22-23 Annual Impact Report

FROM THE CHOREOGRAPHERPRODUCERS PAGE 3

GUIDING STATEMENTS

BEGINS PAGE 4

FROM PHILIP PIELE, BFAN BOARD PRESIDENT PAGE 6

ARTISTIC IMPACT PAGE 11

COMPANY EVENTS CALENDAR

BEGINS PAGE 12

HULT CONCERT SEASON

BEGINS PAGE 14

RESIDENT ARTISTS

BEGINS PAGE 30

COLLABORATING ARTISTS

BEGINS PAGE 33

ACADEMY 22-23

BEGINS PAGE 36

COMMUNITY IMPACT

PAGE 39

YEAR IN NUMBERS

BEGINS PAGE 8 STAFF, TEAM PAGE 7

PRESS PAGE 10

SPECIAL UPDATE PAGE 26

PROCDUCTION TEAM PAGE 27

DONORS 22-23

BEGINS PAGE 28

CORPORATE PARTNERS

PAGE 40

FINANCIALS

PAGE 41

&

MISSION

Ballet Fantastique reimagines the future of dance—building new dance audiences through contemporary ballet premieres, training the next generation of artists, and inspiring youth through vision- ary outreach programs.

V I S I O N

A leading voice in contemporary ballet, Ballet Fantastique will be recognized throughout the Northwest and beyond for its creation and performance of all-original contemporary ballets, marked by the hallmarks of fresh perspective, dramatic artistry, and collaborative partnership. These performance programs will attract, inspire, and retain new and nontraditional audiences for dance. Ballet Fantastique’s training and outreach programs will reach across barriers in access to educate the next generation of artists and audiences.

VOICE OF THE AUDIENCE

“...probablyourfavoritetheatricalexperienceofalltime.Whatjoy,what beauty,whatdiversityofdancers,whatGORGEOUSDANCERS.Wewere broughttotearsinEugene.Fantastique!!!!! ♡” —ADavis,May2023(GoogleReview) “There'salwaysalightnesstoaBalletFantastiqueperformancethat bringsajoyousfeelingtotheaudience.We'resofortunatetohavesuch atalentedballetcompanyinEugene.Andtheysharethattalentwithall agegroupsintheBalletFantastiqueAcademy,oftenincludingstudents intheshows...Ifyouhaven'tyetattendedaBalletFantastique performance,getyourticketsrightaway!”

—SCoopman,October2023(GoogleReview)

WELCOME...

HERE. YOUR NEW ART is classic

stories new dance theater. great live music.

AsPresidentofBalletFantastiqueBoardofDirectors,thankyouforsupportingour22–23seasonofimpact.

WeopenedinOct.2022withBFan'sfantasticoriginaldancetheaterspinonWashingtonIrving’s1820Legendof SleepyHollow.Brilliantlyco-producedandchoreographedbyourownDonnaMarisaandHannahBontragerwith newclassicsplayedbyDréos(includinginternationalScottishFiddlechampionBrandonVance)andGerry Rempelensemble,BFan'sunique,upbeatadaptationofIrving’stimelessAmericannovellaiswhatOregonArt Beatcalled“rockandrollmeetsColonialAmerica.”Classicstoriesmeetfreshdancetheater.

Nextup,inNov.2022:BabesinToyland,BalletFantastique’sjazzilyexuberant,vibrantlycolorful,brilliantly choreographedproductionoriginallypremieredintheHult'sSorengTheaterin2018wasthisseasonpresentedfor thefirsttime biggerandbetterthanever intheSilvaConcertHallwithSwingShiftJazzOrchestraplaying DukeEllington’sswingingjazzNutcrackerliveunderthebatonofDanCatheyIII,andfeaturingguestartistsfrom Cuba,London,NewYorkCity,andAustinalongsideourownworldclassperformersfordelightedaudiences youngandyoungatheart,withhundredsoflocalkidsintheaudience,includingthosefromJasper Mountain/SAFECenter.

(TheMisadventuresof)CasanovainMar.2023wasanencorereimaginingofour2013premiere,featuringan excitingnewcollaborationwiththewonderfulOregonMozartPlayers,underthedirectionoftheinimitable MaestroKellyKuo,andfeaturinginternationalBaroquecelebrityguestartistsjoiningusfromacrosstheUSfor ourperformances:HenriëtFourie,Soprano;KevinPayne,Theorbo;VickiBoeckman,Recorder;Matthew Hudgens,Recorder;AllanBiggs,BaroquePercussion andMaestroKuo,Harpsichord.

Finally,inMay2023,thelong-awaitedworldpremiereofournewRobinHood&MaidMarian,basedonthe legendary12thcenturytaleoftheheroicoutlawandladywho,withabandofSherwoodForestoutlaws,righted injustice,robbedfromtherichandgavetothepoor.FeaturingguestHollywoodfightchoreographerMichelle LaddandLA-basedcomposerLizaCarbéjoiningourownDonnaandHannah,thisall-starfemalecreativeteam broughtthistimelesslegendtolifewithnewdrama,humanity,andperspective.

FewdancecompaniesintheworldareproducingnewdancetheaterinhouseattherateofBalletFantastique.Coproducedandchoreographedbybrilliantmother-daughterBFanco-foundersDonnaandHannahwiththeir creativeteamfromaroundtheworld,BFanpresentsnewdancetheateratitsbest.Onceyouexperiencewhatthis companyisdoing,youcan’tgoback(andwon’twantto).

