About Bangor Ballet

Ms. Bragg was the owner and operator of Thomas School of Dance from 1983 – 2014, establishing it as the company’s home and official training school. She was responsible for the overall direction and growth of Bangor Ballet for its 22-year history and became Executive Director Emerita at the end of the 2015-2016 season.

Master Teacher Ivy Clear-Forrest began her professional career at the age of 15, dancing for George Balanchine at New York City Ballet. She went on to become a soloist with the Joffrey Ballet at the age of 16 and a principal dancer at 17. Ms. Forrest served as director of the ballet department at Thomas School of Dance from 1991- 2016. After 22 years, Ms. Forrest stepped down as Artistic Director of Bangor Ballet to concentrate on her work as a teacher and coach. She continues to offer workshops in classical ballet and to prepare dancers for their roles with the company and possible future professional careers.

Ballets in the company’s repertoire include:  The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Paquita Variations, Les Sylphides, Alice in Wonderland, Nutcracker in a Nutshell, An American in Paris, Carnival of the Animals, The Little Mermaid, Midsummer Night’s Dream, a Tribute to Balanchine and others.

Bangor Ballet has performed throughout Maine, from Machias to Rockland and from Bangor to Stonington. In 2008, Bangor Ballet dancers traveled to Vendome, France for an international cultural exchange and performance of The Little Mermaid.