The Company
OUR MISSION
Columbia Classical Ballet Company is dedicated to providing South Carolina audiences with the experience of classical ballet performed by the recognized ballet stars of the day. The Ballet recruits the most talented performers from around the world and brings them to our community.
Additionally, Columbia Classical Ballet actively supports our community through an extensive outreach program. The hallmark of this outreach program is the annual production of LifeChance Gala of the Starts—Dancing for a Brighter Tomorrow, benefiting children and families in need. LifeChance is an alliance of internationally renowned artists joining with local artists to perform one night of spectacular entertainment and to raise funds for a different charitable organization each year. LifeChance brings the highest quality dancing the world has to offer right to the Columbia, South Carolina stage, and to thousands of underserved and financially limited individuals and children.
LifeChance has received national attention from former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton as well as state attention from former Governor David Beasley.
The Ballet's outreach program also works with community groups and stages special productions for members of our community who would otherwise be unable to attend a performance in a traditional theater setting.
MEET OUR COMPANY
Artistic Team
JOSEPH PHILLIPS
Artistic Director
Joseph Phillips, a celebrated international dancer and choreographer, returns to his hometown of Columbia, S.C., to lead the company into a new era of artistic excellence and dancer development. He assumes the position following the recent departure of former Artistic Director Brooklyn Mack.
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Often referred to as “the Golden Boy of Ballet” due to his winning more Gold Medals in prestigious international competitions than any American male danseur, Phillips brings a wealth of experience and acclaim to the role. He has graced the stages of renowned companies such as San Francisco Ballet, Miami City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Manilla, and Mariinsky Ballet, Primorsky Stage, where he became one of the few American dancers to ever achieve the rank of principal dancer. He is also widely recognized as an esteemed teacher and choreographer, and currently serves as Artistic Director of El Camino Ballet.
"I'm honored to return to my roots and lead Columbia Classical Ballet into its next chapter," said Phillips. "Columbia holds a special place in my heart, and I'm deeply committed to nurturing the talents of our dancers and creating a company that is a source of pride for Columbia and a vibrant contributor to the international dance community."
​Deeply rooted in Columbia, where his journey in dance began, Phillips' first ballet school was Columbia Ballet School under the tutelage of Anita Ashley. His first male ballet teacher, Anthony Hampton, a South Carolina native, instilled in him the belief that ballet is for everyone, regardless of gender. His passion for ballet blossomed further when he performed in his first Nutcracker with the Columbia Music Festival Association under the artistic directorship of John Whitehead. He continued to hone his craft, training with Stanislav Issaev at the esteemed Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities in Greenville, South Carolina. Throughout his career, Phillips has maintained a strong connection to his home state, notably as a guest artist with South Carolina Ballet. Over the past two decades, he has also continued to work with the Columbia Music Festival Association, Columbia Ballet School, and Carolina Ballet.
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"I'm excited to bridge my work with El Camino Ballet and Columbia Classical Ballet, creating opportunities for both companies to expand their reach and share their artistry," said Phillips. "I envision bringing the unique creations of Columbia Classical Ballet to the West Coast, showcasing the talent and creativity that thrives in my hometown."​
DINA TAYLOR
Executive Director
SIMONE CUTTINO
Resident Choreographer