19,576 in-person participation

3,795

Withdeepappreciationandgratitude,

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARDPRESIDENT

Dr.PhilipPiele

SECRETARY

DiannaPounder

TREASURER

Dr MicheleHenney,CPA

BOARDMEMBERS

StephanieCoats

MikeMurphy

NicoleRoselio

SteveWebster

DonnaMarisaBontrager

HannahBontrager

IzzyBloodgood, Dancerrepresentative

ADVISORY BOARD

MarySpilde

MatthewKing,Esq

EmilyDew

TheaVandervoort

AmyStoddart

GinaBollesSorenson

SteveRobinson,MBA

KEY VOLUNTEERS

KimberlyGrimes,Backstage

JitendraJoshi,Web

KarenMoon,Costumes

SarahPreston,Backstage

DiannaPounder,Angel

ChristieRodewald,BackstageSupport

SaraStewart,YouthCast

JoshuaWhitley,SetsSupport

BFan’sAcademyFamilies &many,manymore

PRODUCTION + CREATIVE TEAM

DonnaMarisaBontrager,LeadCostumeDesigner

RhodecErickson, Stage&ProductionManager, TouringManager

DeborahSpeer,Libretto,Historical, MusicResearch,CreativeTeam

GenevieveSpeer,ArtisticAssociate,Libretto Support,Historical,MusicResearch

Dr BarbaraMossberg,ResidentPoet,Historian

AllisonDitson,CostumeDesign,Production

ChelseaLovejoy,Wardrobe

DeboraPeña,SetDesign&Construction

KelleDeForrest,Sets,PropsDesign&Construction

AndréaTaggart,BFanWardrobeMistress, Headpieces,Jewelry

GerryRempel,ResidentComposer&Arranger

MichaelPeterson,LightingDesign

EmilyBolivar,LightingDesign

AdamGoldthwaite,SetDesign,Special Effects,Sculptor

MARKETING/MEDIA STAFF

AshleyBontrager,DevelopmentDirector

EliseFerguson,Academy&CompanyManager

AnaBrooks,AdministrationSupport

GenevieveSpeer,FinanceManager

DiannaPounder,AcademyBilling

CarolinKoepplin,GrantsSupport

EmmalineMelton,EventsSupport

JeffMecredy,Leadership&Growth

PhoebeWind,AdministrativeAssistant

IsabelleBloodgood,MarketingCoordinator

EliseFerguson,MarketingSupport

JeremyBronson,Film,Audio,Marketing

GustavoRamirez,Film,Audio,Marketing

HannahBontrager,GraphicDesign, ProgramMagazineDesign

BronsonStudios,Photos,Video,Livestream

MikiMarkovitch,Photos

ChappelMiller,Photos

GustavoRamirez,Photos

RaymondSilos,Photos

BobWilliams,Photos

ACADEMY FACULTY

IsabelleBloodgood,Teen/AdultDivision

Ashley Bontrager,ProfessionalTraining Division,Company

DonnaMarisaBontrager,ProfessionalTraining Division,Company

HannahBontrager,ProfessionalTraining Division,Company

AnaBrooks,ProfessionalTraining Division,YoungDancerDivision, Teen/AdultDivision

BrookeGeffrey-Bowler,Professional TrainingDivision

JenavieveHernandez,Teen/AdultDivision

MadelineKiesel,Teen/AdultDivision

CarolinKoepplin,ProfessionalTrainingDivision

GustavoRamirez,CompanyRehearsalDirector

RaymondSilos,ProfessionalTrainingDivision

2

hultcenterforthe performingarts, wildishcommunity theater

YEAR IN NUMBERS residencies

66 world premieres

songscommissioned

includesnew compositionsand arrangements includesthefulllengthnew narrativeballetRobinHood& MaidMarian

12 originalwork

Createdanddelivered inhouse

100% scholarships awarded $75,000

BalletFantastique's22–23seasonwassomuchmorethanourfirstfull year“back”atthetheater With all the grit, grace, and guts of our yearsofboldandcreativepandemicinnovations,webroughtBFan backtothestagewithnewpassionandpower.Viarecord-breaking attendance, master classes, bold outreach partnerships, new touring appearances, and international collaborations, Ballet Fantastique reached our largest audiences ever Audiences tuned in from Brazil, England, Canada, Nicaragua, and across the US to experience Ballet Fantastiquelivestreams.OurAmericanChristmasCarol:ABalletMovie was nominated for four NW Emmy® awards. 80% of Ballet Fantastique's audience continues to hail from State of Oregon EquityFrameworkcommunities.

14

8 tri-cities,WA pullman,WA moseslake,WA mosco,ID 6000+ donatedtoBFanfrom acrossthecommunity, region,and theworld volunteerhours outreach projects

regionaltouring appearances

20 newsarticles

“I’vebeenso gratefulforthe opportunityto dcarvemyown reamjobandto workwithmy family.”

BFAN’SHANNAHBONTRAGERFORDANCE DATAPROJECT’S2023MOTHER’SDAY NEWSLETTER,PROFILINGMOMSINTHE DANCEINDUSTRY

ABOVE NEWTHURSDAYNIGHTPERFORMANCESERIES: SeasonsubscriberandBFandonorMartaCuboniintheHultlobbywith friendsforBFan’s22–23season

DANCE DATA PROJECT

89% to our new Thursdaynightconcertseries arenewBFan subscribers!

ofsubscribers

Ilovetheflavoroftheirperformances:livemusic (ofteneclectic/uniquelyauthentic/local/all3!),really funcostumes&gorgeoussets(achievingillusionw/ creativedesign)...itisthefreshest �� around,IMO...

22–23 ARTISTIC WORK

BFANSUBSCRIBERMARTACUBONI,INSTAGRAM

BalletFantastique’s22–23Season:NEWLEGENDS,reinforcedourdistinctivereputationfora performanceyearcomprisedsolelyoforiginalworkcreatedbyDonnaandHannahforBallet Fantastique inpartnershipwithcross-disciplinaryartistsfromacrossourregionandtheworldand featuringalllivemusic.

InOct2022atourHultCenterhome,weopenedSleepyHollow,featuringliveoriginalmusicanddiverse arrangementsbyDréosandGerryRempelEnsemble.SleepyHollownotonlysoldout butsetanew recordasBFan’stop-sellingshowofalltime.

ThanksgivingWeekendintheHultCenter’sSilvaConcertHall,BalletFantastiqueopenedourplayful, dramaticbigbandlostholidayclassic,BabesinToyland,featuringSwingShiftJazzOrchestraplaying DukeEllington’sjazzNutcracker InternationalguestartistsandAcademyofBalletFantastiquedancers joinedtheourresidentartistsonstagewithanewlegacybackdropcommissionedbyDisneyImagineering artistKelleDeForrestandfundedwithvisionaryleadingsupportfromdonorsPhilip&SandraPiele

March2023intheHult’sSorengTheater,along-awaitedprojectopened:(TheMisadventuresof) Casanova,againembodyingBalletFantastique’strademarkfreshperspective:BFan’sCasanovaislessabout thelegendaryromanticGiacomoCasanovathanitisaboutsevenofthewomenwhochallengedandshaped him,completewithanoriginalnarrationwritteninpartnershipwithBalletFantastiquelibrettistGenevieve Speer(narrationread/performedbyactorJasonRowe),andundertheleadershipofMaestroKellyKuo (musicdirector,harpsichord),featuringtopBaroquecelebritymusiciansfromacrosstheworldwithgrant supportfromtheNils&JewelHultFoundation.

