Loren Williams
Iowa City,IA
Summary
Dynamic Ballet Director and Artistic Leader with over a decade of experience in developing pre-professional programs, mentoring faculty, and producing large-scale performances. Proven history of successfully preparing students for admission into prestigious conservatories and professional companies while fostering inclusive, community-focused programming. Expertise in curriculum design and season planning cultivates excellence among dancers and faculty, complemented by a strong track record of building impactful partnerships with schools and arts organizations. Committed to elevating the art of dance through innovative leadership and a passion for nurturing talent.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Ballet Director & Nutcracker Artistic Director
Nolte Academy
08.2021 - Current
- Developed and launched innovative pre-professional ballet program at Nolte, enhancing training opportunities.
- Cultivated a high-performing team of ballet teachers to enhance instructional quality and student engagement.
- Designed and executed comprehensive ballet curriculum and syllabi to foster artistic development and technical proficiency.
- Coordinated with various dance genres to construct comprehensive fall-spring class schedules.
- Organized and maintained weekly rehearsal schedules, ensuring effective time management and resource allocation.
- Developed and delivered engaging ballet pointe variations and pre-pointe instruction to a diverse group of over 300 students.
- Managed casting selections, developed choreography, and led rehearsals for a diverse group of 140 local dancers.
- Led choreography and collaboration efforts for annual fall story ballet to enhance community engagement with Any Given Child Iowa City and Danceworks.
- Facilitated collaboration with production teams to enhance workflow efficiency.
- Coordinated regular updates and feedback sessions with parents and students to enhance engagement and understanding.
- Oversaw student preparation for ballet competitions by selecting and coaching variations. Developed and choreographed ensembles and contemporary performances. Fostered a collaborative environment to enhance student creativity and confidence.
Ballet Instructor
Iowa Conservatory
09.2023 - Current
- Designed structured ballet curriculum and delivered weekly instruction, catering to diverse skill levels from beginner to advanced.
Assistant Director & Choreographer
Youth Ballet Memphis
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Choreographed new classical and contemporary works and restaged existing choreography
- Led weekly rehearsals, focusing on skill development and artistic expression among participants.
- Organized and maintained weekly rehearsal schedules, ensuring effective time management and resource allocation.
- Facilitated collaboration with production teams, including lighting, film crew, wardrobe, and musicians.
- Coordinated communication efforts to keep parents and students informed about event specifics.
- Oversaw annual auditions to recruit new talent for productions. Partnered with creative teams to select appropriate cast members for various projects.
Full Time Teaching Faculty
Ballet Memphis School
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Created lesson plans and taught weekly classes to all levels in the school
- Maintained and reviewed existing established curriculum
- Reviewed students' progress each semester with written assessments
- DEI Committee Member
- Rehearsed youth parts for Ballet Memphis Company shows (Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, Peter Pan)
- Guided and prepared students for next steps in dance journey (summer program auditions, college selection/auditions, professional company auditions)
- Planned and oversaw Summer Intensives
Ballet & Pointe Teacher
Level Dance Project
08.2013 - 06.2017
- Designed and implemented level-based curriculum to facilitate structured student progression.
- Instructed weekly ballet and pointe classes, ensuring comprehensive skill development.
Company Dancer
Ballet Theater of Maryland
07.2013 - 05.2017
- Performed soloist roles in Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Swan Lake, Carmen, and original works. Contributed to diverse performances showcasing classical ballet and contemporary pieces.
BFA Dance Performance
Butler Ballet
08.2009 - 05.2013
- Performed principal and soloist roles in productions including Nutcracker, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and various contemporary works.
Student Trainee
Rochester City Ballet
09.2005 - 06.2009
- Performed corps roles in The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Carmen, Firebird, & original contemporary works
Education
BFA - Dance Performance
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN05-2013
Pre-Professional Training Program - Professional Training Program
Draper Center For Dance Education
Rochester, NY07-2009
Skills
- Program Leadership
- Production Management
- Season Planning
- Staff Development
- Curriculum Design
- Teaching experience
Certification
- Sep 2025 NDEO & Harkness Center: Applied Science of Dancer Health & Injury Prevention: semester class
- Sep 2025 Progressing Ballet Technique: Level 1 Certification
- Aug 2025 Mental Wellness Certified Dance Educator (Danscend training/certification)
- Aug 2025 NDEO: Virtual Conference “Dancer Mental Health Virtual Summit”
- Feb 2025 RDA: Webinar “Benefits of forming a non-profit for your performing group”
- Jan 2024 NDEO: Webinar “10 Ways to Implement Mental Wellness into Dance Education & Why it Matters”
- Apr 2023 NDEO: Webinar “Move Better. Dance Better: Lower Body Edition” (common lower extremity injuries)
- 2017-2021: Received mentorship in teaching philosophy & practices from Janet Parke (Ballet Memphis School Director)
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- 2022-2025, Penny & The Wolf & Carnival of The Animals outreach performances: Designed and directed two unique outreach performances in partnership with Any Given Child and local schools, bringing ballet education to over 2,000 second-grade students
- 2021-2025, Nutcracker outreach performances: coordinated with local schools to arrange daytime showings for elementary students
- 2024-2025, Nutcracker outreach performances: at Stead Family Children’s Hospital
Awards
2025 The Iowa Children's Museum, Robert E. Yager Active Learning Award , Nominee
2025 NDEO's Outstanding Educators Award Nominee
2025 YAGP Kansas City “Outstanding School” recipient
2025 UBC Iowa City “Outstanding Studio” recipient
2024 UBC Chicago “Outstanding Contemporary Coach” recipient
2023 UBC Chicago “Outstanding Ensemble Coach” recipient
Timeline
Ballet Instructor
Iowa Conservatory
09.2023 - Current
Ballet Director & Nutcracker Artistic Director
Nolte Academy
08.2021 - Current
Assistant Director & Choreographer
Youth Ballet Memphis
01.2017 - 01.2021
Full Time Teaching Faculty
Ballet Memphis School
01.2017 - 01.2021
Ballet & Pointe Teacher
Level Dance Project
08.2013 - 06.2017
Company Dancer
Ballet Theater of Maryland
07.2013 - 05.2017
BFA Dance Performance
Butler Ballet
08.2009 - 05.2013
Student Trainee
Rochester City Ballet
09.2005 - 06.2009
BFA - Dance Performance
Butler University
Pre-Professional Training Program - Professional Training Program
Draper Center For Dance Education