Ballet Chicago alumnus Ted Seymour brings a wealth of unique experience to the teaching of young dancers. After beginning his training at Dallas Metropolitan Ballet, Mr. Seymour studied on full scholarship for two years at the School of Ballet Chicago, where he performed major roles in Balanchine masterpieces with the Ballet Chicago Studio Company (BCSC). He then continued his studies at the School of American Ballet, also on full scholarship. Following his graduation performance, where he took on the demanding partnering role of "Waltz Boy" in Balanchine's Serenade, Mr. Seymour joined Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet for two years, working with prominent contemporary choreographers such as Nicolo Fonte, Edwaard Liang, and Benoit-Swan Pouffer. In 2007, he was invited to join The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, where he has performed featured roles in many Balanchine works, including  Episodes, La Valse, and the beautiful Act II pas de deux from A Midsummer Night's Dream.

A gifted teacher from an early age, Mr. Seymour joined the Ballet Chicago faculty in 2009. His teaching is characterized by a deep understanding of classical vocabulary, a passion for precise execution, innate musical comprehension, a strong commitment to both expansive movement and meticulous detail, and formidable partnering skills. As a brilliant dancer still in his performing years, Mr. Seymour demonstrates male technique with clarity and flair.

Mr. Seymour is also a rising choreographer and began creating dances in 2001 for Ballet Chicago. While a student at SAB, he was invited by Peter Martins to participate in the New York Choreographic Institute. He has steadily created new works for the Ballet Chicago Studio Company’s main stage performances and educational programs, showcasing a distinctive voice and an innovative, elegant movement vocabulary that blends contemporary movement with a classical foundation.

Mr. Seymour recently completed several critically acclaimed works, including Creatures of Prometheus for the 2012 International Beethoven Festival, Celestial Rites for Ballet Chicago’s 25th Anniversary Season at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in 2013, Danzón No. 2 to the music of Arturo Márquez, commissioned by and performed live with Chicago’s Lakeview Orchestra in April 2014, and Intermezzi, a world premiere performed with live piano at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in May 2014. Mr. Seymour was named Resident Choreographer for Ballet Chicago in Fall 2012.