InMay2023attheHult,wecontinuedto“pushtheartisticenvelope”(EugeneWeekly)withtheworld premiereofBFan’sRobinHood&MaidMarian,withFredrickDavis(DanceTheatreofHarlem) starringasRobinHood,featuringRaymondSilos(CirqueduSoleil)asFriarTuck,andthereturnofretired BFanprincipaldancerGabrielRitzmannSarmento(Brazil)asLittleJohn.Theall-starteamoffemale makersonDonna&Hannah’steamincludedcomposerLizaCarbé(LA),LordoftheRingscombat choreographerMichelleLaddWilliams,andbuilderDebraPeña.VisionarygrantsupportfromtheNils& JewelHultFoundationwasagainpivotaltothisambitiousartisticundertaking.

AddtotheseasonthreeoriginalproductionsattheWildishCommunityTheaterfeaturingnearly100 Academystudentsinnewchoreography(Aug.2022,Jan.2023,Jun.2023),andnumerousappearances throughouttheregion(includingasthefeaturedperformerattheinauguralLaneCountyArts&Culture Awards),aswellasregionaltoursofourcriticallyacclaimedSleepyHollowandBabesinToylandlive throughouttheregioninWashingtonandNorthernIdaho,includingoutreachperformances,master classes,andlocalyouthcasts

Thisseason’sworkcontinuestopavethewayforustogrowintoanationalpioneerincontemporaryballet Inall,the22–23seasonhighlightedBFan’sartisticambidexterity,withlocal,internationallivestream,and regionaltouringandoutreachprogramsrequiringDonnaandHannahandthedancerstoutilizethefull measuresoftheircreativity,stamina,technique,andinterpretiveskills

Inadramatic testamentto the accessibility andcreativity ofBFan’s artistic programming, ourSoreng Theaterhome season performances weremore oftensoldout thannotin 22–23.And withthe additionof new performances, ouraudience reachwasat 167%ofour pre-Covid3 yearaverage.

BFAN 22–23 IMPACT CALENDAR

(SELECTED LIST)

WED 10/5: SLEEPY HOLLOW

OPEN BARRE

Open rehearsal, firstrelease tastings, minilecture w/ Dr B toast the new art with us. $10 or free for subscribers (City Center for Dance)

THU-FRI 10/13-14: SLEEPY HOLLOW WASHINGTON TOUR

Richland Auditorium (Pasco, WA)

Wallenstien Theater (Moses Lake, WA)

THU 10/20: SLEEPY HOLLOW LADIES' NIGHT

Sleepy Hollow dinner + cocktail pairings @ Bar Purlieu, Hult performance to follow. Audience mingle with the artists @ Gordon Tavern followed the show

THU-SUN 10/20-10/23: THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW @HULT/SORENG

Classic story, new dance theater, live music 10/2010/22, recorded music of the custom BFan Sleepy Hollow score 10/23

SUN 10/23: SLEEPY HOLLOW

CAST PARTY BENEFIT @ ALESONG ON 5TH (5 PM-SH)

Artist meet-and-greet after the show

(THANKSGIVING WEEKEND)

SAT-SUN 11/26-11/27: BABES IN TOYLAND @HULT/SILVA!

BFan launches your family's holiday season! BFan's classic retroglam spoof on the 1903 Victor Herbert madcap holiday classic in Candyland Swing Shift Jazz Orchestra plays Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Fun, sparkling, fresh magic

SUN 11/27: BABES CAST PARTY BENEFIT @ ALESONG ON 5TH (5 PM-ISH)

Artist meet-and-greet after the show

11/30-12/1: BABES WASHINGTON PERFORMANCES

Jones Theater University of Washington Pullman, WA

SUN 12/11: AMERICAN CHRISTMAS CAROL: A BALLET MOVIE SCREENINGS @ BIJOU ART HOUSE 2 PM OR 7:30 PM

BFan's decadent movie spin on our 1940s jazz version of Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol

C A L E N D A R

PREVIOUS PAGE: Carolin Koepplin is Maid Marian, FredrickDavisisRobin Hood | BobWilliams

AT RIGHT: Ballet Fantastique’s Adam & Isabelle BloodgoodinBalletintheVineyardatSilvanRidgeWinery | MikiMarkovitch

SUN 1/29: WINTER WONDERLAND

ACADEMY OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE

PERFORMANCE @ WILDISH

Sweet suites by the next generation of Ballet Fantastique dancers in our community

WED 2/22: CASANOVA

OPEN BARRE (SUBSCRIBER EVENT)

Open rehearsal, firstrelease tastings, minilecture w/ Dr B toast the new art with us. $10 or free for subscribers (City Center for Dance)

THU 3/2: CASANOVA LADIES' NIGHT

Tapas + champagne pairing at SIP Champagne Bar, Hult performance to follow. Mingle with the artists @ Gordon Tavern following the show

THU-SUN 3/2-3/5: (THE MISADVENTURES OF) CASANOVA

@HULT/SORENG

Classic story, new dance theater, live music (Oregon Mozart Players, guests from Portland Baroque Orchestra)

SUN 3/5: CASANOVA CAST PARTY BENEFIT @ ALESONG ON 5TH (5 PM-ISH)

Artist meet-and-greet after the show

SAT 3/11: RÊVERIE MASQUERADE GALA @ EUGENE COUNTRY CLUB

BFan's schmancy annual gala our most important fundraiser of the season. Dress code: Venetian glam

FRI 4/14: ROBIN HOOD

OPEN BARRE (SUBSCRIBER EVENT)

Open rehearsal, firstrelease tastings, minilecture w/ Dr. B toast the new art with us $10 or free for subscribers (City Center for Dance)

THU 5/11: ROBIN HOOD LADIES' NIGHT

Dinner + wine pairings @ Elizabeth's Wine Lounge, Hult performance to follow Mingle with the artists @ Gordon Tavern following the show

SAT 5/13: MAID MARIAN MOTHER'S DAY TEA @ SHELTON MCMURPHEY JOHNSON HOUSE

Sold out (MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND) 5/11-5/14: ROBIN HOOD & MAID MARIAN (WORLD PREMIERE)

BFan's first Mother's Day Weekend world premiere since 2019. New legends created with live music, bold female composer/choreographers/ makers, all.

