After nearly a decade in Louisville, Robert Curran seeks next challenge.

LOUISVILLE, KY – The Louisville Ballet announced today that Artistic Director Robert Curran has resigned. Former Artistic Director Bruce Simpson and Associate Artistic Director Helen Starr will be serving as interim artistic advisors during the search for the company’s new artistic director.

“We are fortunate to have had a decade of Robert’s artistry,” said Ralph De Chabert, president of the Louisville Ballet Board of Directors. “Long after his departure his talents will continue to have an impact here in Louisville and we look forward to building on that foundation.”

Prior to his tenure at Louisville Ballet, Curran excelled as a dancer, choreographer, and director. He danced with The Australian Ballet for 16 years, 10 years as a principal artist. In addition, he co-founded the project-based dance company Jack Productions and served as rehearsal director of Bangarra Dance Theatre – Australia’s leading Indigenous performing arts company. While in Louisville, Curran shared his vision for reimagining classics and brought in international artists to push diverse and innovative works.

“Reflecting on my time in Kentucky will always fill me with appreciation for the invaluable experiences and breathtaking artistry we created together,” Curran said. “The inspiring creativity and boundless dedication of the people at Louisville Ballet are genuinely remarkable. As I move forward towards the next chapter of my career, the artistic legacy we have created and nurtured together will forever guide my path.”

“I want to express my deep gratitude to the entire Louisville Ballet family and to Louisville’s esteemed arts community for their unwavering support and encouragement.”

Interim artistic advisors Bruce Simpson and Helen Starr both have strong ties to Louisville Ballet and stunning artistic credentials. Simpson served as artistic director in Louisville beginning in 2002 following an illustrious career including roles as principal dancer, ballet master, and senior ballet master of South Africa’s State Theatre Ballet. Starr has been an associate artistic director, principal dancer and stager with the Louisville Ballet for 38 years, following an esteemed dancing career as a soloist and assistant ballet mistress with the Royal Ballet and as principal dancer with what is now the English National Ballet.