About Columbia City Ballet
A New Era of Ballet in Maryland
Columbia City Ballet is a nonprofit professional ballet company based in Columbia, Maryland, dedicated to artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural leadership.
Founded by internationally acclaimed artists Ahmed N. Khalil and Alice De Nardi, the company was established to elevate the standard of ballet performance in the region while cultivating the next generation of dancers.
Rooted in classical tradition and guided by contemporary vision, Columbia City Ballet presents refined performances that honor the heritage of ballet while embracing artistic evolution.
Our Mission
Columbia City Ballet advances the art of ballet through professional productions of the highest artistic caliber, rigorous training in partnership with Columbia Youth Ballet, meaningful community engagement and educational outreach, and opportunities for emerging and established artists. As a nonprofit organization, we are committed to making ballet accessible, inclusive, and transformative for audiences and artists alike.
Our Vision
To be a leading American ballet company recognized for artistic distinction, cultural impact, and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of ballet artists. We envision a Maryland where world-class ballet is part of the cultural fabric — inspiring, educating, and uniting communities through the power of dance.
Founding Artistic Directors
Ahmed N. Khalil is an internationally accomplished ballet artist, director, and choreographer with a career spanning principal performance and institutional leadership across three continents.
A graduate of the Higher Institute of Ballet at the Academy of Arts, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Directing and Choreography, grounded in classical ballet, contemporary technique, and stage direction.
As a former Principal Dancer with the Cairo Opera Ballet Company, Khalil performed leading roles in major classical works including Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, Romeo & Juliet, and Spartacus on international stages.
His artistic leadership includes roles as Assistant Director and Choreographer at Cairo Opera Ballet and Co-Artistic Director of Columbia Youth Ballet in Maryland.
Recognized with multiple national and international awards, including the 2024 Outstanding Individual Artist Award from Prince William County, Khalil brings disciplined classical integrity and global perspective to the founding vision of Columbia City Ballet.
Founding Artistic Director
Ahmed N. Khalil
Alice De Nardi is an internationally trained ballet artist and executive leader whose European formation shapes the institutional and artistic identity of Columbia City Ballet.
Born in Milan, Italy, she began her classical training at the Ballet School of the Teatro alla Scala Foundation before completing her professional studies at the Ukrainian Academy of Ballet in Kyiv, earning her diploma as a Professional Ballet Dancer and Choreographer .
De Nardi performed as a Soloist with the Macedonian Opera and Ballet and later as a First Soloist with the Cairo Opera House , appearing in major classical repertoire including Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, La Bayadère, Sleeping Beauty, and Le Corsaire.
Her international career spans European tours, professional competitions, and teaching experience, reflecting a disciplined classical foundation and refined stylistic integrity .
As Founding Executive Director of Columbia City Ballet, De Nardi oversees institutional development, artistic cohesion, and the company’s European classical standards—ensuring structural excellence, stylistic authenticity, and seamless progression from academy training to professional stage.
Founding Executive Director
Alice De Nardi
Artistic Leadership
Under the direction of Ahmed N. Khalil and Alice De Nardi, Columbia City Ballet is shaped by decades of international experience in performance, choreography, and arts education.
Their artistic leadership reflects discipline, cultural depth, and a dedication to excellence—both on stage and in the studio. Through thoughtful programming and strong mentorship, they are building a company defined by integrity, refinement, and vision.
Building the Future
As a newly established company entering its foundational seasons, Columbia City Ballet moves forward with clarity and purpose.
We are committed to expanding our repertoire, fostering new collaborations, and establishing Columbia City Ballet as a lasting cultural presence in Maryland and beyond.
Through performance, education, and community connection, we are shaping the future of ballet—one season at a time.