ORIGINAL DANCE THEATER FROM BALLET FANTASTIQUE : BASED UPON A STORY FOUND AMONG THE PAPERS OF THE LATE DIEDRICK KNICKERBOCKER, ADAPTED FROM WASHINGTON IRVING (1820)

WorldPremiereSponsor: Nils&JewelHultEndowmentFund

concept,choreography,producers DONNAMARISA+HANNAHBONTRAGER

livemusic//originalmusic+arrangements DRÉOS+GERRYREMPELENSEMBLE

liveperformances+livestream SORENGTHEATER,HULTCENTER,10/20–10/23/22 ONTOUR:OCTOBER2022

worldpremiere2017,balletfantastique

reaking ndance

Myimpressedwordscannotdojusticetothe achievementthatisTheLegendofSleepy HollowbyBalletFantastique,‘BFan’toits fans.Acommunitytreasure.Andthesold outaudienceknewwhattheywereseeing!

MAKING THE

BecomingIchabod

INTERVIEW WITH PRESTON ANDR

BY ISABELLE BLOODGOOD

JoinusinwelcomingPrestonAndrewPatterson back to the BFan stage! Preston has appeared a number of times with Ballet Fantastique, includingstarringinBalletFantastique’sAs You Like It: A Wild West Ballet Italy tour in 2013 Preston joins BFan from Ballet Austin, where he wasacompanyartistfrom2010-2022 InBFan's Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Preston dances the leading role of big city schoolteacher Ichabod Crane His artistry, wit and humor on stage make him the perfect fit for this challenging protagonistrole

Tellusalittlebitaboutyourself!Whenandwheredid youstartdancing?Whatinspiredyoutotrydancing? ItookmyfirstdanceclasswhenIwasaround5or 6afterseeingadanceclassupcloseinthebasement ofthechurchIattended.

You have worked with Ballet Fantastique before. Whatwasyourexperiencelike?

I guested with Ballet Fantastique in their tour to Italy, and again at the Hult. The tour was a whirlwind, to say the least. I learned that Ballet Fantastiqueisanall-hands-on-deckteam;Irecall thecamaraderiebeingreallyawe-inspiring Itwas amazing what we accomplished by working together andoverusingtheword“grazie.”

TellusaboutbecomingIchabod.

A new experience! In general, the opportunity to make a character especially a character from classical literature my own has not been too common an experience in my career thus far, so while it’s challenging balancing the stamina and dramatic needs of the role, it’s also refreshing to haveacharactertobringtolife.

What are you looking forward to most about performingasIchabod? Favoritescenes? I’mlookingforwardtothereactionsfromthelive audience!OurdepictionofSleepyHollowcontains agreatdealofhumorandwarmthonemightnot immediatelyassociatewithsuchaseminallygothic tale.Agreatexampleofthisisoneofmyfavorite scenes in the second act, the schoolhouse scene, in which Ichabod is obsessing over this dropped handkerchief from Katrina Van Tassel while his studentseagerlyawaithisinstruction.It’sthefirst timeweseeIchabodinhis“element”-academiawhile also being somewhat out of it because he’s enamoredwiththehandkerchiefanditsperson.

INSPIRED BY THE 1903 VICTOR HERBERT OPERETTA, WITH SOME EXTRA LOVE, IMAGINATION & MAGIC

WorldPremiereSponsor: Nils&JewelHultEndowmentFund

concept,choreography,producers

DONNAMARISA+HANNAHBONTRAGER

livemusic//originalmusic+arrangements

SWINGSHIFTJAZZORCHESTRA,ARRBYSTEVESHARPFORBFAN

liveperformances+livestream

SORENGTHEATER,HULTCENTER,11/27–11/28/22

ONTOUR:DECEMBER

worldpremiere2018,balletfantastique

MAKING THE ART — in Thankyoufortheoutrageouslytalentedfun whimsicalballetlastnight!

Iamhookedandwillbeateverysingle performancethatyoudofromhereonout. ThequestionofthehourisWHYdidittake ussolongtodiscoveryouall?!?!?!?!

JoshuaWebb(UK)

LesterGonzalez(Cuba)

RIPPED FROM THE PAGES OF HISTOIRE DE MA VIE (“HISTORY OF MY LIFE”), BY GIACOMO GIROLAMO

CASANOVA DE SEINGALT (1797-ISH), RETOLD FOR YOU

concept,choreography,producers

DONNAMARISA+HANNAHBONTRAGER

livemusic//originalmusic+arrangements

OREGONMOZARTPLAYERS

ORIGINALARRBYJASONFROMME+RENESCHIFFERFORBFAN

liveperformances+livestream SORENGTHEATER,HULTCENTER,3/2-3/5/23

worldpremiere2013,balletfantastique

LiveMusic&NewArrangementsSponsor: Nils&JewelHultEndowmentFund

htshow erticket mance. IBER,

studies Juilliard, Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, Switzerland; currently based in Seattle, Portland, Houston) baroque theorbo, lute; Henriët Fourie (Chicago, Portland) soprano specializing in early music; Baroque arranger for BFan's Casanova: Jason Fromme. Additionally, we were deeply humbled and honoredtoworkwithcelebrityarrangerRenéSchifferof Apollo's Fire, an internationally renowned, GRAMMY®-winningbaroqueorchestra

CENTER:JenavieveHernandezisLuciain(TheMisadventuresof)

Casanova (live music: Oregon Mozart Players under Kelly Kuo), HultCenter,March2023

GIRLPOWER

Behind the scenes: Check out social feature of each of the female characters from Casanovaleadinguptotheperformance meetthedancer,character,hearfromheron bringingthecharactertolifeandwhatthecharactermeanstothedancer.IntrueBFan style,we'renotjustheretosharegreatmovement wealsowanttomoveyouwiththe storieswe'resharing.Thewomeninourstoryarestrongparticipantsintheirowntelling. We'velovedhearingfromBFan'sincredibleteamofartistswhatbuildingthesecharacters hasmeanttothem.

