The goal of classical ballet is to appear effortless, but it requires decades of consistent practice and the ability to push the body to its limits. Classical ballet can also be the foundation for innovative contemporary choreography that expresses a dancer’s athleticism. 

Certain choreographers—think work by Portland-Indiana-born Twyla Tharp or French-Algerian choreographer Hervé Koubi—showcase more physicality and intentionally, according to Peter Franc, a principal dancer at several prestigious ballet companies and the former artistic director of Oregon Ballet Theatre. “A dancer’s body is as much athlete as artist. Making dance exciting and changing what people think they know about dance, that’s something that I think I’m good at,” said Franc. He believes Central Oregon is ready for more boundary-pushing dance.

Presenting Contemporary Ballet

Franc’s new dance company, Ballet Bend, will showcase contemporary, classical, and traditional dance from around the world, advancing the art form through thought-provoking choreography.

In Ballet Bend’s debut performance in September 2026, the San Francisco Ballet will open the evening performing one of Ben Stevenson’s most celebrated classical works, “Three Preludes.” The Portland-based contemporary company Open Space Dance will present a new signature work, “Anonymous.” Charlotte Ballet closes the evening with the powerful piece “From Africa, With Love” by South African choreographer Mthuthuzeli November.

“Certain combinations of work are relevant, exciting and more modern than people think,” said Franc, who has a background in both classical and contemporary ballet.

“There’s a culture-share component,” added Franc. The dancers and choreographers will stay in Bend for a week or two, offering classes and demonstrations in addition to performances. Franc has seen firsthand how dance can flourish in a mountain community. He and his wife met while living and dancing in Aspen, Colorado. Performances brought to town by Ballet Bend will always be bold and innovative, something Franc believes will work well in a similarly active community.

“That combination of athlete and artist doesn’t just get me excited, but gets audiences excited,” said Franc.

Central Oregon’s Longstanding Ballet Tradition

Home to several ballet schools and on the circuit of many professional touring companies, Central Oregon hosts ballet performances throughout the year, from “Swan Lake” at the Tower Theatre to multiple productions of “The Nutcracker.” Bend’s proud ballet tradition dates back to the early 1980s, when Sarah and Zygmunt Sawiel, professional dancers who met in Germany, moved to Bend and founded the Central Oregon School of Ballet in 1981. Joshua D. Deininger and Elizabeth Voiles, a husband and wife team, took over the school in 2018. Voiles grew up in Bend and trained at Central Oregon School of Ballet. The school’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” is celebrating its 39th year this winter and includes community volunteers, professionals and young dancers who fill out other roles, including a festive party scene.

Ballet Education in Bend

At Académie de Ballet Classique, dancers progress through ballet levels in a sequence adhering to standards for dance set by UK-based Royal Academy of Dance. Founder Valerie Holgers has devoted her life to instructing ballet which, she said, teaches children accountability and mental endurance. Académie de Ballet Classique’s annual production, “The Nutcracker: A Child’s Tale,” composed entirely of students, will return to the Tower Theatre with performances in November.

Why Local Ballet Matters

While viewers might notice new costumes and updated choreography to highlight dancers’ abilities, both Central Oregon School of Ballet and Académie de Ballet Classique said the Nutcracker’s magic lies largely in giving audiences what they’ve come to expect. Still, these local performances demonstrate why it’s important not to outsource arts and culture to bigger cities.

“It’s an identifying cultural mark of who we are and the values that we have,” said Deininger. “We want to continue to produce high-caliber performances that are unique to the area.” 

See more about ballet schools in Bend here.

Ballet Bend’s Inaugural Season at the Tower Theatre

Ballet Bend Presents: San Francisco Ballet, Open Space Dance and Charlotte Ballet

September 25–26, 2026

The evening will bring together artists from three respected companies and showcase a range of choreographic styles. The program demonstrates the breadth of contemporary ballet and Ballet Bend’s mission to expose local audiences to artists and companies they might not otherwise see. Get your tickets to Ballet Bend Presents: San Francisco Ballet, Open Space Dance and Charlotte Ballet.

Tentacle Tribe in PRISM

October 23–24, 2026

Created by co-founders Emmanuelle Lê Phan and Elon Höglund, the work blends contemporary dance, hip-hop and breaking within a visually immersive world of mirrors and reflections. The result is a dreamlike performance that challenges perceptions and transforms movement into a constantly shifting landscape of images. Get your tickets to Tentacle Tribe in PRISM.

Whim W’him: Triple Bill

February 20–21, 2027

Founded by acclaimed choreographer Olivier Wevers, Seattle-based Whim W’him has built a national reputation for contemporary dance that is athletic, inventive and emotionally resonant. Presenting three distinct works in a single evening, the program offers audiences an opportunity to experience multiple perspectives.

Ballet Idaho in “Man in Black”

April 2–3, 2027

Combining classical technique with Americana storytelling, the production explores the legacy of Johnny Cash, one of America’s most iconic musicians. Through movement, music and theatrical design, the work reflects Ballet Bend’s interest in presenting performances that appeal to dance enthusiasts and new audiences.

Learn more and purchase tickets once they are available.