Janessa Touchet: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of a Beloved Principal Dancer of the Cincinnati Ballet

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. (Death Update)

Early Life and Passion for Dance

Janessa Touchet’s journey in ballet began at the age of three at the Giacobbe Academy of Dance in Metairie, Louisiana, where she trained for 15 years under the guidance of Joseph and Maria Giacobbe. 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. (Death Update)

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. (Death Update)

Rise to Prominence at Cincinnati Ballet

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. (Death Update)

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. (Death Update)