Michael J. Tevlin

 
 
Michael Tevlin
Associate Professor of Dance - University of Cincinnati
Master Teacher, Choreographer, Artistic Director
 
 
Michael Tevlin is recognized as a multi-talented artist who has been a leader in the fields of dance education and regional ballet for over four decades. A native of St. Louis, he began his career as an actor in the St. Louis Children's Theater and appeared as a regular on one of the nation's first children's afternoon television shows on KSLP.  He received his early dance training with Stanley Herbertt and was a member of the St. Louis Civic Ballet. He earned his Actors Equity card at age fifteen, and appeared in over 50 musicals at the "Muny Opera" working with many of the greatest stars of the theater including Ethyl Merman, Sid Caesar, Arthur Godfrey, John Raitt, Richard Kiely, Joel Gray, Ann Blythe, Betty Grable and Tommy Tune.  
 
Offered a scholarship to attend Butler University, he continued his training under the direction of George Verdak. While there he danced leading roles in both classical and contemporary works with both the Butler Ballet and the small touring company that would evolve into Indianapolis Ballet Theatre. After graduating with honors, he danced with Indianapolis Starlight Theater, toured with Ann Miller in "Hello Dolly" and was choreographer at the Brookside Playhouse. Turning his talents to teaching, he was named to head the dance program at Millikin University while also a faculty member at the National Academy of Dance. Accepting an appointment as assistant instructor of ballet at Indiana University, Mr. Tevlin served as principal dancer with Indiana Ballet Theatre, directed by Sir Anton Dolin and Nicholas Beriosoff, while completing his Masters degree at the world -renowned School of Music.
 
In 1975, Michael and Judy Jacob were named Directors of the Memphis Ballet. Over then next seven years they reestablished the company and affiliated school as one of the leading centers of training in the Mid South. Under their direction, Memphis Ballet became an honor company of the Southeastern Regional Ballet Association, official ballet Company of Opera Memphis and developed into a professional touring ensemble for Tennessee and surrounding states. Mr. Tevlin also was resident choreographer for Theater Memphis and taught on the faculty of Rhodes College and Memphis State University.
 
From 1981 until 1994, Mr. Tevlin lead the Fort Wane Ballet as it grew from a small ballet academy and performing group into a national recognized training center and professional company. While Artistic Director he established scholarship and outreach programs, developed affiliated dance programs with public schools, founded satellite 
 
 
locations across Northeast Indiana and dramatically increased the community's awareness and support of the Ballet. The company was selected for the Indiana Presenter Touring Program, gained Honor company status in the Midstates Regional Ballet Association and was one of only five companies from across the country to be invited to represent regional Dance America at a Gala performance at the 1990 International Ballet Competition. During his tenure as director he was twice honored by the Indiana Arts Commission with the title Master Artist, recipient of Arts United Individual Artists Fellowship Award and named to Who's Who in America. 
 
In 1994 Mr. Tevlin joined the dance faculty of the Interlochen Arts Academy one to the most prestigious performing arts high school in the country and served as associate director of the summer dance program at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, from 1998 - 2004.
 
An award-winning choreographer, Mr. Tevlin is equally

BA: Butler University Indianapolis, IN,

MS: Indiana University Bloomington, IN,