Our full-time and guest faculty and instructors are made up of some of the most talented dance teachers and artistic staff in the country. Berks Ballet students have the unique opportunity of working alongside them.
Leadership
Nathan Bland, Owner/Director
Nathan 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.
For 10+ years Nathan’s professional career has taken him all over the United States and the world. He has danced for such companies as 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 had the opportunity to join The National Ballet Theatre of Croatia as a Soloist where he danced The Cavalier in The Nutcracker, Hilarion in Giselle 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 United States, Nathan continued his freelance performing career working with such companies as Owen/Cox Dance Group of Kansas City and SENSEDANCE of New York City.
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.
Recently, Nathan has studied the Revolutionary Principles of Movement under Ruth C. Petrinovic and Wes Chapman as well as The Cuban National Ballet Technique under Ramona de Saa. Nathan believes that learning never stops and that his continued education allows him to offer his students the best opportunities.
Nathan has been a choreographer for many years, most recently for Berks Ballet Theatre he has choreographed Bolero for their virtual season as well as Hansel + Gretel, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Variations on a Theme. BBT’s annual production of The Nutcracker is co-choreographed by Nathan and Artistic Director, Kelly Barber.
Nathan is beyond grateful for all the support BBT received through the pandemic that has allowed a return to live performances. He is very much looking forward to all that is yet to come this season!
Kelly Barber, Principal Teacher
Kelly Barber is a native of Reading. She began her studies when she was nine at The Dance Academy of Berks Ballet. Four years later, she became a member of the company and continued performing through her teens as a soloist with BBT. Kelly also studied with the Burklyn Ballet Theatre, the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts, and Pennsylvania Ballet.
In 1995, Kelly went on to dance with Ballet Theatre of Annapolis under the direction of the late Edward Stewart, rising to the rank of soloist. While in Annapolis, she danced in many classical & contemporary ballets including Paquita, Dracula, and Carmina Burana. In Swan Lake, Kelly shared the stage with Christine Dunham and Wes Chapman, former principals with American Ballet Theatre. She also danced the role of Snow Queen in the Nutcracker, as well as other leading roles like the Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, and the Grand Pas de Deux from Le Corsaire.
Kelly returned to Reading and began to teach at The Dance Academy of Berks Ballet and also perform with BBT. She was appointed Associate Director of the company in 2006, and Artistic Director in 2007. As a choreographer, her ballet “Bach Sonata Quartet” was performed during the 2005 Regional Dance America Northeast festival in Harrisburg.
Along with her job as Artistic Director of BBT, Kelly is the Principle Teacher at the Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance, teaching levels 1 through Pre-Professional 3. Kelly hopes to continue the tradition of BBT and promote excellence in ballet training and performance in Berks County.
Marguerite Wegman, Teacher
Marguerite “Miss Marguerite” Wegman was born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania. She began her dance training with Carol Ennis at the age of nine, studying ballet, tap and jazz. She also attended dance conventions in New York City and New Jersey. Throughout her training, she competed in various competitions.
In 1976, she became one of the first principal and corp dancers of “La Petite Ballet Company,” which was founded under the direction of Carol Ennis. This company is now known as, “Berks Ballet Theatre”.
Over the years, she performed in many ballets including “Cinderella” and “The Nutcracker”, dancing roles such as, Snow Queen, snow and flower corp and most recently, Mrs. Stahlbaum.
Marguerite began teaching for Carol Ennis in 1977 and has remained on staff for 35+ years. During this time, she also choreographed local high school musicals. She currently teaches creative movement, pre-ballet, tap and jazz. She specializes in teaching children ages 3-12. Miss Marguerite truly enjoys teaching at The Conservatory and is looking forward to working with your child!
Instructors
To learn more about our guest instructors and summer intensive faculty, follow along on our blog
