Ryland Acree
After an extensive search, drawing international applicants, Chattanooga Ballet announced Ryland Acree has been hired as Chattanooga Ballet’s new director of School and Education. Mr. Acree joins the 50-year-old organization having spent the last three years of his professional career dancing with Oklahoma City Ballet as an artist in the company.
Mr. Acree is a teacher, choreographer, and international performing artist with a passion for integrating the arts into daily life. Originally from Floyd, Va., he began his dance education at the age of nine, and later earned full scholarships to attend summer intensives at prestigious institutions including Boston Ballet, Orlando Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Texas Ballet Theater, and Pacific Northwest Ballet, where he graduated from the Professional Division.
Throughout his career, Mr. Acree has performed with Oklahoma City Ballet, Alberta Ballet, and Ballet San Antonio in works by renowned choreographers such as Gerald Arpino, Twyla Tharp, and George Balanchine.
Beyond his career in dance, Mr. Acree has explored various artistic avenues, including professional theatre. As a choreographer, he has created new works for professional ballet companies and was invited to compete in the prestigious XII USA International Ballet Competition.
His passion for education was ignited during his participation in the S.T.E.P.S. outreach program at Orlando Ballet and then taught in the men’s division at Pacific Northwest Ballet, and later for the School of Ballet San Antonio and Oklahoma City Ballet.
Chattanooga Ballet’s school has provided access to the power of dance for generations, and continues to grow.
“I am honored to share my expertise and love for dance and hope to inspire students to embrace the transformative power of the arts in their lives,” said Mr. Acree.
Chattanooga Ballet CEO/Artistic Director Brian McSween said, “Ryland has a heart for dance education and is someone who we know will contribute to the development of the culture of Chattanooga Ballet and help us to continue our mission, to serve through the power of dance.”
Registration for Chattanooga Ballet’s fall classes is open and can be found at http://www.chaballet.org This year Chattanooga Ballet is opening a new satellite location with two additional studios that will serve more students with more types of classes. Follow Chattanooga Ballet’s social media for more information.
Ryland Acree on stage