Dynamic programs and innovative strategies position NOBA as the lead dance presenting and service organization in LA and the Central Gulf region. Throughout its history, NOBA has proactively and creatively responded to change with new initiatives moving the mission forward. Over 30,000 people are served through two programming elements: 1) Main Stage Series, a full season of performances by world-class dance companies of all genres; and 2) Education, Health/Wellness, and Arts Healing Programs--comprehensive, internationally-recognized programs that educate, train, and nurture individuals ages 4-80+ through 5,000+ tuition-free classes, workshops, and outreach activities annually at up to 20 neighborhood sites throughout the Greater New Orleans area. NOBA is one of the few presenting/service organizations in the U.S. dedicated solely to dance.
Since 1992, NOBA has made the art of dance accessible to underserved families --tuition-free -- by establishing partnerships and relationships throughout the Greater New Orleans area to fill the urgent need presented by parents, community organizations, and schools. NOBA's lead partnership with the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD) established the NORD/NOBA Center for Dance (CFD), a nationally awarded cultural community partnership. NOBA has leveraged the CFD's success to address the ongoing need and growing demand for meaningful arts programming through partnerships with schools, community centers, housing developments, and churches in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard parishes. NOBA also reaches underserved communities through weekly arts healing classes for underserved populations (450+ individuals) including adults with disabilities and individuals with Parkinson's, and a Senior Dance Fitness program (ca. 2008) provided in partnership with an expanded network of partners such as the Arc of Greater New Orleans, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, Jefferson Parish Department of Parks and Recreation (NORD), New Orleans JCC, and New Orleans Recreation Department.
Testimonials & Success Stories:
“I’ve worked with NOBA since 1994. It is an incredibly progressive and positive organization that exposes youth to some of the industry’s most notable teachers, choreographers, directors and dancers. It is unparalleled in its reach. Having worked all over the world for the past 30+ years, I don’t know of another program that offers young people the kinds of opportunities that these students are afforded. NOBA sets a standard for excellence through diversity on all levels. Having watched the various classes and collaborations over the years, NOBA is using the art of dance to create unity within a community that is an example of a world we all hope to live in.”-Dwight Rhoden, Artistic Director, Complexions Contemporary Ballet
“NOBA’s after-school programs provide our children with opportunities to be involved in the art of dance, while teaching them socialization and life skills. They are a beacon in less fortunate, impoverished and underserved communities, and as a single parent, I’m so grateful to NOBA and its donors for investing in our community and giving our kids a chance to dream big!” - Natasha Nelson, Parent
“NOBA is the bedrock cornerstone of dance in the New Orleans Metro Area, and has been educating young dancers through sustained, innovative community partnerships since 1992. Their tuition-free programs reach those who might traditionally be unable to access the art, and its pre-professional program continues to place alumni in some of the most premiere companies in the world.”-Matt Roberts, parent of NOBA alumna and current teaching artist Chloe Roberts (2023 Tulane graduate, also dancing with Marigny Opera Ballet)
“Without NOBA’s support, I would have never been afforded the opportunities and exposure that have carried me to my professional career. NOBA has always been by my side as I achieve my dreams. It has been an honor to be able to say that I am an alumna of such a great organization.” -Courtney Ross, Camille A. Brown & Dancers and NOBA alumna
“Seven years at NOBA gave me countless opportunities and amazing adventures that most professionals have not experienced. This program helped me gain stamina, vulnerability, mental flexibility, perseverance, creativity, awareness and so much more. If you are willing to give yourself to your art, NOBA provides you with everything you need to be the best dancer, artist, and human you can be. Dancing over 20 hours a week, working with extremely relevant master artists, the discipline that is instilled, and being part of a supportive community are all aspects of NOBA that prepared me for college and a professional career. ” -Cori Lewis, former Ballet Hispánico (New York) dancer and alumna
“I started dance classes with the New Orleans Ballet Association at 5 years old. NOBA shapes amazing dancers, but they turn kids into extraordinary individuals as well. The rigorous training showed me how to become a hard worker in every aspect of my life. I was instructed to put forth 100% effort into every dance class and rehearsal, and through this I learned that success comes from preparation, hard work, and learning from my mistakes. I am happy to say that I graduated at the top of my LSU class with a full time job offer, and I owe all of that success from the traits I learned at NOBA. This is a unique program that needs to stay in New Orleans to continue to show kids the path to success.”
