First State Ballet Theatre

About Us

Established in 1999 by Artistic Director Pasha Kambalov and Executive Director Kristina Kambalov, First State Ballet Theatre is Delaware's only professional ballet company.

FSBT employs a diverse roster of dancers from around the world to present classical and contemporary ballet, including new works from local and internationally-recognized choreographers, on stages across the state of Delaware and beyond.

The School of FSBT offers ballet classes year-round at the company’s headquarters at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington, DE and attracts students from all three counties in Delaware as well as Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. A satellite school in Whitehall, DE is scheduled to open in 2024.

FSBT’s mission is to present ballet boldly to Delaware; to enrich the community with live professional performances; to inspire and educate dancers and audiences of the future; and to connect local youth with a creative, inclusive movement experience. FSBT reaches over 6,000 people annually through its performances and outreach programs.