BALLET FRONTIER BREAKS BOUNDARIES

by Jessica Barber

Chung Lin and Enrica Tseng founded Ballet Frontier with only the money in their pockets and a dream of bringing new, dynamic works of art to the stage... performances featuring young talent, dancing alongside seasoned professional dancers across North Texas, the United States, and eventually the world. After over 10 years of hard work including building both a ballet studio and professional ballet company from the ground up, the Tsengs have seen their dream come to fruition.

Mr. Tseng began his ballet career in his 20s, after competing nationally as a figure skater in Taiwan, joining Universal Ballet in Seoul, South Korea, where he met his wife Ms. Enrica, an Italian prima ballerina with the company. From there, the Tseng’s joined Texas Ballet Theater where they were both featured dancers for many years. Under the inspirational artistic direction of Mr. Stevenson, Mrs. Tseng was given the opportunity to perform some of the most beautiful classical ballets in their repertoire and was selected to perform the title role of Giselle with Carlos Acosta. The Tseng’s made Fort Worth their home and chose to build their ballet school there after retiring from the company. With their own perspective and unique performance experiences, the Tsengs pass their knowledge and experience on to not only their students, but now to their company dancers. Since its inception in 2009, Ballet Frontier has gone from a youth company with seasoned guest artists taking the lead roles to a company of 24 professionals from all over the world, and 16 dancers in the Trainee and Professional Internship levels. The Youth Company now has the opportunity to perform in all Ballet Frontier productions alongside the professionals.

This season, Ballet Frontier boasts a company of professional dancers from Italy, Japan, Taiwan, and across the United States. Each dancer is passionate and dedicated to bringing ballet throughout Texas with performances in Fort Worth, Granbury, Waco, and Kerrville. Internationally, Ballet Frontier was invited to perform in Seoul, South Korea in 2017 in a Gala performance alongside Universal Ballet Company and Seoul Ballet Theatre.

Ballet Frontier’s repertoire includes unique short story ballets, contemporary works and classical full-length masterpieces such as Giselle, La Sylphide, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty The company’s premiere of The Sleeping Beauty was made possible by the acclaimed American ballerina Gelsey Kirkland and her husband Michael Chernov, who generously donated the sets and costumes for the production.

Ballet Frontier’s heart and soul is driven by its directors, the Tsengs, and its dancers. Mr. Tseng’s dedication to the artistry of dance is made clear by his deep connection to the music, precision of technique, and emotion reflected in his choreography. Each of these key components are apparent in Ballet Frontier’s repertoire, which includes unique short story ballets, contemporary works and classical full-length masterpieces such as Giselle, La Sylphide, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty

This February, Mr. Tseng’s work can be seen in Variations on a Rococo Theme, originally created in 2004 for Texas Ballet Theater dancers. Inspired by Tchaikovsky’s score, Variations on a Rococo Theme is quick, fun, and encapsulates the music in its entirety. In addition to its return, the program will feature his production of Carmen in collaboration with Jay Kim and the University of Utah, dedicated to Fort Worth dance legend, Margo Dean. Also included will be a new contemporary work by their friend and colleague Lee Wei Chao. The program combines past and present with works that highlight both the history and the future of Ballet Frontier. The program, Carmen & More! opens Valentine’s Day weekend on February 18th at 7:30 p.m. and February 19th at 2:00 p.m. at IM Terrell Performing Arts Center in Fort Worth. Tickets are available now at balletfrontier.org.

Ballet Frontier is eager to continue pursuing its dream to discover more talent and bring audiences more beautiful masterpieces. Follow Ballet Frontier at Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on all of Ballet Frontier’s future performances including what its next full-length ballet will be!

Ballet Frontier | 6132 Overton Ridge Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76132 | (817) 585-4188 balletfrontier.org | instagram.com/balletfrontier | facebook.com/ballet.frontier youtube.com/@ balletfrontier5912

Summer study scholarships for exceptional dancers who demonstrate ability, artistry and passion.

Texas residency not required!

Deadline February 9, 2023.

DCNT scholarship recipient Tori Han photo by LK Studio dance council of north texas scholar ships