The world of ballet and the broader artistic community are mourning the tragic loss of Janessa Touchet, a principal dancer with the Cincinnati Ballet, who passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.
Janessa, a native of Metairie, Louisiana, and a resident of Carmel, Indiana, leaves behind a legacy of elegance, energy, and dedication that inspired countless dancers and delighted audiences across the globe.
Janessa’s journey in ballet began at the age of three at the Giacobbe Academy of Dance in Metairie, where she trained for 15 years under the guidance of Joseph and Maria Giacobbe.
It was here that she laid the foundation for her distinctive style—one that married technical excellence with expressive freedom. The school’s eclectic approach, blending elements of Cecchetti, Vaganova, and Bournonville methods, deeply shaped Janessa’s artistry.
“Joseph always said he wanted the dancer to think Italian and move Russian,” Janessa once reflected, capturing the depth and nuance of the instruction she received.
Her training was not without its challenges. Janessa danced for three hours each evening after school, then all day on weekends, yet she cherished every moment. Her commitment was unwavering, and her passion unmistakable.
She supplemented her early training with summer intensives at prestigious institutions like the Hartford Ballet and Royal Danish Ballet. Later, she completed a year in the Professional Division at Pacific Northwest Ballet School, which gave her a strong foundation in the Balanchine technique—something she grew to appreciate deeply in her professional career.
At just 19, Janessa joined Cincinnati Ballet as an apprentice and quickly ascended through the ranks. Her breakout role came as Tinkerbell in Peter Pan, and from there, she went on to dazzle audiences in principal roles ranging from classical staples like The Sleeping Beauty to contemporary works such as Jorma Elo’s Plan to B. Critics often described her as “vigorous,” “fast on her feet,” and “radiant,” noting the effortless power and expressiveness she brought to each performance.
In 2006, Janessa reached a career milestone when she was nominated for the prestigious Benois de la Danse prize—an extraordinary honor, especially as she was still a soloist at the time. Along with a fellow dancer from Cincinnati Ballet, she was one of only two Americans recognized that year, cementing her status as a leading figure in the ballet world.
Yet for all her accomplishments, Janessa remained grounded and generous. She credited her success to her early mentors and the support of those around her. “I have been so fortunate to work with amazing coaches,” she said, highlighting figures like Kirk Peterson and Eldar Aliev, whose guidance helped her grow artistically. More recently, Janessa had begun giving back through coaching and teaching variation classes, discovering a passion for mentoring the next generation of dancers.
Outside the studio and stage, Janessa was known for her warmth, humility, and sense of humor. She worked at Carmel’s Dance Wear in Metairie and had once danced with NOBT Trainee/2nd Company. Her joy in dancing was matched by her enthusiasm for helping others discover the same fulfillment. Whether through her graceful performances or encouraging words in a studio, Janessa made a lasting impact on everyone she encountered.
Janessa’s favorite role, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, seemed to mirror the depth of her emotional range as an artist. “It’s the one role I couldn’t pull myself away from,” she once said. “I usually leave my work in the studio, but this role required me to be Juliet all the time.” Her ability to embody such powerful characters onstage reflected the rich inner world she brought to her work.
Those closest to her remember not just a phenomenal dancer but a woman of integrity, resilience, and boundless passion. As she once said about her favorite pointe shoes, “I can just focus on my dancing, which I believe is the way it should be.” And that is exactly what she did—pouring her heart and soul into every performance, every rehearsal, and every moment shared with others.
Janessa Touchet’s passing is an immeasurable loss to the world of ballet and to all who knew her. She leaves behind her family, colleagues, friends, and fans—grateful for the beauty she brought into the world. Final arrangements will be shared in the coming days. In the meantime, we hold Janessa in our hearts and celebrate the luminous life of a truly extraordinary artist.
