LEIGH ANNE ALBRECHTA 

A proud native of Fremont, Ohio, Leigh Anne Albrechta started her ballet training at The Fremont Ballet School, Ballet Theatre of Toledo, and later studied at The Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts. Upon graduating, she danced with Charlotte Ballet for two years as a trainee and apprentice, earning the opportunity to work with Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Patricia McBride, Mark Diamond, and Dwight Rhoden. 

In 2009 Leigh Anne joined Louisville Ballet as a trainee and was hired into the company the following season. In her time with Louisville Ballet, she has enjoyed performing a range of classical and contemporary roles. Highlight performances include Juliet in Adam Hougland’s Romeo + Juliet, Aurora in Adam Hougland’s Sleeping Beauty, Valencienne in Ronald Hynd‘s The Merry Widow, Sugar Plum Fairy, Rose, and Marie in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, and Andrea Schermoly’s Limbic and Rite of Spring. She has also performed principal roles in Balanchine’s Serenade, Emeralds, and Kammermusik No.2. 

While at Louisville Ballet, she has been featured in works by Lucas Jervies, Andrea Schermoly, Tim Harbour, and previous Artistic Directors Robert Curran, Bruce Simpson, and Alun Jones. Leigh Anne was selected to dance with the Moving Arts Company in Kansas City and Cincinnati in the summer of 2022. She is extremely grateful for the continued support and generosity of the Louisville community. 

CHILEAN FLAMINGOS 

The Louisville Zoo has 89 Chilean Flamingos, which makes it one of the largest flocks or “Flamboyance” of Flamingos in North America 

LEXA DANIELS 

Originally from Stoneham, Massachusetts, Lexa began her dance training at the Northeast School of Ballet under the direction of Denise Cecere. She continued her education at the University of Utah, graduating magna cum laude with a BFA in ballet performance and minor in nutrition. Lexa began her professional career with Portland Ballet in Maine before joining Louisville Ballet as a trainee in 2014, and later as a Company Artist in 2016. A few of her favorite performances include Myrtha in Giselle, Rose and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, the Wife in Andrea Schermoly’s Appalachian Spring, the Lilac Fairy in Adam Hougland’s The Sleeping Beauty, and Nikiya in the Kingdom of the Shades in La Bayadère. 

In 2025 she was honored to perform as the Survivor in Stephen Mills’ production of Light: The Holocaust and Humanity Project. Lexa has also enjoyed her time dancing in ballets such as Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, George Balanchine’s Serenade, Square Dance, Concerto Barocco, Western Symphony, Scotch Symphony and Theme and Variations and Alun Jones’ Liebestraume. Lexa has also been seen as Hope in Coppélia, and the Queen and Guardian Swan in Swan Lake. Lexa is also a faculty member at The Louisville Ballet School, teaching in the Pre-Professional Program. 

MASAI GIRAFFE 

Found in the Africa zone at the Louisville Zoo, Male giraffes grow to be 15 – 18 feet tall and weigh 1,200 – 1,800 pounds. They also have a massive heart (approximately two feet long and 25 pounds in adults) and extremely high blood pressure, which is necessary to force blood up the seven or eight-foot path to the brain. 

MARK A. KRIEGER JR. 

Mark, a Virginia native, studied dance under Jefferson Baum at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. In 2004, Mark joined Ballet Tucson, where he danced for two seasons before joining Columbia City Ballet. He spent five years with the Columbia City Ballet as a Principal Dancer. Mark has been a member of Louisville Ballet since 2012. 

QANNIK POLAR BEAR 

Fourteen-year-old Qannik is one of the Louisville Zoo’s most famous animals. She is a wild-born rescue and came to Louisville when she was found alone on the North Slope in Alaska, having been separated from her mother at a vulnerable age. Qannik’s “selfie station” is a popular spot at the Zoo’s award-winning Glacier Run exhibit. 

SARAH BRADLEY 

Sarah Bradley grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she began her training with Cincinnati Ballet. After training in their academy, she joined the company as a Junior Trainee and was promoted to Trainee. She was later invited to join Cincinnati Ballet II, where she had the opportunity to work with Val Caniparoli, Septime Webre, and Jennifer Archibald. Sarah then joined City Ballet of San Diego as an Apprentice in 2018. In 2020, she joined Louisville Ballet as a Studio Company Dancer and she enjoyed roles such as Guardian Swan in Robert Curran’s Swan Lake and Rose in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. Sarah joined Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2022. 

