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New Ballet Ensemble & School names interim artistic director
Ben Kubie will lead choreography, instruction, and performance programming for youth-focused organization
Memphis, TN – New Ballet Ensemble & School is pleased to announce that, after a nationwide search, longtime professional dancer and master teacher Ben Kubie has joined the organization as Interim Artistic Director.
In this role, Kubie will lead the artistic vision and direction, including leadership in choreography, instruction, performance programming, teaching artist development, and community outreach.
Kubie is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher and a passionate educator committed to access, equity and excellence in dance. He has taught and coached across the Carolinas and the Midwest for 20 years and brings over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience in arts education, fundraising, and community engagement.
“Ben Kubie is a devoted instructor passionate about mentoring the next generation of young dancers,” said Matthew Best, New Ballet’s Executive Director. “His commitment to excellence and desire to serve make him a welcome addition to New Ballet Ensemble & School. I was struck by Ben’s humility and willingness to learn. His artistic leadership will only add value to our school, our artists, and our performances.”
A native of St. Louis, Mo., Kubie discovered his love of dance in the public school system. He went on to train on a full scholarship at the Joffrey School of Ballet and The David Howard Dance Center in New York City. He enjoyed a 15-year professional career as a soloist and principal, performing works by Balanchine, Forsythe, Graham, Taylor, King, Rhoden and others.
“As Interim Artistic Director of New Ballet Ensemble & School, I am honored to build upon the New Ballet’s mission to provide equitable access to high-quality dance training and performance opportunities for young people,” Kubie said.
Kubie is only the second artistic lead in New Ballet’s history, taking the reins from Founder and original Artistic Director Katie Smythe. Through his artistry and leadership, he will build on Smythe’s legacy of high-quality dancing training and innovative performances.
Smythe remains at New Ballet as Chief Strategy Officer and Artistic Advisor and will also continue to instruct ballet classes. With Kubie’s exciting new contributions and Smythe’s institutional guidance, New Ballet will continue to deliver nationally recognized repertoire, dance education and unique apprenticeship training.
“It is my pleasure to welcome Ben Kubie and his wife, Traci, to Memphis,” Smythe said. “After interviewing candidates from across the country, it was clear that Ben is the expert guide and mentor our young dancers need as we shape New Ballet’s future. Since our grassroots founding 24 years ago, innovation and excellence have driven our mission to unite children and youth through professional-standard training, regardless of ability to pay. With Ben and Matthew Best leading alongside our dedicated team, our students and artists will be nurtured with exceptional care. I look forward to teaching beside Ben as his deep studio expertise, paired with Matthew’s community development experience, fuels the exciting new programming ahead.”
After relocating to Memphis with his wife, Traci, Kubie began his administrative and artistic duties at New Ballet on Aug. 18.
About New Ballet Ensemble & School
New Ballet Ensemble & School brings children and youth together by providing a professional standard of dance training, regardless of the ability to pay. Learn more at newballet.org.
Media Contact: Adriane Hall 901-647-1545 adriane@newballet.org
Posted by Claudia Towell at August 19, 2025