Carolina Ballet, founded by South Carolina dance legend, Ann Brodie (who also founded the Columbia City Ballet), in 1988, is a true civic company - one that welcomes all the community’s dancers. The production of “The Nutcracker,” coordinated, directed and presented by CMFA over Thanksgiving weekend, attracts audiences from throughout the country. It is a tradition for many families and part of a destination package for early holiday shopping or family visits. Through Carolina Ballet apprentice program, CMFA nurtures talent, giving the community's youngest dancers the opportunity to perform in programs designed especially for them.

Columbia Festival Orchestra, another great art organization founded under CMFA, regularly performs with the ballet for the annual holiday production of “The Nutcracker.”

CMFA together with the Carolina Ballet presents a three week annual summer intensive program.  The Ballet Academy brings international guest teachers in residence to Columbia for the program.  Students come from throughout the country to study with these master teachers before going on to other programs or international competitions throughout the United States and Europe.