BLACK VULTURE 

Black Vultures are found in various habitats, including deciduous forests and woodlands, and can live up to 20 years in captivity. They primarily eat carrion, but in captivity, they might be fed a bird of prey diet, mice, or chicks. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up animal carcasses and preventing the spread of disease. 

CALEB EMORY 

Caleb Emory comes from Corpus Christi, TX where he began his training with Corpus Christi Ballet under Cristina Munro (2009). He then moved to Houston to further his training with Houston Repertoire Ballet (2020). Caleb joined Louisville Ballet’s Studio Company after the 2022 Summer Intensive and is now a proud member of the Company. In his free time, he loves to play guitar and drums. He also loves to play different video games. His favorite ballets are Giselle, Don Quixote, and Cold Virtues. 

GRIZZLY BEAR 

Grizzly Bear “Otis” can be seen at the Louisville Zoo’s award-winning Glacier Run. Fourteen-year-old Otis is a wild-born and rescued bear from Montana. 

FLETCHER BARR 

Fletcher is from Owensboro, Kentucky and began dancing at age five. He decided to focus on ballet at nine years old, training and performing with Evansville Ballet, Ballet Indiana, and Owensboro Dance Theatre. In addition to attending summer intensives at Louisville Ballet and Indiana Ballet Conservatory, Fletcher has also trained at the Harid Conservatory, the Bolshoi Ballet summer intensive in New York, and toured in China with the Long Beach Ballet Summer Intensive. He graduated in 2024 from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ballet Performance. Here he performed roles in works by George Balanchine, Justin Peck, Dwight Rhoden, and Michael Vernon. Fletcher joined Louisville Ballet as a Company Artist in 2024. 

KOALA 

Koala Dharuk, Who has journeyed all the way from San Diego to join our Zoo family! It’s been a while since we last had the pleasure of hosting koalas, with our last sighting dating back to 2000. But fear not, because we’re thrilled to announce that this adorable marsupial is here to stay! 

JOEL MORIN-KENSICKI 

Joel Morin-Kensicki is from Chapel Hill, NC, and was excited to join the Louisville Ballet family as a Company Artist in 2024. His favorite ballets are Giselle, Manon, and Études. 

GRAY SEAL 

Meet Boone, a male Gray Seal at the Louisville Zoo. Born in 2004, from Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo, came to Louisville in May of 2018, and is the Father of Findbay! Louisville Zoo is currently offering a backstage pass to meet the Seals & Sea Lions 

NICHOLAS BRADLEY GRAY 

Nicholas Bradley Gray is thrilled to have accomplished so much in his first season as a Company Artist with Louisville Ballet. He has been honored to perform such roles as The Nutcracker Prince in The Brown-Forman Nutcracker and The Prince’s Friend in Cinderella. Nicholas hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he began his performing arts training at Milwaukee Ballet School and at First Stage Children’s Theater. Following his graduation from The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory, Nicholas attended Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Ballet with a minor in Theatre and Drama. Throughout his training Nicholas attended Summer Intensives at Pacific Northwest Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and Chautauqua Institution, among others. In 2018, Nicholas moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he was employed professionally as faculty at Grand Rapids Ballet School and at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s School of Theatre Arts, as a freelance Director/Choreographer for Collegiate and Community Theatres, and as a frequent Guest Artist with Grand Rapids Ballet. When not dancing, Nicholas and his husband Justin (Louisville Ballet’s new Music Manager) enjoy hosting elegant dinner parties in their Shelby Park home and planning their travels to Europe! They are looking forward to long and prosperous careers together at Louisville Ballet! 

RED PANDA 

Stop by on the way to Glacier Run and meet the Louisville Zoo’s Red Pandas. Red pandas are considered crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), sleeping up to 17 hours a day. They are avid climbers due to the habitat they are found in, and often sleep in trees during the daytime. Louisville Zoo is currently offering a backstage pass to meet the red Pandas 

NICHOLAS BENTZ 

Nicholas Bentz was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and continued his education at Butler University, receiving a BS in Dance Pedagogy. After school, he danced for two years in the Louisville Ballet Studio Company. Following his time in Louisville, he danced for two seasons with Indianapolis Ballet before returning to Louisville as a Company Artist in 2024. 

ORANGUTAN 

Bella is one of the Louisville Zoo’s female orangutans and can be seen in rotation with the other animals at the Zoo’s award-winning Island exhibits. She is almost 40 years old.