Founded in 1969, NOBA is the Central Gulf region’s premiere presenting and service non-profit organization dedicated solely to the art of dance.
Mission:
New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) cultivates understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of dance through performance, education, and community service. Community Profile:
Dynamic programs and innovative strategies position NOBA as the leading dance presenting and service organization in Louisiana. Over 30,000 people are served annually through two programming arms:
• The Main Stage
05/29/2026
A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Gayle Benson and the Benson Automotive Group for having our dancers perform at the Porsche New Orleans grand opening this week.
We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of community leaders who champion the arts, and our dancers loved having the opportunity to share their artistry at this special event. Swipe through to see some highlights of our dancers in motion! 🩰✨
Photos by Jeff Strout
Senior Spotlight 🌟🎓
As we count down to our Spring Concert on May 17, we are thrilled to spotlight two more of our graduating seniors: Adeline and Blessing's! Both dancers have found a second home in our Pre-Professional Program and are currently planning to attend Xavier University this fall!
Adeline joined NOBA after a recommendation from her school teacher and has used the studio as a place to find grounding and focus. For Adeline, dance helps her manage ADHD and anxiety by allowing her to connect with her body and express her energy artistically. Outside of the studio, she interns in her school’s office and lab, which has helped prepare her for her goal of studying pre-med and biomedical engineering. One of her favorite memories was the experience of performing with Ballet Hispánico in their original company costumes.
Blessing's started with NOBA at age 12 and credits dance with giving her the confidence to become an expressive and sociable leader. For Blessing's, the studio is where she can surpass her limits and share her thoughts in ways words cannot. When she isn't dancing, she loves baking and trying new crafts, but her long-term sights are set on the medical field. She hopes to major in biology at Xavier with the dream of becoming a pediatrician.
Both seniors are excited to take the stage this Sunday for their final Spring Concert as NOBA students. Join us to celebrate their hard work and artistic journey!
SPRING CONCERT
Sunday, May 17 | 7:00 PM
Tulane University, Dixon Hall
🎟️ Tickets: Available now at NOBAdance.com
This performance is made possible by NOTCF.
05/12/2026
At NOBA, we believe that dance can support a healthy, vibrant life. 💃✨
We had a wonderful turnout at the Joe W. Brown Rec Center for our recent hypertension education workshop in partnership with LCMC! Thirty of our incredible seniors learned about the importance of "knowing their numbers," with many staying for free blood pressure and glucose screenings onsite.
Our Senior Dance Fitness program is about more than just movement. It is a community where members can access:
🔹Tuition-free classes in dance and fitness across the city
🔹Health workshops and wellness resources
🔹Performance opportunities on local stages
🔹Discounted tickets to our world-class Main Stage Series
Special thanks to Kulicia Hubbard, BSN, RN, CMCN and Community Health Mobile Team Supervisor of LCMC Health for sharing vital resources from the New Orleans East Hospital and NOBA board member Krystle Duplessis for facilitating the workshop. We are so proud to support our seniors in staying healthy, active, and connected.
Want to join? Visit the link in our website to learn more about our Senior Dance Fitness program! NOBAdance.com/classes/adult-classes/
Senior Spotlight! 🌟
As we prepare for our Spring Concert on May 17, we are proud to spotlight two of our graduating seniors, Lauren and Zoë. Both young women have grown up within the NOBA community, starting their journeys with us at ages six and eight. 🩰
Lauren’s time with NOBA has been defined by a love for challenging roles, including the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker. Inspired by her time working with the world-renowned company Complexions Contemporary Ballet, she is now headed to Point Park University to pursue a BFA in dance and a minor in business. Her future goals are as ambitious as her technique: she plans to join a contemporary ballet company before attending law school to specialize in entertainment law.
Zoë first joined us after her family discovered our partnership with NORD. Over the years, she has transformed into a grounded and resilient leader, balancing rigorous rehearsals with her roles as a scholar and a student leader. For Zoë, dance has been a vital outlet for expression and perseverance. As she prepares for the next chapter, she plans to carry that discipline and focus into her college studies, where she intends to major in biology, before continuing to dental school.
We are incredibly proud of the artists and leaders they have become. Stay tuned for our next senior spotlight, featuring Adeline and Blessings, coming soon!
NOBA'S SPRING CONCERT
Sunday, May 17 | 7PM
Tulane University, Dixon Hall
🎟️ Tickets available at NOBAdance.com
This performance is made possible by the NOTCF
05/07/2026
BRAVO! 👏
We applaud our nearly 200 BRAVO, the Ballet Resource and Volunteer Organization of NOBA, members for another fantastic season. We extend our sincere gratitude to Marian Gibbs for her incredible service and leadership during her tenure as president from 2024-2026.
