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 Nutcracker, Balanchine’s Serenade, and Ronald Hynd’s Merry Widow. Since joining CIB, Marie’s favorite roles have included Italian in The Nutcracker and Ariella in The Little Mermaid. Marie is thrilled to be dancing her third season with Central Illinois Ballet!