Ballet Hartford

Founder and Artistic Director, Elizabeth “Betsy” McMillan established the company as Vivid Ballet in Hartford, CT in August of 2016 with the purpose of promoting the true, the good and the beautiful. Having developed national and international recognition and more than doubling it’s roster of dancers in only two seasons the company re-branded as Ballet Hartford to further serve its city and communities as it shared a thriving exchange or resources and ideas with the Hartt School Dance Division. Boasting a strong roster of Guest Faculty and Choreographers from New York City Ballet, Ballet Austin, Houston Ballet, American Ballet Theater and locally, Ballet Hartford, now in it’s 4th season continues to offer its dancers, the city of Hartford, the Northeast and beyond professional excellence and integrity in the art form.

Featured Event | September 4th 2019

Ballet Hartford's next Artistic Director

Ballet Hartford is thrilled to announce the appointment of long time Ballet Mistress and Principal Dancer, Leyna Doran as Ballet Hartford’s next Artistic Director! Under Leyna’s sound leadership the company is poised to move into the future with excellence and integrity as she furthers the established vision and mission of Ballet Hartford. Founder and Artistic Director Emerita, Betsy McMillan will serve the organization along with the Board of Directors and in an advisory capacity to the Artistic Director. Please stay tuned as we announce our new dancers and performances for this season. Many exciting things ahead. We thank you all for your support and look forward to continuing to serve Hartford, the Northeast and beyond!

What people say?

Colleague Reviews

Elizabeth McMillan, Ballet Hartford Artistic Director, a force to be reckoned with. Her team of dancers at Ballet Hartford are not only exceptional artists, but artists of the utmost intergrity, purely invested in the creative process, all while striving for world class excellence!

Caleb Mitchell

Former Dancer - Houston Ballet

It has been an honor to work with the artists of Ballet Hartford. Along with their robust dancing, great skill, and clean lines, the company is very clear on their commitment to all that is "true, good and beautiful!" Under Betsy McMillan's deft leadership and vision, this company is a welcomed voice in contemporary ballet.

Stephen Rooks

Former principal Dancer, Martha Graham Dance Company

I believe that the art of ballet has the power to elevate and magnify people, both dancers and audiences. It can uniquely incarnate spiritual joy. I am thrilled that the vision of Ballet Hartford is grounded in these truths.

Silas Farley

New York City Ballet

Ballet Hartford’s commitment to the highest standards of artistry and professionalism is evident in each moment one witnesses these dancers at work. Whether on the stage or in the studio, they radiate the humanity, passion and dedication to all the best that this living art form of Dance has to offer.

Stephen Pier

Dance Division Director - The Hartt School, University of Hartford

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