ABOVE:PrincipaldancerCarolinKoepplin becomingPaulinawithGustavoRamirezand PrestonAndrewPattersonatBalletFantastique’s downtownEugenestudios | @balletfantastique

IwenttoyourshowFridaynight.Ibelieveitisthefirstlive balletIhaveeverseen.Thewholeaffairwasfantastic.

RKOCH,NEWBFANFAN,EMAIL,MAR2023

Girlpower thenextgeneration/youngBFan audiences | ErinWhitaker

WorldPremiereSponsor: Nils&JewelHultEndowmentFund

RIPPED FROM THE LEGEND, RETOLD FOR YOU concept,choreography,producers

DONNAMARISA+HANNAHBONTRAGER

FIGHTSCENESINCOLLABORATIONWITHMICHELLELADDWILLIAMS withgratitudetotheartistsofballetfantastique

livemusic//originalscore NOTTINGHAM LIZACARBÉ

liveperformances+livestream

SORENGTHEATER,HULTCENTER,5/11-5/14/23 worldpremiere2023,balletfantastique

BalletFantastique’smother-daughtercreativeteam,DonnaMarisaand HannahBontrager,presentRobinHood&MaidMarian,areimaginingofthe legendwithnewresonance,power,andvoices.TheballetfeaturesafulllengthcommissionedscorebyLA-basedLizaCarbéwithJPDurand,known fortheirworkwithEntertainmentTonightandParamountmoviesandTV, playedlivebyNottingham.Theperformancefeaturesfightchoreographyby LordoftheRingsGuestCombatChoreographerMichelleLaddWilliams; guestartistRaymondSilosofCirqueduSoleil;aninternationalcastof dancers;andFredrickDavis,aformerprincipaldancerwithDanceTheatreof HarlemwhosestorywasthesubjectofthePBSdocumentary,Fromthe StreetstotheStage:ABlackManina‘White”Art.’

JAMUNACHIARINI,ORARTSWATCH

MAKING THE ART —

WRITINGROBIN

INTERVIEW WITH COMPOSER LIZA CARBÉ

EXPLORE THE FULL INTERVIEW

In production process for a full three years, Robin Hood & Maid Marian represents exciting firsts for BFan's in-house creative team, including the company ' s first ever full score commission. After receiving a competitive grant for this project, ChoreographerProducers Donna and Hannah Bontrager knew they wanted to work with longtime BFan collaborators Liza Carbé and JP Durand This LA-based team has written music for Entertainment Tonight as well as Paramount movies & TV. For this world premiere, their new compositions were uniquely written to match theBontrager'sintricatechoreography

BY ISABELLE BLOODGOOD FOR BFAN

Tellusaboutyourcareerinmusic!Wheredidyouget started?

Both my parents were musicians, and my father wasavisualartistfromSicily,soIgrewupinthe arts.IsanginmyfirstmusicalwhenIwas6and then started taking Spanish guitar lessons at age nineandaccompaniedmyselfsingingfolkandpop songs theneventuallystartedwritingmyown.

In the 21st century, it’s incredibly unique to have a newscorewrittenforanewballet Howunusualisit intheworldofmusic?Howisthisprojectspecialto you?

Working with BFan is something that I always look forward to! Seeing our music put to dance is always very exciting! Being a part of a joint creative process with BFan and writing the music totheirvisionisuniqueandexciting.Thisproject has not just been about composing the music, but about understanding and creating music that supports and enhances BFan’s visual concept and storyline, while still being true to my artistic sensibilities.

Whatwillaudiencesloveaboutthisshow?

Well,Ihopetheylovethedance,musicandstory, obviously (laughs)! BFan productions are always an immersive experience. They design and create theirowncostumes,whicharealwayscolorfuland perfect for the production; they hand-pick or help directthemusicproductionforeachscene;theyare meticulous about the stage design and lighting; andofcourse,theyaremasterchoreographers It’s an amazing vision that they have developed over time, as well as developing a loyal audience. So, withthecareandcommitmenttheyalwaysdeliver, Iamsurethattheaudiencewillfeelliketheyhave been transported back to the medieval period. Theirdancingandenergyaresoinspiring.

Choreographer'sNotebookMay2023

NOTES ON THE PREMIERE OF ROBIN HOOD & MAID MARIAN

WearethrilledtohaveyoujoinusforthisexhilaratingNEWproduction anincredibleadventure3+yearsinthemaking

Onlyfitting? Bringingthisprojecttothisstageforyouhasbeenajourneyfilledwithamillionunexpectedtwists,surpriseheroes,andmore thanoneunderdogwin sometimestooclosetocomforttothe1,000yearoldlegendthatinspiredit

PlansforthisBFanpremierestartedin2019,whenwebroughtonmajorplayersLizaCarbé(longtimemusicalcollaborator,friend,and composer-genius)andinternationallyrecognizedcombatchoreographer(andnownewlifelongartisticpartnerandfriend)MichelleLadd

OurstoryopenswithRobincominghometoaworldalmostunrecognizable.Asourworldshutdownin2020-2022,ourprocesschanged entirely.WeexploredwaystokeepRobinalive,evenconsideringpremieringitduringlockdownoutsideattheCuthbertAmpitheatre.We templatedsomeofthepiecesyou'llseetonightongrassatShadowHillsGolfCourse(wherewealsohadtocleanthelawnfromashafter theCampCreekfire) Wedanced weplanned (weZoomed),andmostofall,webelievedwe'dhavethechancetobringittoyou wejust

HereweareatBFan'sfirstBallet intheVineyardatSilvanRidge (Fall2020)withBabyFinn, sharingsomeofthenewRobin Hoodchoreographywithour distancedcrowd(GregBurns)

ATRIGHT MAKINGAWORLD

PREMIERE:JPDurand&LizaCarbé, compositionteam,livemusic | Dr Barbara Mossberg,DramaturgwithFight ChoreographerMichelleLaddWilliamsinthe BFanstudios,May2023(BobWilliams)

Inanyreallygoodstory,thechallenge usuallyoneyoudidn'tknowyouwerechoosing forgestheheroes ThedeterminationandresilienceofBFan'steamofartistsandinvestors (you),pushedusforward Over100artistshavepouredtheirheartsintothecreationofthis production Now,afteryearsofdedicationandcollaboration,RobinHood&MaidMarian burstsontothisstage,readytocaptivateyouasithasus Itisanhonortosharethislaborof lovewithyou Weinviteyoutoimmerseyourselvesinthegrandeur,grit,hope,andadventure ofRobinandMarian'sworld aworldwherebravery,justice,andloveprevail

Thankyouforjoiningusonthisextraordinaryjourney Together,let'scelebratethepowerof storytellingandtheindomitableheroesaroundus.

