Reviews/Media

“Weaving together live music from bands Folkestras, Troupe Carnivàle, Baroque Betty, and Mood Area 52, Cirque de la Lune, or Circus of the Moon, brings together 14 dancers and an international circus star, Raymond Silos, to tell the tale of a gritty Depression era traveling circus. For some, the circus is a glittery, magical escape from everyday reality. For the circus itself, life is as real and difficult as it gets.” —Jamuna Chiarini, DanceWatch, 9/30/21

Interview with Ballet Fantastique dancer Madeline Gambino, Dance Spirit Magazine

Full-text Dance Spirit Magazine story, 3/25/20: College or Contract? What to Do When You Land a Job Offer While Still in School

"‘We invite dancers to be candid with us about their artistic goals…and we're candid with them about their growth and development within our company." —Sophie Robertson, Dance Spirit Magazine, 2020

Full-text Dance Spirit Magazine story, 2/10/20: What to Expect at Your First Dance-Contract Meeting

Rural Oregon students attend ballet in Eugene
KVAL TV story, 12/12/19: Rural Oregon students attend ballet in Eugene

Ballet Fantastique presents Babes in Toyland
KEZI/ABC TV story, 12/11/19: Ballet Fantastique presents Babes in Toyland

“Eugene’s innovative and audacious ballet company Ballet Fantastique...If you’ve ever seen a Ballet Fantastique production, you know that this is not your grandmother’s Swan Lake. In fact, 48 percent of season ticket holders are under the age of 35…Rooted in classical ballet technique, BFan’s art moves well beyond tradition, reaching for the stratosphere of new dance theater. The company strives to be Picasso in a Renaissance world, and storytellers unlike local ballet fans have ever seen.” — Alexis DeFiglia, Eugene Weekly, 10/31/19

Full-text Eugene Weekly cover story, 12/5/19: A Legacy in Dance: Ballet for a pop audience—Meet the Bontragers of Ballet Fantastique

Angel donor gifts Ballet Fantastique with $7,000 donation
KVAL TV story, 11/30/19: Angel donor gifts Ballet Fantastique with $7,000 donation

KEZI TV story: “Ballet Fantastique debuts Nevermore: Stories of Edgar Allan Poe” 10/24/19

“‘We realized that we couldn’t find any other ballet company anywhere in the world (that) had done “Babes in Toyland” as a ballet,’ choreographer and producer Hannah Bontrager said. And so, the company decided to create a ballet from scratch, recreating the musical tale through dance and theater.” — Matthew Denis, The Register Guard, Nov. 28, 2019

Full-text preview: Ballet Fantastique and Swing Shift collaborate once more for ‘Babes in Toyland’

“Conceived and choreographed by Donna Marisa and Hannah Bontrager, Nevermore is a deeply methodical interpretation of the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Broken into vignettes, it presents Poe’s gloomiest and ghastliest poems set to music performed by a spellbinding trio of musicians…” — Alexis DeFiglia, Eugene Weekly, 10/31/19

Full-text review: Dance Macabre: Ballet Fantastique dances a horror show in Nevermore

“‘I love that the last thing in our season is all about our school. It’s so beautiful and joyous,’ Bontrager said. ‘When you see this 2-year-old go out on stage for the first time or see somebody who’s 11 who’s doing their first solo moment on stage, it’s priceless.’” — Matthew Denis, The Register Guard, June 6, 2019

Full-text review: Ballet Fantastique creatively brings ‘Neverland’ to life

“The Eugene Symphony’s summer season kickoff is back for a third edition after its initial launch in 2016. The orchestra will partner with Ballet Fantastique, Eugene’s own Loren, Glausi and more local musicians for a performance that combines orchestral music, jazz standards and a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll.” — Matthew Denis, The Register Guard, May 30, 2019

Full-text preview: “The Eugene Symphony’s annual SymFest brings in variety of offerings to celebrate the city’s culture”

“In collaboration with Sidecar Tommy and Eenor Wildeboar of the eclectic and electric Beats Antique, BFan once again kicks against convention to create a vibrant and glittering ballet.” — Alexis Defiglia, The Eugene Weekly, May 16, 2019

Full-text review: “A Pharaoh for All Seasons: Beats Antique trades belly dancers for ballerinas in Ballet Fantastique’s Cleopatra”

“The “Cleopatra” spectacle was an alchemy of movement, sight, sound and illusion.” — Gwen Curran, The Register Guard, May 11, 2019

