Christine Meneer, Founder & Retired Executive Director
Christine Meneer, founded Ballet Theatre of Ohio (BTO) in 1993. BTO is best known to Northeast Ohioans for producing the magical holiday performances of The Nutcracker at the Akron Civic Theatre. Voted “Akron’s Favorite Holiday Show” by Akron Beacon Journal readers, BTO’s Nutcracker attracts the largest audience for any single event at the Akron Civic Theatre.
Ms. Meneer opened her own dance studio, the Meneer School of Dance, in Munroe Falls, which is now in its 38th season. The school accepts students ages 3 - 18 who want excellent dance training in ballet, jazz and tap. All dancers, with the exception of professional guest artists in all BTO productions are trained at the Meneer School of Dance. The Meneer School is also home to a dance competition team for students wishing to pursue jazz, tap, or contemporary dance.
Ms. Meneer also serves as the resident choreographer and costume designer for BTO. In addition to The Nutcracker, she has produced six other full-length story ballets - Cinderella, Coppelia, Sleeping Beauty, The Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty & the Beast. She is the proud recipient of the 2015 Margaret Clark Morgan IMPACT Award for Excellence in the Arts and the 2007 Arts Alive! Award for Outstanding Artist in Dance presented by the Akron Area Arts Alliance.
Christine Meneer officially retired from BTO after the final performance of The Little Mermaid, on Sunday, May 4. She continues to run her dance studio, Meneer School of Dance.
Board of Trustees
President - Matt Snyder
Vice President - Dan Hendrock
Treasurer - Lea Dudones