By Nicole Doll

Cincinnati, OH (September 22, 2023) – Cincinnati Ballet’s Board of Trustees announced today
that Jodie Gates, Artistic Director of Cincinnati Ballet and the Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig
Academy, has departed the organization to pursue other opportunities.

“This mutual decision ensures that Cincinnati Ballet can continue its mission to enrich, expand, and
excel in the art of dance through world-class performance, a high-caliber academy, and
impactful education and engagement, as well as allow Jodie to pursue other professional
opportunities,” said Cincinnati Ballet Board of Trustees Chair Joel Stone. “The entire Board of
Trustees is grateful for Jodie’s artistic impact on the 2023-2024 Season and wish her the best in
her future endeavors.”

“It has been an honor to program the 60th Anniversary Season and I am proud of the work we have
done together to ensure the artistic growth of the Company and the Academy,” said Jodie Gates.
“However, at this time I wish to focus on choreographic projects, staging, and teaching. I sincerely
thank the Board of Trustees, the artistic and administrative staff, the patrons, and the
extraordinary dancers for an enriching experience.”

The Board has appointed Rehearsal Director Cervilio Miguel Amador as Interim Artistic Director.
Mr. Amador was previously a Cincinnati Ballet principal dancer who retired during the 2019-2020
Season after 16 years as a company artist. “Cervi has been a trusted member of Cincinnati Ballet
family and the community since 2004. As a beloved Company dancer and experienced artistic

leader, Cervi brings a deep understanding of Cincinnati Ballet and is well-equipped to oversee the
Company’s continued artistic excellence,” Stone said. “I look forward to working with Cervi and
Cincinnati Ballet’s leadership team as we focus on future opportunities for the Company.”

About Cincinnati Ballet

Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Cincinnati Ballet is a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world-premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and community engagement in local to global communities, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance. To that end, Cincinnati Ballet presents exhilarating performances, provides extensive education and community engagement programs, and offers top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.