Ballet Theatre Company

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Ballet Theater Company is a non-profit organization located in West Hartford, Connecticut. Since its founding in 1999, BTC has become firmly established as a significant contributor to the greater Hartford community. Our mission is to maintain a highly accomplished dance ensemble, providing opportunities for dancer of all ages to participate in quality public performances, to offer high-caliber dance training to highly motivated students, and to contribute to the community through offering an introduction to dance to children who ordinarily would not have the opportunity to experience live performance or dance training.

Description:
Performance Opportunities:

Ballet Theatre Company has developed a strong, diverse repertoire including classical pieces as well as original contemporary works by choreographers from the greater Hartford area and beyond. Through these performances BTC offers its dancers and production staff the opportunity to participate in successful productions of the highest quality and to work closely with nationally-recognized faculty, choreographers and designers.

The Company’s spring repertoire program has become a showcase for new, exciting works by regional choreographers as well as presenting a wide variety of classical works. Our annual holiday production of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker has quickly established itself as a community favorite for families and dance lovers across the region. Major performances are staged at the Hoffman Auditorium in the Carol Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities at Saint Joseph College in West Hartford. The Company also performs throughout the year at other venues, bringing dance to local schools and community events.

Tracy Dorman, Executive Director, has been with the Company from its inception, playing a major role in its artistic and organizational development. While audiences have enjoyed her choreography, costuming and photography, the Company has also benefited from her critical leadership in obtaining grants, serving on its board, and overseeing both finance and administration. She brings extensive experience as a dancer, choreographer, administrator and teacher of dance, and has earned numerous awards for scenic and costume design and photography.

Brett Raphael, Director of Connecticut Ballet in Stamford returns to stage BTC's 2007 Nutcracker. production, The professional caliber of the Company and the performance opportunities it offers attract accomplished, highly-motivated young dancers whose extensive training and experience contribute to the quality of both the productions and the training at BTC. Many of the company’s dancers also excel academically, ranking among the top students in their schools. BTC provides a supportive, non-competitive environment in which all dancers are encouraged to reach their highest potential.

In September of 2005, Ballet Theatre Company took up residence at its new studio at 20 Jefferson Avenue in West Hartford. Here, the dancers enjoy a spacious, bright dance space with a special sprung floor suitable for rehearsals and classes; dressing areas; storage for costumes and props; kitchen facilities; office space for staff; a comfortable reception area; and ample parking.

Community Outreach:

A key component of BTC’s mission is to enrich our community by offering dance performances and dance education to those who might not otherwise be able to participate, especially children. Our Children’s Enrichment Program includes performances in the public schools and an annual production for children from the greater Hartford area whose resources are limited. In 2004, the Company hosted over 300 children from the Hillcrest Area Neighborhood Outreach Center, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Girls, Inc., The Marshall House and Gray Lodge for a private performance of Nutcracker. The Company has also developed an innovative program in which Company dancers serve as mentors to younger students, encouraging them to excel in academics and community service as well as dance. Included in the program are children from local social service programs whose classes and dance supplies are provided free of cost.

Ballet Theatre Company is supported in part by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, the Greater Hartford Arts Council, the Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation, The Hartford Financial Services Group and Aetna Foundation, Hartford Courant Foundation, and Sovereign Bank Foundation, Discover Re as well as many individual contributors.

History:
Ballet Theatre Company was founded in West Hartford in 1999. During its first three years, the Company presented an annual spring repertory performance at the Gilman Greater Hartford Community Center. In December 2002, the Company staged its first Nutcracker at the Hoffman Auditorium in the Carol Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities at Saint Joseph College in West Hartford. This production, has become an annual tradition for Ballet Theatre Company, the Hoffman Auditorium, and the Greater Hartford community. The Company’s annual Spring Repertory program, also held at the Hoffman Auditorium, has become a showcase for new, exciting works by regional choreographers. The Company’s new dance school, Ballet Theatre Academy, has quickly established itself as a center for excellence within the Greater Hartford cultural community.

Contact person: Tracy Dorman, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (860) 570-1223

Address:

20 Jefferson Avenue West Hartford, CT 06110 (See a map)

Directions:

Traveling on I-84 West, take the Flatbush Avenue exit, right off exit to Flatbush Avenue. At 2nd light turn right onto New Park Avenue. Turn right onto Jefferson Ave (opposite main entrance to Raymour and Flannigans and just before BJ's. . . (more) For maps or information, please see http://www.cttransit.com/