Who We Are
The Barrington Dance Ensemble (BDE) is a not for profit 501(c)(3) which engages and inspires the community by providing cultural enrichment through exceptional dance education, performance, and scholarship. Founded in 1989 by Artistic Director Mary Brennan, this grassroots organization has become a local standard bearer for the arts.
The Barrington Dance Ensemble is in residence at Barrington Dance Academy at 758 W Northwest Highway in Barrington, IL. BDE melds professional dancers and student dancers from the Barrington area and surrounding communities. The student dancers take on a rigorous training schedule to achieve high standards in various forms of dance.
What We Do
The Barrington Dance Ensemble (BDE) is a vital, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1989 with a current operating budget exceeding $300,000, committed to a dance experience that enriches the lives of its audience. BDE is guided by an Executive Board of Directors and Advisory Board, each with extensive professional backgrounds in dance training and theater production, business development, and fundraising; and enhanced by an Artistic Advisory Board of professional dancers, choreographers and directors. BDE is also supported by a Parent Auxiliary Board.
BDE is a company of gifted dance class students (11-18 years of age) who audition, and once chosen, undertake a rigorous training program, as well as roles in BDE productions and community outreach.
BDE presents major classical ballets such as Coppelia, The Sleeping Beauty, Graduation Ball, and an annual Nutcracker in addition to contemporary works. We serve 5,000 audience members annually and take pride in providing free and discounted tickets to area seniors and children.
BDE melds the talents of professional dancers, pre professionals, and children, which brings a patina of professionalism to the stage with every production. Through our outreach programs, the company has a special focus on providing the unmet needs of disabled and disadvantaged youth through free tickets, programming, and scholarships.
Bringing authentic and professional quality repertoire of classic ballet and contemporary works to a northwest suburban audience is a primary goal of the BDE.
