I have had the pleasure of attending several Ballet Fantastique performances, each skillful, entertaining, and authentic—an embodiment of the hard work, joy, and enthusiasm of the entire Ballet Fantastique team. Ballet Fantastique does a wonderful job of integrating classical styles with a modern, theatrical sensibility, and two of the performances I attended included live music, to brilliant effect. They are also, beyond stylistic prowess, a practiced member of their community and inclusive place of learning. From seasoned leapers to teetering tots, dancers of all ages and skills are included in their performances, giving it the feel, not only a great company, but of an especially talented family. Eugene is lucky to have them.
I was involved in the decision to go non-profit with the founders of the organization . The decision making process allowed the evolution of the founders wishes as expressed by their mission statement. They have been consistently moving toward the fulfillment of the statement ever since. Eugene area youth and youth from the state of Oregon have had their lives greatly enriched through this great organization's efforts.
As an intern at Ballet Fantastique, I have been allowed the amazing opportunity to be a part of a non-profit organization that dedicates their heart and soul into the community and into dance. The entire staff, including the interns, are extremely dedicated and passionate about helping this organization expand. Ballet Fantastique is always striving to reach out into the community and allow others the opportunity to experience dance. As an intern with little dance background, I gained a deep appreciation for the art of ballet and Ballet Fantastique. The staff at Ballet Fantastique welcomed me with open arms and have taught me invaluable lessons about my position within media relations, and also the power a non-profit can have. It takes a team of devoted and passionate individuals to make a non-profit succeed. And Ballet Fantastique has just that. The Bontrager's, coaches, instructors, and staff's commitment to the organization is amazing to watch, and I am very fortunate to be a part of this inspiring group of people.
I've seen one performance--packed the Hult Center's Soreng Theatre in Eugene. it was fantastic. I was also fortunate enough to have the executive director, Hannah Bontrager, in several of my courses when she was a student at the University of Oregon. Given her talent and her commitment to both teaching young artists and to bringing ballet to the community, it is no surprise that Ballet Fantastique has been so successful. Can't wait for the next performance.
Ballet Fantastique does amazing work for the Eugene, OR and beyond area, making children's dreams to dance come true and making the arts available to all socioeconomic levels. The company is dedicated to its cause and could get even more done if it were not for funding limitations.
BF is company of professional dancers with grace and skill. They've brought dance back to the city. They also teach our younger students to appreciate the discipline and athletic ability needed to dance ballet.
BFan has reached out to low-income elementary school communities to expose young children to the possibility of ballet, even offering free introductory lessons to students from these schools. BFan has stirred up the staid dance community in our city. Even the stodgy city ballet company copies them in many ways.
Ballet Fantastique is a wonderful organization any which way you look at it. The instructors are outstanding, and as practicing, professional performers and choreographers, they create an exciting a vibrant environment in which to learn the art of ballet. Needless to say the academy is the best of its kind in Eugene. Because it is both an academy and a chamber ballet company, Ballet Fantastique provides unique opportunities for ambitious young dancers to perform in a mix of traditional and creative modern shows with extraordinary prima ballerinas. As a business partner, Ballet Fantastique lacks at nothing. Their commitment to their artistic is uncompromising and it encourages everyone involved to rise to their best. I have worked with them now for nearly six months. In my professional experience as a videographer, film director and advertiser, I have yet to come across as wonderful a company as Ballet Fantastique.
This is my first season teaching and performing with Ballet Fantastique, and I am extremely impressed. The caliber of teaching and the dedication to the art is astounding. The atmosphere is welcoming and professional, which makes the students excel and learn how to be dedicated. One of Ballet Fantastique's missions is to bring new and different works to the Hult Center, while still keeping a classical base. I am truly inspired by there history and goals.
