Midland Festival Ballet, now in our 14th season, was founded by Judy Coleman for the ultimate purpose of promoting dance in the Permian Basin. The Company has grown from having one annual performance of "The Nutcracker" to presenting a season that includes performances at Septemberfest, Celebration of the Arts, a Spring Gala, and "The Nutcracker" with the Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale.

In 1995 and 1996, KMID & KOCV jointly televised "The Nutcracker" from Lee High School auditorium. Yearly, over 100 children and adults are cast. Open auditions attract dancers from all over the Permian Basin.

Guest artists from major ballet companies such as New York City Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet of England, and Milwaukee Ballet perform with Midland Festival Ballet in "The Nutcracker" and Spring Gala performances.

Midland Festival Ballet is involved in educational programs by presenting dance works to young students through "Child's Play" in Odessa and MISD in Midland. Midland Festival Ballet is a member of Regional Dance America/Southwest as a Performing Company. This national organization is divided into five regions and hosts an annual three day dance festival. The dancers attend classes by renowned teachers. They, along with twenty-two other companies from the Southwest Region, have the opportunity to perform in the evening presentations. It is Midland Festival Ballet's goal to continue bringing the highest quality of dance instruction, education, and performance to the Permian Basin, representing to all of Texas the progressive cultural climate of West Texas.