Ballet Magnificat!
Christian ballet school and professional touring company since 1986
A ballet-focused dance school offering classical ballet training along with related dance disciplines.
Photo: Ballet Magnificat! via Google
Before your first class
Classes begin at age 3 with creative movement, and the curriculum is structured to accommodate all levels from beginner (Intro to Ballet, Pre-Ballet) through advanced.
Specific colours required: white, pink, lilac or light blue leotards with attached skirts (depending on age level), ballet pink tights, pink ballet shoes for ballet; tap shoes for tap.
Leotard (colour varies by age level), pink tights, pink ballet shoes for ballet; black tap shoes for tap; hair in a neat ballet bun.
Summer 2026 drop-in classes: $15/class.
About this studio
Ballet Magnificat! is a Jackson-based ballet school and arts organisation founded in 1986 by Keith and Kathy Thibodeaux. What began as a vision for the world's first professional Christian ballet company has grown into a multi-faceted institution that trains dancers and presents performances rooted in faith.
The School of the Arts opened in 1989 and offers dance classes to students ages 3 through adult. The Lower School curriculum (ages 3–7) focuses on creative movement, motor skills, basic ballet terminology and ballet etiquette, with Bible stories woven throughout. The Upper School (ages 8 and up) trains students using the Vaganova method — characterised by extensive repetition and strength building — complemented by Ballet Magnificat!'s own style. Faculty are trained in the school's unique curriculum before teaching. Classes range from Tiny Tots (age 3) through Adult Ballet, with both ballet and tap options at younger levels.
Beyond the school, Ballet Magnificat! operates a professional touring company that has performed across the USA and internationally. A Pre-Professional Training Program began in 1995 with three dancers and has grown to three levels at the Jackson base. This Trainee Program feeds dancers into the touring company and is recognised by the U.S. Immigration Service as a vocational school, drawing students from across the USA and many foreign countries. The Events Company comprises the most advanced Trainee Program level and travels worldwide.
Kathy Thibodeaux, founder and artistic director, won a silver medal at the II USA International Ballet Competition in 1982 and became one of the first contracted dancers for the Jackson Ballet Company (Ballet Mississippi) under the direction of Thalia Mara, dancing as principal until 1986. The school's student companies — Magnificat! Youth Ballet and Magnificat! Youth Ballet Junior — perform at local nursing homes, schools and churches.
The organisation runs multiple intensive programmes throughout the year: the Summer Dance Intensive and Teachers Workshop, which bring hundreds of students annually from around the world to Jackson for a technical and spiritual experience; the Junior Dance Intensive; the Fall Dance Intensive; and Children's Camps. In 1994, Ballet Magnificat! started the Dance Program at Belhaven University, which has grown into a full Dance Major accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). The ministry also launched Ballet Magnificat! Brazil in February 2017, headquartered in Curitiba, with a trainee program and performance company.
What to expect
Your first visit
Classes are structured by age and level, with clear curriculum progression. Lower School classes focus on creative movement and basic technique; Upper School trains using the Vaganova method. Summer maintenance classes run June through August 2026 with drop-in options. Dress codes are specific (colour-coordinated leotards, pink tights, ballet shoes for ballet; tap shoes for tap). The school's student companies perform at local venues.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Teachers named include Pam Hindall, Laurita Koll, and Marcie Robertson for Lower School classes. Kathy Thibodeaux is the founder and artistic director. The school's faculty are trained in Ballet Magnificat!'s unique curriculum before teaching.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Classes begin at age 3 with creative movement, and the curriculum is structured to accommodate all levels from beginner (Intro to Ballet, Pre-Ballet) through advanced.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Specific colours required: white, pink, lilac or light blue leotards with attached skirts (depending on age level), ballet pink tights, pink ballet shoes for ballet; tap shoes for tap. Boys wear white t-shirt and black shorts. No specific leotard colours for summer maintenance classes — bring a leotard, skirt, pink tights and pink ballet shoes.
What to bring
Leotard (colour varies by age level), pink tights, pink ballet shoes for ballet; black tap shoes for tap; hair in a neat ballet bun.
Studio history
Ballet Magnificat! was founded in 1986 by Keith and Kathy Thibodeaux as the world's first professional Christian ballet company, with initial space donated by Belhaven College. The School of the Arts opened in 1989. Kathy Thibodeaux, born in Memphis and trained in Jackson, won a silver medal at the II USA International Ballet Competition in 1982 and was a principal dancer for the Jackson Ballet Company (Ballet Mississippi). Keith Thibodeaux is the former child entertainer known as 'Little Ricky' on the I Love Lucy television series and as a drummer for the Christian rock band David and the Giants. The Pre-Professional Training Program began in 1995 with three dancers and has grown to three levels. In 1994, Ballet Magnificat! started the Dance Program at Belhaven University, now a full Dance Major accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Ballet Magnificat!hasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Ballet Magnificat!, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Ballet Magnificat!
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Ballet Magnificat! teach?
Ballet Magnificat! teaches Ballet, Tap. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Ballet Magnificat! located?
Ballet Magnificat! is located in Jackson, MS. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Ballet Magnificat! offer private lessons?
Contact Ballet Magnificat! directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Ballet Magnificat! teach kids and adults?
Ballet Magnificat! welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Ballet Magnificat!?
The fastest path is to visit Ballet Magnificat! via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.