Rocket City Ballet is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) performing arts organization based in Huntsville, Alabama, with deep roots in the Bailey Cove community for more than two decades.
Originally founded in 2006 as Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre by Wendy Graham, David Herriott, and Keren Gibb Hilliard, the organization was created with a clear purpose: to provide a supportive, safe, and inclusive environment for dancers of all ages, genders, and abilities. From the beginning, the organization has believed that excellence in dance training and accessibility in the arts should exist hand in hand.
AYB’s first production, A Yuletide Ballet, was performed in the round at the Von Braun Center Playhouse and established what would become a beloved annual tradition: The Nutcracker. Over the years, the production has grown into four public performances each season, alongside invited dress rehearsals serving foster families, special needs families, and nursing home residents—reflecting the organization’s enduring commitment to community connection through the arts.
In addition to its annual Nutcracker, the company presents a spring ballet each year featuring both classical repertoire and original works. Productions have included Swan Lake, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Paquita, Les Patineurs, as well as original story ballets such as Snow White and Arthur and the Magic Sword.
Beyond the stage, the organization has consistently sought to enrich the North Alabama community through outreach and arts engagement. Through partnerships with local organizations including the Madison County Public Libraries, the Greater Huntsville Humane Society, and Arts Huntsville, dance has been brought into schools, public spaces, and community events throughout the region.
The heart of the organization has always centered on increasing accessibility to dance education and performance opportunities, including dedicated boys’ programs, adult classes, outreach initiatives, and welcoming pathways for dancers of diverse backgrounds and experience levels.
As of July 1, 2026, Alabama Youth Ballet Theatre officially became Rocket City Ballet—a name chosen to better reflect the organization’s evolving mission, artistic identity, and vision for the future. While the name has changed, the foundation remains the same: exceptional training, meaningful performances, strong community values, and a deep commitment to artistic excellence.
Now entering its 21st season, Rocket City Ballet continues to build upon its legacy while looking ahead to a vibrant future for dance in the Rocket City and beyond.
Our Story
At Rocket City Ballet, we believe dance should challenge, inspire, and empower. Our mission is to provide exceptional dance instruction that develops technically strong, artistically versatile dancers while fostering discipline, creativity, confidence, and individual growth.
We are committed to sustaining the legacy of classical dance while supporting new works and evolving forms that reflect the breadth of today’s performing arts landscape. Our training bridges tradition and innovation, emphasizing both technical excellence and expressive artistry.
Rocket City Ballet provides comprehensive instruction in classical ballet, contemporary movement, and complementary performance styles that support versatility and professional readiness. Our ballet curriculum incorporates Vaganova-based training alongside complementary classical methodologies, giving dancers a rigorous technical foundation paired with musicality, strength, and expressive clarity.
Across all levels and disciplines, we strive to cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment where dancers feel respected, encouraged, and challenged to grow. We believe meaningful artistic development happens when high standards are paired with mentorship, compassion, and a strong sense of belonging.
We value accessibility as an essential part of the performing arts experience and remain dedicated to creating opportunities for participation, performance, and artistic exploration throughout our community.
Rocket City Ballet advances its mission through:
The cultivation of individual artistic excellence within a disciplined and supportive environment
A commitment to accessibility in dance education and performance
Ongoing engagement with the broader community through outreach and public performances
A repertoire that honors both classical tradition and contemporary artistic voices
Training that prioritizes long-term growth, artistry, integrity, and personal development
The belief that dance should remain both a refined art form and an inclusive cultural experience