Cast & creatives
People behind the production
Illinois Ballet carries a rich, storied lineage in American ballet. Founded in 1959 in Chicago by Richard Ellis and Christine Du Boulay, the original company toured the Chicago area and produced multiple seasons until 1972. It hosted notable choreographers and world premieres, including Hy Somers and Dom Orejudos (Etienne), and presented the U.S. premiere of Frederick Ashton’s Fa0ade. The Newberry Library preserves key Illinois Ballet records from 1959–1968, with notes extending to 1972, offering a window into mid-20th-century American ballet life. In Peoria, a later entity using the Illinois Ballet name emerged circa 1999–2004 as Central Illinois Ballet (CIB), now a vibrant company with a 2025–26 season. Today, CIB keeps the legacy alive with performances across 2025, including Cinderella, Ballet to Broadway, and An Evening of Stravinsky. Social media presence—Facebook and Instagram—keeps fans connected, while detailed calendars and tickets live at ciballet.com. We’ve got you covered on the performer lineage, archival history, and upcoming stage opportunities.