Beth McLeish is the Founder, CEO, and Artistic Director of Project Ballet.

 

Mrs. McLeish began her ballet training at the Columbus Youth Ballet, under the direction of Shir Lee Wu, before continuing her studies at the Hartford Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet and School of American Ballet. Ultimately chronic illness and injury kept her from fully pursuing a performing career. After finishing her training, Mrs. McLeish put herself through college by teaching ballet class at various small studios around the Midwest. By the time she had finished her degree, two things had become apparent: 1. There was absolutely nothing in this world she would rather do than teach ballet and 2. Northeast Indiana was in need of more training options for serious ballet students.

 

As a result, in the summer of 2004, Mrs. McLeish founded New American Youth Ballet in the basement of her home with eleven charter students. Eighteen years later that organization has grown into what is now know as Project Ballet, housed in a 15,000 sq. ft. facility and serving well over 300 students annually. Mrs. McLeish has led Project Ballet to become one of the foremost training grounds for classical dance in the country, with alumni dancing in the finest schools, universities and companies nationwide. She has been named Outstanding Teacher by the Youth America Grand Prix, has twice been a guest of honor at the School of American Ballet’s Teacher Symposium and has been an exclusive attendee at the Juilliard Teacher’s Summit.

 

Mrs. McLeish has five children - Bobby (15), Lucy (13), Audrey (9), Emily (6) and Harry (newborn). The McLeish family resides in historic Southwood Park and attends St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

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In addition to her work with Project Ballet, Mrs. McLeish serves on the board of Schools Care Inc. and is a member of the steering committee for the new Bishop Dwenger High School Performing Arts Center.