WHO IS NATHAN BLAND?
Nathan Bland is the Owner and Director of Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance.He began his dance training in California under Margret Lloyds Smallie and Sandy Thomas. He later continued his training with Melissa Bowman of American Ballet Theatre, while training at Pittsburgh Youth Ballet. Nathan began his professional career with Kansas City Ballet where he performed in ballets by renowned choreographers George Balanchine, Todd Bolender and Twyla Tharp, to name a few.
DANCE CAREER
For the past ten years Nathan’s professional career has taken him all over the U.S and abroad. He has danced for Eugene Ballet/Ballet Idaho, Oklahoma City Ballet, Connecticut Ballet, LazarBallet NYC and Rebecca Kelly Ballet. He has worked with many choreographers based in New York City, and has been featured as a guest artist throughout the United States.
In 2010, Nathan joined The National Ballet Theatre of Croatia as a Soloist where he danced The Cavalier in “The Nutcracker,” Hilarion in “Giselle” (pictured) along with featured roles in Bournonville’s “Napoli” and Valentina Turcu’s “Carmen.” While with the National Ballet Theatre, Nathan also had the opportunity to perform in Italy, Germany and throughout Croatia.
Upon returning to the U.S., Nathan continued his freelance performing career working with such companies as Owen/Cox Dance Group of Kansas City and SENSEDANCE of New York City.
STUDIO OWNERSHIP
His association with Berks Ballet Theatre began in 2006 and in 2012, he became the owner and director of Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance. Nathan has always had a passion for teaching and enjoys passing along his knowledge of dance to the young dancers of our future.
Nathan recently received training in “Revolutionary Principles of Movement” under Ruth C. Petrinovic and Wes Chapman in San Jose, Costa Rica.
A choreographer for many years, he most recently choreographed “Hansel and Gretel,”A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Variations on a Theme”–all for Berks Ballet Theatre. Berk’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” is co-choreographed by Nathan and Artistic Director, Kelly Barber.
Nathan also trains students to compete in the annual Youth America Grand Prix event.
Nathan looks forward to the continued success and growth of Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance.