DONNA & HANNAH BONTRAGER BFAN CHOREOGRAPHER-PRODUCERS

EMMY® NEWS!

We'reelatedtosharetheexcitingnewsthatouroriginalproduction,AnAmerican ChristmasCarol:ABalletMovie,hasbeennominatedforfourNationalAcademyof Television,Arts&SciencesNWEmmy®awards.Thisaccomplishmentisatestament toourdedicationtoexcellenceandthepowerofcollaboration Weextendour heartfeltgratitudetoourincrediblesponsor,AlphaIT,fortheirunwaveringsupportin makingthisunforgettableexperienceareality

BEHIND

22-23 PRODUCTION TEAM

BFAN’S WORK WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT DOZENS OF ANNUAL ORIGINAL COMMISSIONS FROM NW + WORLDWIDE ARTISTS

MUSIC DIRECTORS

MUSIC COMPOSITIONS

ORIGINAL MUSICAL ARRANGEMENTS RESEARCH, LIBRETTO TEAM POETRY/NARRATION

COMBAT COLLABORATOR, CONSULTANT ASSISTANTS TO THE PRODUCERS

COSTUME DESIGN VISION COSTUME COSTUME TEAM HEADPIECES

JEWELRY WARDROBE SUPERVISOR

SET DESIGN VISION SETS/PROPS CONSTRUCTION

SET/PROP SUPPORT & TRANSPORTATION WEAPONS

MOONSHINE, THE HORSE LIGHTING DESIGN PRODUCTION MANAGERS

STAGE MANAGER

TOURING MANAGERS

SOUND ENGINEERS

SHADOW PUPPET VIDEO ANIMATION

FIGHT SCENE CONSULTANT

PROMO VIDEO

PROMO PHOTOGRAPHY PERFORMANCE VIDEO + LIVESTREAM

TECH SUPPORT

OUTREACH COORDINATORS

YOUTH CHOREOGRAPHY & COACHES

YOUTH ROLES LEAD

CIRCUS REHEARSAL SPACE SUPPORT MARKETING

HOSPITALITY SUPPORT

PROGRAM DESIGN

FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

Kelly Kuo, Dan Cathey, Gerry Rempel, Eliot Grasso

Liza Carbé with JP Durand, Antonio Vivaldi, Jean-Philippe

Rameau, René Schiffer, Jean-Baptiste De Lully, Johann

Sebastian Bach, Dréos

Liza Carbé (Robin Hood), Eliot Grasso (Robin Hood, Sleepy Hollow), JP Durand (Robin Hood), Aryeh Frankfurter (Robin Hood), Tyler Hindsley (Sleepy Hollow), David Larsen (Babes), Steve Sharp (Babes), Jason Fromme (Casanova), René

Schiffer (Casanova)

Donna & Hannah Bontrager, Debbie & Genna Speer

Dr. Barbara Mossberg (Robin Hood)

Michelle Ladd Williams (Robin Hood)

Elise Ferguson, Phoebe Green

Donna Marisa Bontrager

Allison Ditson/Allihalla, Eileen Ehlert, Sam Fox, Noelle Guetti, Primadonna Tutus/LA, Rita Perini-Vance, Katie Liane, Beth Scott, Victoria Lauder, Ellen Jorde Urrutia, Tresa Lively

Gabriel Ritzmann, Andréa Taggart, Mitra Gruwell

Adam Goldthwaite, Glamor Girl, Laura Boyle

Andréa Taggart, Gabriel Ritzmann

Andréa Taggart with Sam Fox

Donna + Hannah Bontrager, Kelle DeForrest, Don Carson

Debra Peña, Kelle DeForrest, Ida & Ken Pfeiffer, Carley Irwin, Mitra Gruwell, Thi Nguyen, Mike Ricker, Katey Finley

Kimberly & Beau Grimes, Joshua Whitley, Kris Stewart

Creations (Robin), Adam Goldthwaite (Robin)

Adam Michael Goldthwaite

Michael Peterson (Babes, Robin), Emily Bolivar

Hannah Bontrager, Rhodec Erickson

Rhodec Erickson (season) with Laura Leader (Babes)

Rhodec Erickson, Emily Bolivar

Jeremy Bronson, Gustavo Ramirez

Kevin Kerber (Sleepy Hollow)

Michelle Lad Williams (Robin, Casanova)

Jeremy Bronson/Bronson Studios, Gustavo Ramirez

Bob Williams, Stephanie Urso

Jeremy Bronson

Adam Bloodgood, Jeremiah Ricker

Ana Brooks, Arabella Tan, Elise Ferguson

Ana Brooks, Brooke Geffrey-Bowler, Jenavieve Hernandez, Carolin Koepplin

Sara Stewart

Bounce (Casanova, Robin)

Hannah Bontrager, Isabelle Bloodgood, Gilmore Group, QSL Printing, Gustavo Ramirez, Richardson Media

ALPHA IT, Dianna Pounder, Andréa Taggart, Deborah Basler & John Tamolinis, Steve & Elaine Webster, Tara Wibrew

Hannah Bontrager

Elise Ferguson

MEET BFAN'S

D O N O R S SecretSociety

FOUNDATION SUPPORT

Charles&BettiSaundersFoundationFund

oftheAustinCommunityFund

(gratitudetoErinWalter,whocontributedthisin honorofPrestonAndrewPattersonjoiningthe BFanteam!)