-Lauren Landry, KPMG Manager (Houston) and alumna
“Because of NOBA's tuition-free dance classes, my child is able to have a wholesome experience without cost-inhibiting factors. I'm also amazed at the talent and experience brought by the instructors, who not only teach dance technique but also the history and people who have contributed to the field. I'm really humbled by the whole team rallying around the children in this difficult time.”—Parent
“The discipline, training, and attitude of the students are such a high caliber because of the standards that NOBA has set.” -Elizabeth Koeppen-Kalosieh, Rehearsal Director Parsons Dance
“It is so important for my child to have this creative outlet and art form in her life. She continues to learn discipline, tenacity, the value of working with others, and the importance of self-esteem and confidence.” –Parent
“NOBA is an amazing organization that I’m so grateful to be a part of, and I’m so happy to be sharing that work with the dancers and community here in New Orleans. It’s an incredible opportunity to work with young people and introduce them to the fact that dance for me is a conversation spirit to spirit, heart to heart, and EVIDENCE is about sharing work to celebrate the human condition.” —Ronald K. Brown, 2023 Summer Intensive Visiting Master Artist and EVIDENCE Founder/Artistic Director
“My daughter started dancing with NOBA at the Joe W. Brown Rec Center when she was 5 years old. We heard about NOBA through a family friend and were drawn to the center's commitment to providing high-quality dance education to children in the community. Dance has had a significant impact on her life. It has helped her develop self-confidence, discipline, and teamwork skills. She has also overcome shyness and become more outgoing as a result of her dance experiences. Her participation in NOBA's Nutcracker performance was a highlight for both her and our family, and we have cherished the memories ever since. The programs are well-structured and taught by knowledgeable and passionate instructors. The experiences and opportunities provided by NOBA have been invaluable to her growth and development.—Parent
“NOBA is a very special place...I’ve been able to come back since my last residency in 2016 to see the students grow into strong and confident artists and human beings! As a young dancer, my mom sacrificed so much for me to be able to have the training that I needed to achieve my dreams. I only wish we would have known about a tuition-free program like NOBA that makes it possible for youth to train with leaders in the dance field such as Trey McIntyre, Ronald K. Brown, and Eduardo Vilaro. This kind of access and exchange truly facilitates success!” —Tommie-Waheed Evans, 2022 Summer Intensive Visiting Master Artist, 2021 Guggenheim Fellow in Choreography, and Waheed Works Artistic Director
“NOBA has been an incredible part of my life since I first met the organization in 2008. I have always been amazed by not only their commitment to the New Orleans Arts community at large, but, more specifically, by their commitment to making sure that no young dancer, regardless of their race, gender, or socio-economic status, was locked out from the chance to pursue their dreams of being a professional dancer. I have had the privilege of being a part of the teaching roster for NOBA, and I have watched over the years as so many talented young dancers have risen through the ranks of NOBA's amazing training program. Many students said to me personally that they would not be able to train professionally had it not been for NOBA and their wonderfully accessible program. In 2015 when I decided to create my own arts organization called MOVE|NYC|, with the mission of creating greater equity and diversity in the dance profession and beyond, I looked to NOBA for inspiration. I had watched them successfully create access and professional opportunities for so many years for so many students that I knew I should do my best to mirror their model for my own students in New York City. I am forever grateful for NOBA. They are a shining light to so many, including artists like me who hope one day to change the world.”— Chanel DaSilva, former Trey McIntyre Project artist and Co-Founder and Artistic Director of MOVE[NYC], Nov. 2020
“I call it the Parkinson’s ‘Happy Hour.’ I am so much better walking out than when I walked in.”-Dance for Parkinson’s participant
“This program has had a dynamic impact on my quality of life. The correlation of fun, fitness, friendship, and nutrition is immeasurable…by far, this is one of the best programs for seniors!””— NOBA Senior Dance Fitness Program Participant
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