Full-text review: “Review: Ballet Fantastique’s ‘Cleopatra’ doesn’t disappoint”

“Cleopatra’s strategical strength and sense of loyalty are reasons why Hannah Bontrager felt the need to construct a narrative that showed the Egyptian legend as an image of women empowerment.” — Maggie Vanoni, The Register Guard, May 8, 2019

Full-text preview: “Ballet Fantastique’s ‘Cleopatra’ a storied tale of woman empowerment”

"The choreography, highly expressive by nature, exemplifies storytelling at its best. The entire production, which elicits few words, speaks volumes in its artistry." — Alexis Reid, Eugene Weekly, March 7, 2019

Full-text review: “Dancing Far From Home”

“The Bontragers chose to focus on the women, both goddesses and humans.” — Gwen Curran, The Register Guard, March 4, 2019

Full-text review: “BFan’s mix of dance, music, spoken word brings Homer’s ‘Odyssey’ to life”

“How can we make art a language that people already speak? What makes you want to come to theater? You can’t see this anywhere else, not on Netflix and not with any other ballet company in the world.” — Matthew Denis, The Register Guard, February 28, 2019

Full-text preview: “An epic interpretation: Ballet Fantastique revises its original production of ‘The Odyssey’”

“Their version is bright, lavish and colorful from the Candyland larger-than-life sets to the everchanging, delightful costumes.” — Gwen Curran, The Register Guard, December 16, 2018

Full-text review: “Ballet Fantastique’s updated ‘Babes in Toyland’ sparkles”

“The Bontragers are hoping to reinvigorate a forgotten tale with a few fresh twists and a carefully crafted artistic production while bringing some lighthearted fun to audiences this season.” — Emily Goodykoontz, The Register Guard, December 13, 2018

Full-text preview: “Storybook characters spring to life in Ballet Fantastique’s ‘Babes in Toyland’”

“The pair distilled the elements they liked best to create their own amalgamated plot.” — Chava Lansky, Pointe Magazine, December 10, 2018

Full-text preview: “Ballet Fantastique Creates a New Holiday Tradition With "Babes in Toyland"

“The ballet, choreographed and produced by the mother-daughter artistic team of Donna Marisa and Hannah Bontrager, is a reimagining of the original Babes in Toyland operetta that Victor Herbert composed as a Christmas-themed fairy-tale mashup.” — Jamuna Chiarini, Oregon ArtsWatch, December 5, 2018

Full-text preview: “DanceWatch Weekly: Dance lights up December’s darkness”

“Ballet Fantastique dancers entertain the audience with winter themed performances.” — Sarah Northrop, The Daily Emerald, November 18, 2018

Full-text review: “Photos: EUGfun kicks off the holiday season with 'Light Up Downtown' tree lighting ceremony”

“Shakespearean romantic comedy meets the American Wild West in local dance company Ballet Fantastique’s unique production of “As You Like It: A Wild West Ballet.” — Emily Goodykoontz, The Register Guard, October 18, 2018

Full-text preview: “Ballet Fantastique gives Shakespeare a Wild West twist”

“Eugene, Oregon-based dance theater company Ballet Fantastique brings back As You Like It: A Wild West Ballet.” — On Stage This Week, Pointe Magazine

Full-text preview: “Ballet Fantastique's Wild West Ballet "As You Like It" Returns”

“The opera is unique in that it focuses not just on singing, but also on dance, with dancers from Ballet Fantastique.” — Emily Goodykoontz, The Register Guard, September 27, 2018

Full-text preview: “Cascadia’s ‘Tango’ opera debuts in Eugene on Monday”

“The opera isn’t the only world premiere Ballet Fantastique is involved in. The Eugene contemporary ballet company has not one, but two world premieres in its 2018-19 season.” — Michelle Maxwell, The Register Guard, September 17, 2018

Full-text preview: “5 exciting themes from Performing Arts Preview”

“From mashing different genres to adding diversity to dance company, the company fills a unique arts niche.” — Cara Roberts Murez, The Register Guard, September 13, 2018

Full-text preview: “Ballet Fantastique’s imaginative storytelling”

“The two-hour opera premiered Sept. 8 at the 220-seat Lincoln City Cultural Center, whose production featured four-musicians-plus conductor, six well-cast singers, and six limber dancers from the imaginative Eugene-based Ballet Fantastique.” — Angela Allen, Oregon Artswatch, September 13, 2018

