Marie Ritschard, born in Wiesbaden, Germany, grew up in eleven countries and states as she travelled with her Air Force family. She began her training in England and continued at Montgomery Ballet, Misawa Unique Ballet, Pasadena Dance Theatre, and Dayton Ballet among others. She moved to Indiana to study Dance Pedagogy and Pre-Physical Therapy at Butler University. After graduating, she danced with the Louisville Ballet Studio Company, where she had the opportunity to perform some of her all time favorite roles in Val Caniparoli’s production of The Nutcracker, Balanchine’s Serenade, and Ronald Hynd’s Merry Widow. Marie joined CIB in 2020, and some of her favorite roles with the company include Sugar Plum in The Nutcracker, Ariella in The Little Mermaid, and Johanna in Sweeney Todd. Marie is extremely grateful and thrilled to be dancing her fifth season with Central Illinois Ballet!