DorotheaM.LenschFund

oftheOregonCommunityFoundation

EllenGlendelHymanFund

ofTheOregonCommunityFoundation

FidelityCharitable

HerbertMerkerFund

oftheOregonCommunityFoundation

HultEndowmentFund

oftheWesternOregonCommunityFundofthe

OregonCommunityFoundation

JamesF.&MarionL.MillerFoundation

MehlumFamilyFoundation

NationalEndowmentfortheArts

NeilChinnFund

oftheOregonCommunityFoundation

OregonArtsCommission

OregonCommunityFoundation

OregonCulturalTrust

RenaissanceCharitableFoundation

RonaldW NaitoFoundation

SanFranciscoFoundation

SHO SupportHultOperations

SilvaEndowmentFund

oftheWesternOregonCommunityFund

oftheOregonCommunityFoundation

TamolitchFund

oftheOregonCommunityFoundation

WalkerCharitableFund

oftheOregonCommunityFoundation

VISIONARIES ($20,000+)

AnonymousAngel TeamKammerer,SummitFunding

Sandra&PhilipPiele

Dr.Averno&WendlynRempel

RENEGADES ($10,000+)

AlphaIT

BicoastalMedia

BronsonStudios

DowntownAthleticClub

StephanieCoats,DCRealEstate David&SherrieKammerer

VickyMello

DESPERADOS ($5,000+)

DeborahBasler&JohnTamolinis

Stephanie&TedCoopman

JudyGrubbs&BarryPolonsky

Dianna&ToddPounder

SilvanRidgeWinery

StaszakPhysicalTherapy

Ourdonorsareeverythingtous;these pageslistgiftsmadeinthepastBFan fiscalyeartodate(7/1/2021–2/14/23).

ReachouttoBFanprincipalballerina

Ashleytoupdateusonanyerrorsor omissionsAND/ORtoaddyournameto BFan'sSecretSociety: ashley@balletfantastiqueorg

Weareprofoundlygratefultothefollowingdonors,who makeBFan'sinimitableart+educationprogramspossible.

SecretSociety

PROVOCATEURS ($2,000+)

JeffBall

Sarah&AdamBurner

MaryBruskotter&JohnThompson

RoberJ Cummings

CharlcieKaylor&CharlesL Crawford

Elizabeth’sWineLounge

Sue&BobMcClelland

NancyNathanson&SteveRobinson

Sally&EricOverstreet

SusanE&ArthurRPalsbo

QSLPrinting

Rhythm&Blooms

Sara&KristopherStewart

PatriciaThomas&RussellMecredy

ROGUES ($1,000+)

Sherry&AlanBennett

AlesongBrewing&Blending

CindyBedell&RichBlanton

Polly&BrianCaughey

DawnDuerksen

SaraFerris

JillHendrickson&NathanMarkowitz

MicheleHenney

EileenLoritsch&IrvingWeiner

MarcyHammock&HerbertMerker

PaulRoth

Debby&JohnPhillips

HelmutPlant

inmemoryofCarolHamrickPlant

AnnetteBriggs&ScottSouth (EmWestPowertrainSystems)

Steve&ElaineWebster

OUTLAWS ($500+)

PatriciaAhlen

SusanAnderson&AlexanderMathas

HannahBontrager&JeffMecredy

EugeneAirport

GayleFaust

CarlaHoeger

Patricia&DennisHyatt

Jillyn&GrahamKaiser

Cindy&StephenLeonard

MaryLou&RichardRohl

Linda&FredMeyer

GeraldDMorgan,Jr

ElizabethOvitt

MarthaReilly&PaulBrown

WindySeto&ChristopherMagana

Sandra&JerrySouth

Barbara&JamesWalker

ASSETS ($100+)

Marti&KenAlderfer

PollyAshworth&RobertHorner

RoseMarie&MikeBarber

GiselleBarone&AdamByrd

Nancy&JeffreyBeckwith

LouiseMBishop&JimEarl

VictoriaBlackman

MartaCuboni

TheGunnarsonFamily

Birgit&HughFoley

Summer&TravisFreeman

MarissaGeoffrey&DavidGibson

SandraGill

Kathy&AlanHaley

Barbara&DavidHascall

Sylvia&LewHyase

StevenHecker

Kathy&MarkHeerema

Lola&ArlenHershberger

Pam&BobHess

LaurenHesse

MichaelKing

ElizabethKramer

Kathy&EricLieberman

ZeniaLiebman

JanLintz

KathyMagnusson

Joan&GaryMartin

MaliaMartin

VickiMorgan&MikeDuran

McKennaMorrigan

Barbara"Bee"Morris

Barbara&ChristerMossberg

KatieMurray

KathrynNance

NatalieS Narvid

Chris&DaveNordenson

NewTwist

Marietta&ErnestO'Byrne

Laramie&TheodoreWPalmer

RitaPerini-Vance

Letha&JamesPontious

SusanRatzlaff

LeighARieder

RichardRomm

CynthiaSecrest&DouglasPierce

BonnitaStahlberg

StephenSunderlin

AndréaTaggart&MikeRicker

Susan&BahramTavakolian

KellyThomas

MargaretThornton

MemoryTracy

ShirleyVinson

ChristyWatersMD

JenniferWebster

D O N O R S

"A bold, cross-disciplinary dance company...filled with virtuosos...insanely talented"

—DANTE ZUÑIGA-WEST, EUGENE WEEKLY

DANCERS

principaldancers

ASHLEY BONTRAGER

HOMETOWN:Buffalo,NY

BFAN:Foundingprincipaldancer,favoriterole CleopatrainCleopatraandLizzieBennetteinPride& Prejudice:AParisianJazzBallet

TRAINING&PERFORMANCE:BuffaloCity Ballet,ConservatoryofClassicalDance,Ballet Fantastique

HANNAH BONTRAGER

HOMETOWN:Eugene,OR

BFAN:Foundingprincipaldancer,favoriteroleAlicein AliceinWonderland:Remix

TRAINING&PERFORMANCE:BuffaloCityBallet, ConservatoryofClassicalDance,BalletFantastique, KirovAcademy,ColoradoBallet,ManassasBallet Theatre

CAROLIN KOEPPLIN

HOMETOWN:IdahoFalls,ID

BFAN:Since2016,principaldancer,favoriterole QueenofHeartsinAliceinWonderland:Remix