Full-text review: “‘Tango of the White Gardenia’: breaking the code”

“Each character is portrayed by both an actor-singer and a dancing double from Eugene’s Ballet Fantastique.” — Gary Ferrington, Oregon Artswatch, September 3, 2018

Full-text preview: “‘Tango of the White Gardenia’: dance lessons”

“This particular all-new opera is unique because of its focus on not only singing and music, but dance.” — Cara Roberts Murez, The Register Guard, August 30, 2018

Full-text preview: “Original opera borne from Oregon collaborators”

“Family Day will encourage people to explore art-making beyond just sight.” — Around the O, May 11, 2018

Full-text preview: “Explore art with all five senses at JSMA’s free family day May 19”

“In the new Ballet Fantastique adaptation, Wonderland gets remixed for the stage.” — Patrick Newson, The Register Guard, May 10, 2018

Full-text preview: “Back down the rabbit hole”

"The alchemy produced by mixing the excellent dancers, stunning music, bright costumes, and fearless choreography makes this a ballet to be seen again and again." — Gwen Curran, The Register Guard, March 6, 2018

Full-text review: "Ballet Fantastique stuns with imaginative Zorro"

"Ballet Fantastique's dazzling production brings Washington Irving's classic to life." —Gwen Curran, The Register Guard, October 29, 2017

Full-text review: "Truly spirited Sleepy Hollow" 

"The company will be going 'Renegade' with shows meant to break all the rules." — Alex Cipolle, The Register Guard, September 14, 2017

Full-text preview: "Heads will roll during Ballet Fantastique's season opener"

"This beloved tale exploded on the Hult Center's Soreng Theater stage as a colorful dynamic rock opera ballet." — Gwen Curran, The Register Guard, May 15, 2017

Full-text review: "Fantastique rocks out in Aladdin"

"Opening with a spritely, fluttery array of turns and shapes, the ancient tale veers into the romantic, as dancers pirouette and elevate into robust, playful lifts." — Rachael Carnes, Eugene Weekly, March 9, 2017

Full-text review: "A reprisal and a world premiere" »

"The choreography by Donna Marisa and Hannah Bontrager features a push and pull of distance and proximity, mirroring the desire of the two to be together yet separated by duty." — Alison Kaufman, The Register Guard, March 6, 2017

Full-text review: "Crouching Tiger ballet a well done collaboration"

Video feature about Summer Storybook Dance Camps at the Academy of Ballet Fantastique (Register-Guard)

“Beautiful dancing, plus original music by the Gerry Rempel group and soulful singing by Andiel Brown and the UO Gospel Singers, told this age-old story.” —Gwen Curran, The Register Guard, May 11, 2014

Full-text review: "Esther" ballet proves to be righteously good »

“A local mother-daughter team is pushing the limits of ballet by finding inspiration in the most unlikely of places. For The Book of Esther, Ballet Fantastique’s Donna Bontrager and her daughter Hannah Bontrager go way, way back — to approximately 486 BC — for the finale of their 2013-2014 season.” —Lauren Messman, Eugene Weekly, May 8, 2014

Full-text review: Esther, the Lionhearted »

“It’s a story about bravery, about how to have the courage to stand up for what is right, even if you’re afraid.” —Randi Bjornstad, The Register Guard, May 8, 2014

Full-text review: Company brings biblical tale to life »

“A beautiful, courageous and savvy Jewish girl charms the king, outsmarts the bad guy and saves her people. What’s not to love about the Purim story? But now it’s been re-imagined as a daring ballet driven by the beat of live rock and gospel music resonant with power and spirit. It doesn’t get much better than that. Eugene is the lucky venue that snagged this world premier of 'The Book of Esther: A Rock Gospel Ballet.” —Joseph Lieberman, Oregon Jewish Life Magazine, May 2014

Full-text review: The Book of Esther" rocks Eugene »

“Neither snow nor ice kept Ballet Fantastique from drawing good audiences this past weekend at the Hult Center, and it was well worth it.” —Gwen Curran, The Register-Guard, February 11, 2014

Full-text review: Japanese tales a treat from Ballet Fantastique »

“The all-original choreography for ‘Tales From the Floating World’ tells seven of these fantastic tales, melding classical ballet with Japanese dance forms and movements.” —Randi Bjornstad, The Register-Guard, February 6, 2014

Full-text review: Eugene dance troupe trots out the latest in its New Legends series »

“And none other than Ballet Fantastique will you find a goddess, a princess and a mountain wizard that you will never forget.” —Storm Kennedy, KUGN News Talk

Full Audio Clip: "Tales from the Floating World" 

“From the group's unconventional size (eight company dancers) to its original, highly collaborative repertoire, this company is quietly evolving a new model for ballet performance in the Northwest. The group is Ballet Fantastique, and they are a company to watch.” —Megan Hobbs, Eugene Magazine, Winter 2013-2014

Full-text review: Beauty, artistry and innovation, Ballet Fantastique's performances are on pointe »

“This ballet was big, bold and beautiful. Translating Native American, Spanish and gypsy dance styles with ballet was inspired.” —Gwen Curran, The Register-Guard, October 21, 2013

Full-text review: Bold, beautiful ballet bears mark of "Zorro" »

“The legend of Zorro has been perpetuated for nearly 100 years, in books, movies, television shows, comics and live theater. But the version Ballet Fantastique brings to the stage this weekend is a first.” —Randi Bjornstad, The Register-Guard, October 17, 2013

Full-text preview: Ballet hits its mark with "Zorro" »

“The way they reframed it dramatically in the story and where it comes during the ballet is really way more impactful than I imagined.” —Jean-Pierre Durand, Incendio. By Eric Allen, KLCC, October 17, 2013

Full-audio interview: Zorro the Ballet »

“The mother-daughter team has created organic choreography, designed original costumes and handpicked professional live music for a unique exploration into the foundation of this classic legend.” —Lauren Messman, Eugene Weekly, September 26, 2013

Full-text Bravo cover story: The man, and women, behind the mask »

“Stars of Ballet Fantastique.” —Tess Freeman, The Register Guard, September 24, 2013

Full photo story: The stars of Ballet Fantastique »

“Cinderella as a rock opera? A tongue-in-cheek feminist twist on the The Misadventures of Casanova? Pride and Prejudice set in the Roaring Twenties The women behind Ballet Fantastique’s productions, mother-and-daughter team Donna and Hannah, are not afraid to push the boundaries...” —Alex Notman, Eugene Weekly, August 15, 2013

Full-text profile: Movers and Shakers »

“Original choreography, created by Donna and Hannah Bontrager, is a harmonious fusion of a formal classical style with the freshness of west American ballet, through dances and choreographies rich of 'pathos.'” —Leonardo Delle Noci, Riviera Oggi News, July 23, 2013

Full-text preview: Palariviera to the "Midsummer Festival Ballet" »

“At Ballet Fantastique, the approach is progressive and goal-oriented, with students advancing only after they’ve met specific benchmarks. They emphasize small class sizes, extensive personal attention, and intellectual engagement with the training, even for the youngest dancers.” — Luke Fannin, Create! Eugene

Full-text preview: Meet the Artist: Hannah Bontrager and Ballet Fantastique »

“Ms. Mizzoni has a desire to be a part of something larger than herself, whether it’s the great tradition of ballet or the groundbreaking, visionary movement that is Ballet Fantastique.” — Luke Fannin, Create! Eugene

Full-text preview: Meet the Artist: Leanne Mizzoni »

“A playful battle between pride and passion in a time of shifting societal expectations, especially for women. They reached their goal.” — Gwen Curran, The Register-Guard, May 6, 2013

Full-text review: Pride and Prejudice’ jazz ballet delights »

“… graceful dancing is combined with a live jazz band and a fun storyline...” — Laura Mahaffy, Oregon Newslab, KVAL, May 4, 2013

Full-text preview: Jane Austen’s original to Paris in the roaring twenties »

“Eugene’s Ballet Fantastique creates a new ballet choreographed by Donna Marisa Bontrager and Hannah Bontrager based on the Jane Austen novel but set in 1920s Jazz-Age Paris with live music by the Gerry Rempel Jazz Syndicate.” — Bob Keefer, The Register-Guard, May 2, 2013

Full-text preview: Pride & Paris »

“Venezia. Baroque. Carnivale. Amour. Casanova...ornate, stunningly danced, fiery, coquettish, magical, sensual, deliciously fun.” — Gwen Curran, The Register Guard, February 5, 2013

Full-text review: 'Casanova' comes to life with Ballet Fantastique »

“With a strong cadre of ballerinas, Ballet Fantastique always is looking for vehicles to feature its dancers’ work.” — Bob Keefer, The Register Guard, January 31, 2013

Full-text preview: The Casanova is a lover and a dancer »

“Travel. Take risks. Be a little dangerous. These are the inspirations for the upcoming 2013 season at what is arguably Eugene’s most daringly innovative ballet company, Ballet Fantastique.” — Shelley Deadmond, Eugene Weekly, January 17, 2013

Full-text preview: The adventures of Ballet Fantastique »

“Love, joy, disappointment and daring all appeared...The Bontragers' exceptional choreography was revealed in every dancer's splendid turn and step.” —Gwen Curran, The Register-Guard, October 23, 2012

Full-text review: Ballet Fantastique excels in its visit to the big top »

“The show opens what looks to be an ambitious season for Ballet Fantastique.” —Bob Keefer, The Register-Guard, October 13, 2012

Full-text preview: Troupe runs away and joins the circus »

“For the past decade, the company has quietly built up a reputation in its hometown, where it sold out a recent run at the Hult Center with a version of Cinderella set to early 1960s pop hits.” —Marty Hughley, The Oregonian, August 3, 2012

Full-text preview: For its Portland debut, Eugene's Ballet Fantastique takes Cinderella to a sock hop »

“Just when we think we know all there is to Cinderella, the imaginative geniuses at Ballet Fantastique bring their one of a kind vision of Cinderella: A Rock Opera Ballet.” —Portland Monthly Magazine, August 2012

Full-text short: Cinderella story »

“A cross between West Side Story and The Hard Nut, Cinderella: A Rock Opera resets the original girl-meet-prince tale at a 1960s prom.” —Heather Wisner, Willamette Week, August 2012

Full-text short: Cinderella: A Rock Opera Ballet »

“Imagine a version of Cinderella where the setting is 1964, the ball is prom, the dance moves are the Twist and the Mashed Potato, (It's the latest/It's the greatest).” —Sabrina Miller, Portland Stage Reviews, July 30, 2012

Full-text preview: Rock Opera Ballet version of Cinderella at Lincoln Performance Hall »

“Their fresh interpretation of dance is attracting an untraditional audience, a third of whom have never before seen a live ballet performance.” —Catherine Ryan, Oregon Quarterly, Spring 2012

Full-text article: An Oregon family takes center stage »

“Ballet Fantastique not only danced outside the box, it threw the box away.” —The Register Guard, May 14, 2012

Full-text review: 1960s 'Cinderella' is a fun, rock 'n' roll ballet »

“But the real treat everyone savored was watching the dance that was the rehearsal itself: the Bontragers guided the musicians, the musicians lead the dancers, and the dancers lit up the faces in the room. It was fantastique.” —KVAL, May 11, 2012

Full-text preview: 'Cinderella: A Rock Opera Ballet' at the Hult this weekend »

“This weekend at the ballet won’t exactly be your grandmother's 'Swan Lake.'” —The Register Guard, May 10, 2012

Full-text preview: Rock 'n' roll version of Cinderella: Original show sets the story in 1964 dancing to tunes such as 'Big Girls Don't Cry' »

“Ballet Fantastique continues to amaze audiences with creative takes on old favorites, like the Wild West version of As You Like It, or the dramatization of Van Gogh's 'Cafe Terrace at Night,' but the thriving mother-daughter-powered dance company doesn't sacrifice skill for novelty. The core of every production is classical ballet and highly trained dancers.” —Eugene Weekly, May 10, 2012

Full-text preview: Fantastique movements»

“When ballet companies do modern work, the standard equation is contemporary movements sans pointe shoes paired with classical music. Ballet Fantastique, in contrast, has kept the pointe shoes, switched up the music and added '60s dance moves in the mix.” —Oregon Daily Emerald, May 10, 2012

Full-text preview: Ballet Fantastique sticks Cinderella in the '60s »

“A handful of tales from ‘One Thousand and One Nights’ will be brought to life this weekend, when the dancers of Eugene’s Ballet Fantastique perform their interpretation of the tales in ‘Arabian Nights.” —The Register Guard, January 30, 2012

Full-text preview: One Thousand and One Steps: Dancers take on the tales of Scheherazade »

“The name Scheherazade conjures up magical mystical visions of harems, treasure caves, sensuous women, dangerous men, glittering palaces and genies. Ballet Fantastique included all of these in 'Arabian Nights,' an all-new ballet that premiered to a sold-out Soreng Theatre on Saturday night.” —The Register Guard, January 26, 2012

Full-text review: Ballet’s ‘Arabian Nights’ takes us on mystical trip »

“The choreography juxtaposes formal elements of English country dance with creative plays on balletic movements—with original choreography set to music by English composer John Lanchbery.” —The World, November 17, 2011 

Full-text preview: Beatrix Potter ballet debuts »

“Brilliant...brilliant...brilliant...brilliant...dare I say it again, brilliant.” —Register-Guard, October 25, 2011 

Full-text review: 'Incendio' lights up the stage at the Hult Center »

“Eugene's Ballet Fantastique has made a name for itself over the past decade by collaborating with other artistic groups, especially local musicians. When it starts off its new season this weekend at the Hult Center, the chamber ballet company will be reaching farther afield—geographically speaking—than it ever has before.” —Register-Guard, October 20, 2011 

Full-text preview: Latin jazz meets ballet: Guitar trio from California will provide the music »

“For dance and music fans, Incendio is a rare treat and an exciting show to witness –the meeting of two ridiculously talented groups, igniting a multi-disciplined blaze across genres.” —Eugene Weekly, September 22, 2011 

Full-text preview: Incendiaries and artistry: Latin-jazz fusion meets Eugene dance styles »

“At Opus VII, seven dancers from Ballet Fantastique will present a series of original ballet excerpts choreographed by Donna and Hannah Bontrager from their upcoming Pirates & Gypsies program. They’ll present the full show later this summer at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.” —Register-Guard, June 2, 2011 

Full-text preview: An art party downtown: Music, theater, and dance will augment this month's First Friday Art Walk »

“The choreography managed to meld classical ballet with the freer comedic Western style... The women had strong technique and true charisma. They work together well as a corps, and they’re also superb as soloists.” —Register-Guard, April 20, 2011

Full-text review: The Bard meets Western: A challenge well met »

“Despite the challenges, Bontrager says, turning Shakespeare into dance actually has illuminated the original story.” —Register-Guard, April 14, 2011

Full-text article: The bard, ballet, and barroom brawls »

“Wild west re-imagining of As You Like It appeals to diverse crowd.” —Oregon Daily Emerald, April 13, 2011

Full-text review: Ballet Fantastique presents Shakespeare with a twist »

“Ballet Fantastique...thrilled us with their charisma and technique...a stroke of genius.” —Register-Guard, February 2, 2011

Full-text review: Whirlwind tour of Brazil proves to be exhilarating »

“Ballet Fantastique is known for collaborating with other musicians, and this show will include performances by a number of local artists, including Northwest bossa nova singer Jessie Marquez and her band, and young Sao Paulo pianist Priscilla Dantas.” —Register-Guard, January 27, 2011

Full-text article: Ballet Fantastique brings a touch of Brazil to Eugene »

“Ballet Fantastique's City Center for Dance includes...large, centrally located studios that invite the community to watch, listen and learn more about various forms of ballet and other dance..” —Eugene Weekly, January 13, 2011

Full-text article: Room to moove »

“The creative and inspiring choreography was danced by the five ballerinas--goddesses who went where no one has gone.” —Register-Guard, November 24, 2010

Full-text article: String section »

“String Theory is a combination of dance and science...and Ballet Fantastique turns it into a ballet of its favorite string music.” —Ethos Magazine, November 22, 2010

Multi-media story with photographs: Ballet Fantastique's String Theory shines on stage »

“Eugene's Ballet Fantastique kicks off its new season...as usual, the company will be performing with live music...” —Register-Guard, November 18, 2010

Full-text article: String section »

“Ballet Fantastique's fresh artistic depiction of Potter's stories enchanted... and inspired in me a deep sense of nostalgia.” —Ethos Magazine, May 5, 2010

Full-text article: Local ballet hops onward: with a dancing Peter Rabbit and other Tales of Beatrix Potter »

“Peter Rabbit, Squirrel Nutkin and Jemima Puddle-Duck will be among the characters portrayed by dancers at the Hult Center on Saturday when Eugene's Ballet Fantastique closes its season with Tales of Beatrix Potter.” —Register Guard, April 29, 2010

Full-text article: Dancing the Tales of Beatrix Potter »

“Hannah Bontrager, executive director of Ballet Fantastique, will perform as the Snow Queen, and Russell Capps of Washington State Ballet will perform as her cavalier, in the Snow pas de deux. Also of Ballet Fantastique, Leanne Mizzoni will dance in Spanish.” —Medford Mail Tribune, December 2009

Full-text article: Ballet Rogue presents The Nutcracker »

“Smooth and romantic . . . innocent and cheeky . . . enchanting . . . haunting . . . delightful. ” —Register Guard October 2009

Full-text article: Ballet fans transported by Visions d'Amour »

“This Parisian setting fused with expressive dance sets the stage for Eugene’s Ballet Fantastique’s season premiere performance, Visions d’Amour: 10 Ballets in Paris. Each act showcases passionate Eugene talent, including University music and dance students, while tapping into the romance and elegance of French culture.” —Oregon Daily Emerald, October 2009

Full-text article: Parisian drama, Eugene dancers »

“Donna started Ballet Fantastique as an academy in 2000. 'I wanted to build the kind of academy for my daughters that I would have wanted to attend as a young dancer,' she says. The young dancers, ages 9 and up, work with ballet instructors up to five times a week, in semi-private classes. 'We work closely with each of our dancers and his or her personal goals and challenges,' Donna says."” —Eugene Weekly Bravo cover story, September 2009

Full-text article: Visions of loving the dance »

“Ashley Bontrager, Hannah Bontrager, Ya Xi Fu, and Unsicker burned up the stage...Do not miss Ballet Fantastique’s next concert.” —Register Guard February 2009

Full-text article: Ballet troupe trips the light Fantastique »

“Danse en Rouge, with its explorations of the color red, will be performed just in time for Valentine’s Day.” —Register Guard February 2009

Full-text article: More Fantastique: Ballet Fantastique will have its audience seeing red as it returns to the scene of its most successful collaboration »

“I think just people helping people is a great thing to do.” —Register Guard February 2009

Full-text article: Ballet Fantastique volunteer extraordinaire Dianna Campbell-Bressler and the art of involvement »

“It was fantastic.” —Register Guard February 2008

Full-text article: Ballet Fantastique lives up to troupe’s name »

“…by re-envisioning ballet, the company can reach people who might not have ever thought of themselves as ballet fans.” —Oregon Daily Emerald May 2008

Full-text article: Ballet with a creative twist: The always innovative Ballet Fantastique will perform its season finale at the Hult Center »

“…an upbeat interpretation of the party scene from ’Breakfast at Tiffany’s’—black dresses, white gloves and all.” —Register Guard May 2008

Full-text article: Ballet at Tiffany's: Eugene dance troupe choreographs a piece based on a classic Audrey Hepburn film »

“…Ballet Fantastique has taken collaboration to new heights with pieces for the Oregon Mozart Players and the Eugene Symphony.” —Eugene Weekly May 2008

Full-text article: Suite stuff »

“Smaller is better.” —Register Guard October 2007

Full-text article: Ballet with a twist: Small troupe joins with a Russian musical trio to stage chamber ballet »

“The Hult Center’s Soreng Theater was full with appreciative fans at Saturday’s performance by Ballet Fantastique … As one would expect, the performance was given a standing ovation.” —Register Guard October 2007

Full-text article: Ballet Fantastique transports fans »

“The [Experience Dance!] project...is designed to introduce children to ballet and explore academic subjects...through dance and movement.” —Register Guard May 2007

Feature City Region story on Ballet Fantastique’s EXPERIENCE DANCE! Pilot Project.
Full-text article: Dancing birds get a workout »

“What for me would be a one-time performance is a tangible goal for the dancers at Ballet Fantastique...” —Eugene Weekly May 2007

Full-text article: Keeping the ballet torch burning »

“Marvel as company and apprentice dancers perform…”

This and other excerpts from Ballet Fantastique’s press appearances in Fall.
Full-text article: Fall 2006 »

“As a newly-formed non-profit, Ballet Fantastique is pushing the artistic envelope to engage more of the community in local dance initiatives…” —Eugene Weekly June 2006

Full-text article: Pirou-what? Ballet Fantastique rekindles dance appreciation off stage »

Ballet Fantastique noted on the front page of the Register Guard "Arts & Books" section with Traduza Dance Company. —Register Guard June 2006

Full-text article: Dance like it’s Brazil »

“Impressive and spectacular!” —Register Guard October 2005

Full-text article: Diverse styles mingle beautifully at the Hult »

“…looks for a new rhythm that hovers between the traditionally lyrical and the rambunctiously sexy.” —Eugene Weekly October 2005

Full-text article: Mosaico de Danza at the Hult »