Stepping Up and Stepping Out at the Nevada Ballet Theatre

By Kendall Hardin

Meet Don Bellamy, the new man at Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT).

Bellamy studied dance at Duke Ellington School of the Arts in his hometown of Washington, D.C. He began his career in 1988 as a corps dancer at Capital Ballet in the nation’s capital under the direction of Doris Jones and Billy Wilson. Bellamy subsequently joined the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater under the direction of founder Alvin Ailey.

He has been a part of prestigious companies such as the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Donald Byrd/The Group and Elisa Monte Dance, and was a part of a collaboration between the Dance Theatre of Harlem and New York City Ballet.

He has also enjoyed appearing in numerous Broadway productions, including The Red Shoes, The Lion King, Porgy and Bess and The Phantom of the Opera, both in Las Vegas and on the third U.S. national tour.

Bellamy has worked with many internationally renowned artists and entertainers, including Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and Celine Dion. He previously served as the ballet master/coach for Contemporary West Dance Theatre and Studio 702 Dance. Today, he is the force behind NBT II and an important part of NBT’s affiliated school.

Chic Compass: How are you building a new generation of dancers at Nevada Ballet Theatre?

Don Bellamy: NBT II is our “second company” that shapes young dancers for a future professional career. Artists receive an array of opportunities to train, rehearse and perform alongside the professional company of NBT while being exposed to some of the country’s leading choreographers, guest artists and master teachers. We offer career coaching, a diverse curriculum of classical pointe and modern variations, and the ability to learn and perform exciting repertoire, including newly commissioned works. Our goal is to create today’s well-rounded professional dancer.

The company’s four-week Summer Intensive has flourished in its third season, providing more than 35 dancers with world-class training and coaching, professional networking, performance opportunities and an introduction to NBT’s state-of-the-art facilities and the rich cultural and natural environment of Las Vegas. Here, young dancers hone their technique, athleticism and expressive style in a demanding regime that is challenging and inspirational. This intensive “training bridge” successfully prepares and places many “next-gen” dancers with NBT and other national ballet companies.

Photo of Don Bellamy by Virginia Trudeau

Chic Compass: What special challenges and opportunities have you discovered?

Don Bellamy: Even though NBT II is enjoying major expansion this year, I want more people to know about this unique program. We just launched a new outreach program at the Summerlin Library, The Evolution of Ballet, which showcased our students in the Summer Intensive and NBT II. I want to increase access for the community, not only in the concert hall but throughout Las Vegas, in innovative venues and locales. I want to open doors to the future of dance in all its forms.

Chic Compass: What key experiences from your career do you share with young dancers?

Don Bellamy: I encourage our talented dancers to experience all kinds of creative productions from other national and international companies. Dancers need to be open and listen to feedback and criticism while putting themselves in the forefront. As a dancer, I worked hard and was always ready to step into roles whenever there was an opportunity. I try to share my infinite passion and love for the art form through my teaching and mentoring experiences. Dance is alive and dynamic, changing every moment in the studio and during rehearsals “until the dancer gives it away on stage.” It’s a beautiful experience for both the audience and the artist.

Chic Compass: To you, how is the future of dance evolving in Las Vegas?

Don Bellamy: Wherever it’s going, I want to be there. I want to play a part in the evolution of dance, even as it changes. I came to Las Vegas in 2002 to work with Celine Dion. I’ve been fortunate to work with brilliant dance titans like Alvin Ailey while performing in numerous Broadway shows and productions with superstars like Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin. I’m jazzed about the future of dance. Ballet is no longer an elite art form, especially with the diversity of today’s choreographers, new technology and state-of-the-art stagecraft and production values. Outrageous creativity is calling. I’m ready to step up and step out wherever and whenever I hear the call!