Kathy Thibodeaux

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Kathy Thibodeaux is co-founder and Artistic Director of Ballet Magnificat!.

Born Kathy Denton, she studied under American Ballet Theater’s Albia Kavan and Rex Cooper at the Jackson Ballet School (later Ballet Mississippi). In 1976, she married Keith Thibodeaux, a former child actor and musician, best known for playing "Little Ricky" in "I Love Lucy" and "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour" television shows. (He was credited for those series as Richard Keith.) In 1978, Kathy became one of Jackson Ballet Company’s first contracted dancers, dancing as a principal until 1986.

In 1979, after becoming a Christian, Kathy desired to use her talents and gifts to serve and honor her Lord Jesus. In 1982 she stepped into the spotlight of the international dance world by winning a silver medal at the II USA International Ballet Competition. During the third "contemporary" round of that competition, Kathy stood up to outside secular pressure and danced to the contemporary Christian song "We Shall Behold Him", by Sandi Patty. Gregory B. Smith, who was later instrumental in the formation of Ballet Magnificat!, did the choreography at Kathy's request.

Kathy left Ballet Mississippi in 1986 and founded Ballet Magnificat! Tour Company with her husband, Keith. Ballet Magnificat! is the world's premier Christian ballet touring company. Kathy and Keith both longed to see the arts restored to the Church and founded Ballet Magnificat! as a means to do that.

Now in her early 50s, Kathy is still a principle dancer and choreographer with the Alpha division of Ballet Magnificat!.