Lisa Thorn Morris

As Associate Artistic Director at Orlando Ballet, Lisa Thorn Morris brings extensive professional experience that includes performing as a principal dancer, choreographer, and educator. Lisa has been significantly contributing to the success of the professional company’s artistic development since she joined as Ballet Master in 2015.

Lisa transitioned to artistic leadership after her 20-year dance career as a member of the Kansas City Ballet where she performed numerous principal roles by some of the world’s greatest choreographers including favorite roles by Alvin Ailey, George Balanchine, Todd Bolender, August Bournonville, Merce Cunningham, Agnes DeMille, Nacho Duato, Ruth Page, Marius Petipa and Twyla Tharp, to name a few.

While at Kansas Ballet, she served as Associate Ballet Mistress before being elevated to Ballet Mistress in Residence. Other career highlights include performing professionally with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, Owen/Cox Dance Group, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Starlight Theatre of Kansas City and Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance.

In addition to dancing professionally, Lisa has also choreographed for numerous organizations including the Orlando Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Actors Theatre of Kansas City, and the Kansas City Youth Ballet. Lisa’s choreographic skill and success led to her being named 2005’s Emerging Choreographer at the Craft of Choreography Conference.

Lisa earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in Dance, graduating Summa Cu Laude from the University of Missouri where she served as an Adjunct Professor at the Conservatory of Music and Dance. She has served as guest instructor for the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) and Kansas City Ballet School. Originally from Dryden, New York, Lisa began her dance training as a child with the Ithaca Ballet before training with UNCSA, Pittsburgh Ballet School and the School of American Ballet.

Lisa re-staged the Company’s production of Giselle alongside Artistic Director, Jorden Morris. Additionally, she assists Artistic Director Jorden Morris in staging his highly popular ballets including “Moulin Rouge – the Ballet,” “Peter Pan” and “The Great Gatsby.” She spent two years as choreographic assistant to Morris in the development and world premiere of his new multi-million-dollar production of The Nutcracker during Orlando Ballet’s 2023-2024 season.

“Never could I have imagined that when I started my career, I would experience the range of performance and creative opportunities that I’ve been involved in and enjoyed so much,” Lisa says. “And I’ve had the very best fortune to work with my favorite creative partner and partner in life.”