TRAINING&PERFORMANCE:IdahoFallsSchool ofBallet,UniversityofUtah(cumlaude),CentralWest Ballet

PRESTON ANDREW PATTERSON

HOMETOWN:Atlanta,GA

BFAN:ReturningafterguestingfortheBFanItalytour +BFan's5x5,principaldancer

TRAINING&PERFORMANCE:Balletethnic AcademyofDance,UniversityofNorthCarolina SchooloftheArts,NationalBalletSchoolofCanada, BalletAustin

GUSTAVO RAMIREZ

HOMETOWN:Cali,Colombia

BFAN:Since2016,principaldancer,favoriteroleMarc AnthonyinCleopatra

TRAINING&PERFORMANCE:Colombian InstituteforClassicalBallet(Incolballet),Gelsey KirklandBallet

ISABELLE BLOODGOOD

HOMETOWN:LosAngeles,CA

BFAN:Since2020,soloist,favoriteroleEstrellain CirquedelaLune

TRAINING&PERFORMANCE:LosAngelesBallet Academy,WalnutHillSchoolfortheArts,Butler University,CentralIllinoisBallet,SanDiegoBallet

artists

ANA BROOKS

HOMETOWN:SaltLakeCity,UT

BROOKE

GEFFREY-BOWLER

HOMETOWN:Spokane,WA

NICOLE BROWN

HOMETOWN:Lakeville,MN

BFAN:Firstseason,soloist

TRAINING&PERFORMANCE:BalletRoyale Minnesota,St PaulBallet,BalletCoLaboratory,Hatch Dance,Honeyworks

JENAVIEVE HERNANDEZ

HOMETOWN:Spokane,WA

BFAN:Since2018,soloist,favoriterole Jasminein

Aladdin:ARockOperaBallet

TRAINING&PERFORMANCE:Spokaneat AcademyofDance,BalletIdahoAcademy,Ballet Idaho,BoiseDanceCo-op,ProjectFlux,IdahoDance Theater

soloists apprentices

PHOEBE GREEN

HOMETOWN:Dummerston,VT

MADELINE KIESEL

HOMETOWN:HanoverPark,IL

your boutique professional dance theater training school in the pnw

ACADEMY OF BALLET FANTASTIQUE

CLASSES FOR YOUNG DANCERS

D UC A T I O N

BITSY BALLET (AGES 2-3)

Sat.9:30-10am

TWINKLING STARS (AGES 3-5)

Tues.10-10:45am&/orSat.10-10:45am

RISING STARS (AGES 5-7)

Mon.4-4:45pm&/orSat.10:45-11:30am

(AGES 2+)

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING DIVISION: CONTACT US TO AUDITION!

(AGES 13+) (AGES 7+)

CLASSES FOR TEENS/ADULTS

BEGINNING BALLET

Mon.5-6:30pm &/orSat.11:30am-1pm

INTERMEDIATE BALLET

Weds.9-10:30am

INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED BALLET

Tues.5-6:30pm&/orThurs.5:30-7pm

POINTE REPERTOIRE

Tues.6:30-7:30pm

CONTEMPORARY

Weds.5-6pm

official training school of the Ballet Fantastique professional company individual approach, mentorship + performances!

BROWSE BFAN CLASSESNOW!

EDUCATION

ACADEMY

1723 classes

340 days

Therearesomany‘activities’thatareavailabletoourchildren,butthey rarelybuildthewholechild—intellect,mind,body,heartandsoul.They rarelyteachourchildrenthevalueofworkinglongandhardtomake somethingbeautifulandmeaningful—butBalletFantastiqueisdoingallof thisforandwithourdaughter.Shehasparticipatedinlotsofactivitiesover theyears,butnothingiscomparabletothesenseofaccomplishment, artistryanddedicationtoadisciplinethatshehasreceivedfromher trainingwithBFan.Sure,therehavebeenharddays,dayswhenshedidn’t feellikegoing-butevenonthosedays,shecomesoutofclasssmilingand gladshewent.Shehaslearnedgritandthepayoffshavebeenanincreased senseofpride,independence,personalownership,strength,and camaraderiewithherteachersandfellowstudentsthatishonestly pricelesstoherandourfamily.Art,goodnessandbeautymatterinour world,andwearesogratefulthatpeopleliketheteachersandstaffatBFan careenoughtomakedanceartistrytheirlife’sworkandtoshareitso joyfullywithourchildrenandcommunity.

SARAHBURCH,PARENTOFJULIETTE,AGE9(GOOGLEREVIEW)

ADULT PROGRAM

IlovedancingatBFansomuch!WhenIstartedfouryears ago,InevercouldhaveguessedhowmuchIwouldlearn, grow,andbecomesuchabigpartthiscommunity.Itbeen trulylifechanging!I’vetakensomanyofthediversetypesof danceclasses,Ican’tgetenough.Icametolearnballet,I keepcomingbackforthefriendshipandcommunity. CHELSEALOVEJOY,BFANADULTSTUDENT,TEXT

students 24

performedonHultstage w/BFanCompanyinthe 22–23season,ourfirstfull seasonbackatthetheater

students35

performedinWildish SpringRecital

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

SleepHollowTour

Cites:Pasco,WA

MosesLake,WA

Theaters:RichlandTheater,

WallensteinTheater

BabesinToylandTour

Cites:Pullman,WA

Theater:JonesTheater

MasterClass&Outreach

Arts&CultureAwards

WildishCommunity Theater,Springfield

BalletintheVineyard

SilvanRidgeWinery,Eugene

OpenBarreOpenRehearsalEvents

CityCenterforDance,Eugene

Thisfinancialsummary, reviewedbyHenderson, CertifiedPublicAccountants, representsthe22-23fiscal year.

inkinddonation dollars $54k+ donatedtoBFan

Ijustwantedtosendyou, andtheentireoftheBFan familyanemailto congratulateyouallon RobinHood.Ididstayupin thenighttowatchthe livestreamfromEngland andwasastounded!Theart youallcreatedwasinsane andhonestlyoneofthe bestshowsIhaveseenina longtime.Everymemberof BFanwasamazinginlast night’sshowandIamso happyforBFanonthis incrediblepremiere.

JOSHUAWEBB, INTERNATIONALDANCER