Ballet Fantastique

In the vibrant cultural landscape of Eugene, Oregon, Ballet Fantastique stands as a beacon of artistic innovation and excellence in the world of dance. Co-founded in 2000 by the visionary mother-daughter team of Donna Marisa and Hannah Bontrager, this is not your grandmother's ballet company. Ballet Fantastique has carved a unique niche by reimagining classic stories and creating bold, all-original dance theater repertoire that captivates audiences and pushes the boundaries of traditional ballet. They are celebrated for their cross-disciplinary collaborations, integrating live music, diverse artistic elements, and imaginative storytelling into their productions, earning them accolades from publications like the Eugene Weekly and Portland Monthly. Beyond their stunning performances at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts and on tour, Ballet Fantastique is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers through its Academy, offering top-tier training that prioritizes both technical mastery and the holistic development of each student. For anyone in Oregon seeking to experience world-class dance, embark on a ballet journey, or simply be inspired by passionate artistry, Ballet Fantastique offers an unparalleled and enriching experience right in our own backyard.

Ballet Fantastique's mission extends beyond the stage; it's about building inclusive new audiences, training diverse artists, and inspiring youth through education programs that break down traditional access barriers. This dedication to both artistic innovation and community enrichment truly sets them apart as a cultural gem in Oregon.

Ballet Fantastique is ideally situated at 960 Oak St, Eugene, OR 97401, USA. This prime location places the studio and administrative offices in the heart of downtown Eugene's developing Arts & Culture District, making it highly accessible for residents throughout Eugene and the wider Oregon region. The studio's central position ensures convenient access via various modes of transportation. For those driving, there are typically parking options available in the downtown area, including street parking and nearby parking garages, though it's always advisable to check local parking regulations. The proximity to major public transit routes also means that students and audience members can easily reach the facility using local bus services. Being within a thriving arts district, the location also offers a vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by other cultural institutions, restaurants, and shops, making a visit to Ballet Fantastique a part of a larger engaging experience in downtown Eugene. This accessibility is crucial for fostering community engagement and ensuring that high-quality dance education and performances are within reach for everyone in Oregon.

Ballet Fantastique offers a comprehensive suite of services that cater to a wide spectrum of the dance community, from aspiring young artists to adults and the broader audience.

• Professional Training Division: For serious students aged 9 and up, this division offers elite pre-professional coaching following the renowned Vaganova Method of training. Class sizes are limited to 12 students or fewer, ensuring individualized attention. Students in this program have opportunities to participate in professional performances with the main company and may audition for company positions upon graduation.

• Young Dancer Program (Ages 2+): This program introduces young children to creative movement, music education, and dance fundamentals. It follows a progressive training approach, nurturing a love for dance from an early age in a supportive environment.

• Adult/Teen Dance Program: Ballet Fantastique provides classes for teens and adults, offering opportunities for individuals of all skill levels to engage with ballet. This includes drop-in classes, workshops, and membership options for those looking to begin or continue their dance journey, with a focus on building confidence, improving technique, and exploring unique style.

• Original Performance Repertoire: The professional company creates and performs all-original dance theater repertoire. These productions are known for their inventive storytelling, cross-disciplinary collaborations (with live musicians, sculptors, choirs, etc.), and bold, contemporary approach to ballet. They present a full season of original performances annually at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts and also tour nationally and internationally.

• Chamber Ballet Company: As the only one of its kind in Lane County, this provides a crucial performance outlet for young professional dancers, contributing to their development and offering unique artistic experiences.

• Education and Outreach Programs: Ballet Fantastique is dedicated to inspiring youth through various outreach initiatives. These include scholarship programs for dancers in financial need, offering free tickets for youth to attend concerts, conducting in-school integrated arts residencies, and presenting school assembly performances. The "EXPERIENCE DANCE! PROJECT" aims to bring classical ballet to non-traditional audiences.

• Studio Rentals: Their beautiful studio locations in downtown Eugene are available for meetings, birthday parties, recitals, and receptions, offering versatile event spaces for the community.

Ballet Fantastique stands out for numerous compelling reasons, making it a celebrated and highly recommended institution within the Oregon arts scene.

• Top-Tier Training and Holistic Development: As enthusiastically noted by a grateful parent, the training is "top notch still!!!! And still hitting it outta the ballpark!!!" The focus on "technique and fluidity with special attention given to each student to enhance their own talents and strengths" ensures a high level of dance education. Crucially, the studio fosters not just technical skill but also "confidence, strength, and commitment," making it a place where students truly "blossom."

• Exceptional and Caring Faculty: The reviews consistently highlight the quality of the coaches. Instructors, including directors Hannah and Ashly, and international coaches like Lucy from London, are described as "amazing," "very qualified," and providing "so much genuine attention to the students that they shine!!" The emphasis on students feeling "cared for, important, and included, challenged for improvement... and loved" speaks volumes about the nurturing environment.

• Innovative and Original Repertoire: Ballet Fantastique is renowned for creating "all-original dance theater repertoire." They are not simply performing traditional ballets but are "re-imagining the future of dance" through contemporary ballet premieres and cross-disciplinary collaborations. This commitment to innovation keeps their performances fresh, engaging, and relevant, appealing to a broad audience.

• Strong Leadership and Ethical Management: The company is praised for being "well managed, ethical, and polished." The dedication of Donna, the owner and director, to crafting the company "Quilted with care" ensures a high standard of operation. Sara, the manager, is particularly highlighted for her "amazing amount of knowledge" and her role in maintaining the "ethical essence of the Dance company in full swing at all times," providing invaluable support to both dancers and parents.

• Vibrant Performance Opportunities: Being a Resident Company at Eugene's Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Ballet Fantastique offers consistent and high-caliber performance opportunities for both professional company dancers and advanced students. Their full season of original works, plus touring, provides rich experiences for performers and audiences alike.

• Community-Oriented and Inclusive: The studio actively works to "build inclusive new audiences" and reach "underserved communities" through education programs and scholarships. This dedication to accessibility makes dance available to a wider demographic in Oregon.

For more information about Ballet Fantastique, including class registration, performance schedules, or general inquiries, please use the following contact details:

Address: 960 Oak St, Eugene, OR 97401, USA

Phone: (844) 494-6793

Mobile Phone: +1 844-494-6793

We encourage you to visit their official website for the most up-to-date information on upcoming performances, academy programs, and to connect with their dedicated team.

Ballet Fantastique is an indispensable asset for locals in Eugene and across the broader Oregon region, offering a rich tapestry of artistic and educational opportunities. For parents seeking an unparalleled dance education for their children, the Academy provides top-tier training rooted in the Vaganova method, delivered by a highly qualified and genuinely caring international faculty. The emphasis on fostering confidence, strength, and a love for dance, beyond just technical skill, creates a truly nurturing environment where students like Beau can "blossom." Moreover, for all residents, Ballet Fantastique serves as a vibrant cultural institution, regularly performing stunning, all-original dance theater at the Hult Center. These innovative productions, blending various art forms and live music, offer engaging and accessible artistic experiences that redefine what ballet can be. The company's commitment to community outreach, including scholarships and school programs, further solidifies its role as a vital contributor to Oregon's arts landscape. Whether you're an aspiring dancer, a seasoned arts patron, or simply looking for an enriching cultural experience, Ballet Fantastique delivers world-class artistry and a deeply supportive community right here in our own community.

Ballet Fantastique

960 Oak St, Eugene, OR 97401, USA