Artistic Director

Artistic Director - Suzann DeLay

Suzann Siler DeLay received her early dance training in California with Deane and Barbara Crockett, founders of The Sacramento Ballet. She went on to dance a variety of contemporary and classical roles while a member of The Sacramento Ballet. She also had a brief career with Pacific Northwest Ballet until injury forced her to retire. She has been fortunate to study with some of the master teachers of our time such as Violette Verdy, Robert Barnett, Robert Joffrey, Janet Reed, David Howard just to name a few. Suzann appeared in several musicals including Princess an the Pea and Lil’ Abner. She has also appeared in several PBS specials in the California area.

Suzann has taught, choreographed, and performed throughout the United Sates, including the official School for Sacramento Ballet, and occasionally teaches for the Contemporary Dance Department at Indiana University. She brings with her a vast knowledge of classical ballet and has taught Ballet, Pointe, Variations and Pas de Deux to students six through adult. She specializes in a creative dance program for children ages two and a half through six. She has been recognized with numerous awards for choreography works in ballet and lyrical. She has been honored by being on the cover of the December 2008 issue of Indianapolis Woman and attended the National Teachers Weekend at the School of American Ballet in 2010. She currently sets on the Board of Directors of Regional Dance America.

Trained in Cecchetti and Russian techniques, she was a student of the Crockett’s for many years and is dedicated to carrying on their teachings.

Suzann is the founding director of the Central Indiana Dance Ensemble celebrating their 12th season.