Monikio, Raymonda, Rodeo and at the bottom, former principal dancer, in a fat suit, alone, center stage, dancing a
character solo as Lorenzo in Don Q with Colorado Ballet in 2004.
Having Fun!
Brian Bender began his career as a professional dancer in 1978. He has performed in over 20 countries. He has been a soloist, principal
dancer and guest artist in residence with The Banff Centre of Fine Arts, The Alberta Ballet, Colorado Ballet, and The Royal Winnipeg Ballet of
Canada.
His performance experience includes principal and soloist roles in most of the standard classical ballets from Swan Lake, Giselle, Sleeping
Beauty, La Sylphide, Don Q, Le Corsair, Raymonda, Coppelia, La Fille Mal Gardee, Napoli, La Ventana, William Tell, Konservatoriet, to new
classics like Rodeo, Romeo & Juliet, Facade, Allegro Brillante, Tchaikovsky Pas de deux, Eugene Onegin and the works of choreographers -
Aston, Balanchine, Bejart, Cranko, Christe, de Mille, Ek, Jooss, Kylian, van Manen.
Brian Bender's pedagogic approach reflects extensive experience in the training principles of The Bournonville Technique, Vaganova Method,
The Royal Academy of Dancing, and Method of the Paris Opera Ballet. His coaching influences have been Agnes de Mille, Reid Anderson,
Sir Anton Dolin, Laura Alonso, Marcia Haydee, Alexander Grant, Kirsten Ralov, Annette Armond.
As Director and Owner of The Dancer's Advantage, Brian Bender enjoys passing on the traditions of classical ballet, stagecraft for dancers,
and the art of professional development to the new generation of young dancers.
