The story
Ballet Fantastique was established in 2000 by choreographer-producers and dancers, Donna and Hannah Bontrager. The organization became an Oregon nonprofit in the early 2000s and later achieved 501(c)(3) status. Its mission is to build new audiences for dance through original ballet works, provide professional training for emerging artists, and engage youth through arts education. Since its founding, Ballet Fantastique has presented more than 100 original works, including over 50 full-length narrative ballet premieres.
Based in downtown Eugene, Oregon, the company has received regional and national media attention. The Washington Post has featured Ballet Fantastique, while Eugene Weekly described it as a "bold, cross-disciplinary dance company. According to Portland Center Stage Reviews, Ballet Fantastique has "made a name for itself in out-of-the-box revisions of classic story ballets" and is "not your grandmother's Swan Lake." In recent years, Ballet Fantastique productions have been recognized with media attention and awards nominations, including regional Emmy nomination coverage in press releases.
Ballet Fantastique productions emphasize collaboration with live musicians, visual artists, and other cross-disciplinary performers. Notable collaborations include work with Michelle Ladd Williams (Lord of the Rings and Recognized Fight Director, Society of American Fight Directors) for the world premiere of Ballet Fantastique's Robin Hood & Maid Marian in 2023.
The company regularly holds auditions and attracts dancers from across the United States and internationally.
From Wikipedia’s article on Ballet Fantastique, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.3