On Wednesday, April 29, Marian hosted members for the 2025-26 spring meeting in her home, and, with assistance from BRAVO officer Kathy Weidner, had a delightful lunch spread for the 40+ members who were able to attend. Members reviewed their many accomplishments this season, and a new slate of officers were elected. We are excited to announce Liz Broekman as the 2026-2028 BRAVO President! The second photograph shows all of our past BRAVO presidents present at the meeting with the incoming president. We are so grateful to have so many remain present and active in this group, in true testament to their deep passion, investment, and belief in NOBA’s mission.
This season, Marian, her officers, and fundraising event chairs helped raise nearly $200,000 for NOBA through innovative, mission-driven, fun events! Plus, the Nutcracker Legacy Fund raised over $13,000 for NOBA’s annual Center for Dance multigenerational production, The Nutcracker Suite. We cannot thank BRAVO enough for their support! We will have more details in June about the exciting 2026-27 season meeting, campaign, and event plans.
We welcome you to join this fantastic troupe! Stay tuned!
Something special is happening in the studio. ✨
Next month, our Spring Concert opens with the premiere of the ENCORE Project. Created by Master Artist John Heginbotham, this work brings together our Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Dance for Parkinson’s participants, Senior Dance Fitness dancers, and Pre-professional students for a multi-generational performance.
We are deeply grateful always to the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust for their unwavering lead support of NOBA's Dance for Parkinson's Program since its inception in 2017!
Experience the magic with us:
🗓️ Saturday, May 17
📍 Dixon Hall, Tulane University
🎟️ Tickets at NOBAdance.com
This residency project was made possible by the Lucy Bowen Award for Inclusive Choreography, which is administered by Mark Morris Dance Group’s Dance for PD® program, proving that dance belongs to everyone. The project received additional support from the Jewish Endowment Foundation through the Nathan and Bluma Polmer Designated Fund.
If you want to support more inspirational projects like this, please consider making a gift for GiveNOLA Day! Every donation helps us keep these programs tuition-free for our community. Donate here: https://mtyc.co/hynxxe
Video by NOBA Staff and Henry Haber
04/28/2026
Today’s the day, early giving for GiveNOLA Day starts now!
Now through May 5, you can make your gift and help NOBA reach even more people across our community through the power of dance.
Because of supporters like you, thousands of children, teens, adults, and seniors across Greater New Orleans take part in more than 5,000 tuition-free classes each year, work with world-class guest artists, and experience the joy of performing.
Donate now: https://mtyc.co/orwocg
The event of the season is almost sold out. ✨
Secure your seat for the Men and Women of Fashion Prix d’Elegance Luncheon before ticket sales close Friday, April 10 at 12pm, or while tickets remain available.
Join us April 13 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside for an unforgettable afternoon of champagne, a three-course luncheon, a spring runway presentation by Chatta Box and Jeff’s Haberdashery, and a special performance by NOBA Center for Dance students.
Raffle entries are disappearing! Only 1,000 available for a chance to win one of two $2,500 shopping experiences from Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry or Rubenstein’s.
🎟️ Tickets at the link in bio or https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-0013c00001oDkgRAAS/events/vevt:2bd04079-b517-4109-b6ee-8fb2fa5c9c67/home/story
All proceeds benefit NOBA
04/08/2026
Tickets are on sale now! ✨
Join us for the 2026 Spring Concert!
SUN, MAY 17 | 7PM | Dixon Hall, Tulane
Featuring 70+ dancers from across NOBA’s programs, this exciting performance showcases the artistry of our elite Pre-Professional dancers alongside participants from our incredible community programs, Senior Dance Fitness and the Oscar J Tolmas Dance for Parkinson's program.
Audiences will experience two world premieres by John Heginbotham, a new work by Joan Rodriguez of BODYTRAFFIC, and so much more!
🎟️ General Admission $20 (fees included)
Get your tickets at NOBAdance.com!
03/25/2026
Registration for NOBA's tuition-free* Adventures in Dance 2026 is ongoing and spots are filling up fast.
If your child is between the ages of 7 and 11 and ready for a high energy summer at Lyons Rec Center, now is the time to secure their place. ☀️
From daily classes in Ballet and Hip Hop to art projects and field trips, this program offers a full creative experience. All participants will also be featured in a fully costumed performance on June 24. 🎭
How to Register:
1️⃣ Call NORD at 504-658-3035 or 504-658-3015 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) to schedule your registration appointment.
2️⃣ Visit the link in our bio or nordc.org/summer to review the required documentation you must bring to your appointment.
3️⃣ Mark your calendar for the mandatory parent orientation on Saturday, May 9. 🗓️
The deadline to register is Thursday, May 7, or until the program reaches capacity.
We look forward to seeing your young dancers in June. 👋👟
*Registration fee: $60 per participant (non-refundable)
📷: Jeff Strout
| Monday | 9am - 5am |
| Tuesday | 9am - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 4:30pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 4:30pm |
| Friday | 9am - 2:30pm |