Ballet Fantastique is an American contemporary ballet company and nonprofit performing arts organization based in Eugene, Oregon. Founded in 2000, the company creates and presents original narrative dance theater works blending ballet, live music, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Ballet Fantastique is a resident company at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts and presents annual seasons locally while touring throughout the Pacific Northwest and internationally.
Ballet Fantastique was established in 2000 by choreographer-producers 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 âÂÂbold, 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 Emmyî 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.
Ballet FantastiqueâÂÂs outreach initiatives are designed to increase access to dance education and performance for diverse communities throughout Lane County and the surrounding region. Programs include need-based scholarships for Academy students, integrated arts residencies in public and private schools, and community performances that bring professional dance to nontraditional venues. The organization also provides free or reduced-cost tickets for youth audiences and school groups, with the goal of introducing young people to live performing arts. Through these initiatives, Ballet Fantastique seeks to broaden participation in ballet and engage audiences beyond traditional concert-going communities.
The Academy of Ballet Fantastique is the official training school of Ballet Fantastique, offering year-round dance instruction for children, adults, and aspiring professional artists ages 12 months and up. The Academy provides structured programs focused on technical development, artistic growth, and performance experience.
In the Professional Training Division, dancers age 9 and up study the Vaganova Method of training in limited class sizes of 12 students or fewer. Students participate in professional performances with the company, and may audition for company positions and apprenticeships upon graduation. Academy of Ballet Fantastique coaches are experienced in the well-recognized Vaganova method of training as well as in pedagogy and professional performance.
The Young Dancer Program at The Academy of Ballet Fantastique is for dancers ages 12 months and up, and follows a progressive training approach, introducing young children to creative movement, music education, and dance fundamentals.
Ballet Fantastique performs all-original repertoire created in house in collaboration with a wide range of multi-disciplinary artistic collaborators. Selected list of new works created and premiered by Donna and Hannah Bontrager, Resident Choreographer-Producers for Ballet Fantastique: