431 E. South Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
269-343-3027/ fax: 269-342-8788
The Kalamazoo Ballet Company, an honorary and charter member of the Mid-States Regional Dance America Association, was founded by Therese Bullard in 1969. The company's artistic philosophy focuses on excellence in professional performance together with fine arts education, coupled with a commitment to developing and maintaining a varied repertoire consisting of traditional (including Highland), classical and innovative dance works. It's current repertoire includes Alice in Wonderland, Dracula, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and the yet to be premiered Jane Eyre, all developed and created by Ms. Bullard and jointly choreographed with August Tye. Additionally, the company, under the direction of Ms. Bullard, stages the following compressed ballets: Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Coppelia, Act 2 (set by Valerie Roche), and many prize winning works by August Tye. With lavish sets and exquisite costumes, the Kalamazoo Ballet's productions are a sensory delight designed to please audiences of all ages.
Found in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo bordering the Haymarket district, the Kalamazoo Ballet recently purchased and is housed in an historic building at 431 E. South Street, located near Pitcher Street. The spacious light-filled studio welcomes visitors to observe and even participate in classes. Groups can experience the ballet firsthand in classes specially designed to cater to their needs. Guests can explore the world of ballet behind the scenes;all the magic you see on stage requires tremendous preparation! Interested visitors should contact The Kalamazoo Ballet at 269-343-3027.
The Bullard School of Ballet and Highland Dancing is the official school of the Kalamazoo Ballet, promoting the company's support of dance education. The school offers students of all ages and levels the opportunity to explore how dance will fit into their lives, guiding and encouraging their love of the art. Classes offered include ballet, character and Highland/Irish. In addition to regular classes, The Bullard School and the Kalamazoo Ballet offer workshops, lectures, seminars and concerts to enrich the curriculum. Scholarships, work study and teacher training arrangements are available to interested and qualified individuals.
The Kalamazoo Ballet strives to share the art of dance, and annual performances have numbered up to 100, with thousands of audience members in attendance. The company can be found presenting shows locally at the Comstock Community Auditorium, as well as other venues in the surrounding area and on one day tours. In order to better serve the public and to foster an appreciation of the art of dance, the Kalamazoo Ballet puts much focus and energy into its community outreach programs, offering educational demonstrations for schools and other groups. These programs as well as concerts including complete compressed ballets with such exciting programs as Nutcracker, Dracula, Alice in Wonderland and Dances of Many Lands, are available for touring.
The director and Kalamazoo Ballet Board of Directors are appreciative of the support provided by the state of Michigan, the community of Kalamazoo and charitable foundations, including the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation and the Friends of the Ballet. As a non-profit organization, the Ballet relies on a large volunteer force. From maintaining the facilities to creating beautiful costumes, the talents of many individuals are required to make the Kalamazoo Ballet the success that it is. Help from any interested persons is always appreciated. For volunteer opportunities or to make contributions, please contact artistic director Therese Bullard at 269-343-3027.
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Kalamazoo, MI