About

Founded in 2003, the Cedar City Junior Ballet Company (CCJB) was established to celebrate and develop the talents of dancers of all ages within the community. At the heart of the company was Lise Mills, who served as Artistic Director and costume designer. Her vision, artistry, and craftsmanship laid the foundation for what CCJB has become today.

The company’s debut production, Coppélia—a lighthearted village tale filled with charm and community spirit—marked the beginning of a cherished local tradition. Since then, CCJB has continued to delight audiences with exquisite full-length classical ballets including Cinderella, The Sleeping Beauty, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Nutcracker, and Coppélia, enriching the cultural fabric of Cedar City and the surrounding communities.

Since its founding, CCJB has offered classical ballet training designed to cultivate strong technique, artistry, and a deep appreciation for the classical tradition. At CCJB, dancers experience the discipline and beauty of ballet through structured training that builds strength, grace, and confidence.

Our doors are always open. Each year, community-wide auditions invite dancers of all ages and skill levels to participate. Hundreds dedicate months of rehearsal time to create a truly unique experience for Southern Utah—coming together to share the stage in a full-length classical production. Every dancer who auditions is given the opportunity to perform and receive high-quality ballet training.

In 2021, our beloved director Lise Mills passed away, leaving the nonprofit organization in the care of Chuck and Tauna Brandt. Today, CCJB continues to honor her legacy and uphold the same mission: to enrich the cultural life of our community by maintaining the highest artistic standards of classical ballet.

To Lise, we remain forever grateful.