Dear Friends of CCJB,

As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded of the power of community, generosity, and shared purpose. This year, we are excited to participate in #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. We invite you to join us in supporting the young dancers who bring beauty, creativity, and discipline to our studio every single day.

This #GivingTuesday, we are raising funds for student support such as scholarships and performance opportunities, costumes and production support, and education and outreach programs. These investments allow us to elevate the experience for our dancers and our community, strengthening the impact of the arts in the lives of children and families and helping us continue sharing the art of ballet with our community.

We invite you to support the young dancers who bring dedication and joy to our studio. Your generosity helps provide high-quality training, meaningful performance opportunities, and a creative home where dancers can grow.

Thank you for supporting our dancers and believing in the power of the arts.

With gratitude,

Tauna Brandt
CCJB Executive Director

Our Story

Founded in 2003, the Cedar City Junior Ballet Company (CCJB) was created to celebrate and develop the talents of all ages. Guided by Artistic Director and costume designer Lise Mills, whose vision and craftsmanship shaped the company’s foundation, CCJB quickly became a cherished part of the community.

The company debuted with Coppélia and has since presented full-length classical ballets such as Cinderella, The Sleeping Beauty, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Nutcracker, enriching the cultural life of Cedar City and beyond.

CCJB offers classical ballet training that builds strong technique, artistry, and confidence. Through open community auditions, dancers of all ages are welcomed each year to participate in a full-length production, with every dancer who auditions given the opportunity to perform.

After Lise’s passing in 2021, leadership passed to Chuck and Tauna Brandt, who continue to uphold her mission of bringing high-quality classical ballet to the community. To Lise, we remain forever grateful.

Why Community Needs Ballet

1.       It enriches cultural life, bringing beauty, storytelling, and tradition to a community. They give families and audiences access to live performing arts connecting people through shared experiences.

2.       Provides transformative opportunities for young people. Ballet teaches discipline, perseverance, focus, and confidence that are skills that benefit students far beyond the studio. Young dancers set goals, work as a team, and express themselves creatively.

3.       Builds healthy, active lifestyles. Ballet promotes strength, flexibility, coordination, and overall physical wellness offering a positive, constructive activity for anyone who wants to participate.

4.       Creates community belonging. Our studio and productions bring together dancers, families, volunteers, teachers, and audience members where people feel connected and valued.

5.       Supports local arts & economy. Performances attract audiences, support local venues, and bring vibrancy to the arts community. We partner with schools, businesses, and city programs, strengthening the local cultural ecosystem.

6.       Preserves tradition while inspiring creativity. Ballet links a community to centuries of artistic tradition while fostering new choreography, new ideas, and creative expression.

7.       Gives children role models. Students look up to older dancers, teachers, and guest artists. They see firsthand what dedication and passion look like.