Jorden Morris announces redesign of Orlando Ballet School operations
ORLANDO, FL. – Monday, May 13, 2024 – Orlando Ballet has named Christopher AllowaysRamsey as Education Director to oversee Orlando Ballet School, including all dance curricula, programming, and Community Enrichment initiatives. Additionally, Shane Bland has been named manager of Community Engagement division after serving three years as the program’s field director.
“The success of our 50th anniversary season is a clear indicator of how the organization has matured in terms of artistic and academic excellence,” said Interim Executive Director/Artistic Director Jorden Morris. “Just as our performances and audiences have grown, so has Orlando Ballet School’s reputation, enrollment, programming and impact in our community and the industry making this the ideal time to grow our success and with top professionals leading the way.”
Morris said the most significant change will include bringing the organization’s professional and public dance, fitness and community enrichment programming under the umbrella of school operations. “We’ve been somewhat fragmented with all that we offer so it makes more sense to bring together all of our dance training be it professional or classes for those who just want to learn to dance. The outcome will be transformative and bring more consistent support for everything we do.”
Morris added that the new structure enhances the career pathway for those who seek to train and dance professionally while also maintaining a robust menu of dance and fitness programming for the community. Community Enrichment will also be strengthened as a result of the redesign.
Alloways-Ramsey brings a vast background of dance experience and leadership including graduating cum laude from Harvard University where he earned his ALB in Liberal Arts. He earned his MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University. A former dancer, he is welleducated in ballet pedagogy and has held numerous higher education teaching positions, including his most recent role as Assistant Professor at the University of Utah’s School of Dance.
Alloways-Ramsey served as Head of Ballet at the Cape Academy of Performing Arts in Cape Town, South Africa where he oversaw an elite training program. He has also served in adjunct teaching roles at Harvard University and Boston Conservatory along with faculty positions at the American Academy of Ballet at SUNY in New York; Boston Arts Academy; and the Utah Dance Institute. He has also choreographed and staged numerous dance performances around the world.
“The Orlando Ballet School has grown rapidly and extensively in terms of prestige, programming, training and results, so it’s nice to start with something that is fundamentally already thriving,” said Alloways-Ramsey. “Jorden’s intentional redesign of the school’s architecture and bringing everything together makes perfect sense. The school will offer greater strategic opportunities for youngsters interested in professional dance as well as provide a destination for locals who simply seek a place to enjoy dance and fitness. It’s a perfect blend of education, talent, skill and vision. I can’t wait to begin.”
Bland will oversee the company’s comprehensive dance outreach initiatives, including the popular STEPS program, which will now fall under the auspices of the Orlando Ballet School. Bland, who had been serving as the program’s field coordinator for the past 3 years, has extensive experience in childhood education.
“Shane’s contagious enthusiasm for teaching dance and enriching the lives of everyone in our community has made him a key player in the dramatic expansion of our Enrichment programs over the last 3 years. Partnering with Chris and me will ensure a seamless transition,” Morris said.
Board President Jonathan Ledden endorsed Morris’ plan. “Orlando Ballet School is now one of the largest ballet schools in America. Our Enrichment programs reach every corner of the Central Florida community bringing the joy of dance to ages 1 to 103. Education is the centerpiece of our mission,” Ledden said. “To ensure these programs continue to thrive in a sustainable way, we need to expand our geographic scope and reach, while continuously improving our curriculum. Chris’s distinguished depth of experience as a dance educator will fill an important role in these efforts. This is all great news.”
