Gregory Schramel and Marjorie Hardwick founded New Orleans Ballet Theatre in 2002 with the goal of providing local dancers a platform to pursue a full-time career in ballet. Over 20 years later, NOBT has evolved into Louisiana's premier ballet company, becoming the prestigious example and epicenter of classical and contemporary ballet for the Gulf Coast Region. While first established as a pick-up company, NOBT's ultimate goal had always been to have a full-time resident company, which NOBT proudly accomplished during the 2021-2022 season. The current 2024-2025 season has 15 dancers on full-time contracts, and an additional 7 trainee artists working closely with the company. With a strong professional company now in place, NOBT's foremost goal is to meet the needs of the community by offering excellent concert dance and dance education to New Orleans residents across all ages and backgrounds. NOBT is an artistic reflection of a city that vibrantly stands out in its lustrous and diverse culture. The company is shifting its focus outward and becoming an ambassador on a national level; it seeks to share and represent the unique interplay of multi-ethnic and creative influences.