About
BalletMAR
Marika Brussel (M), Aaron Thao (A), Richard Bermange (R)
BalletMAR​ is a new dance organization (CIC) based in London, UK. Founded by three choreographers that make up the initials in our name, our mission is to explore both new and familiar experiences, ideas and stories through dance and music. We are dedicated to the development of contemporary narrative ballet theatre for our community through performances and educational opportunities.
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At BalletMAR, the goal of our work is to make dance more accessible and inclusive by creating and sharing original works that speak directly to the lived experiences of our community. That means dance works that represent and honor the human spirit and events that make us who are as individuals and as a society. As a dance company, our aim is to provide a safe, positive, and collaborative environment for local artists through professional development workshops and classes.
Our Team
Marika Brussel
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Marika Brussel is a contemporary ballet choreographer, currently creating internationally across the USA & UK.
She is known for creating socially conscious and narrative-driven ballets. Brussel combines classical ballet technique with contemporary themes, creating works that are both innovative and emotionally resonant. Her work has explored myths, plays, and personal stories such as Unraveling- a ballet about dementia.
Her ballets have been commissioned by many companies, including New English Ballet Theatre, Sacramento Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Madison Ballet, New Ballet Studio Company, ARC Dance Company, Columbia Repertory Ballet, and Ballet Theater of New Mexico. She is a regular teacher for Matthew Bourne's New Adventures.
Aaron Thao
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Ho-Shia Aaron Thao is based in New York City and currently serves as the Co-Director for Hudson Ballet Theatre and the Director of Performing Arts at the JCC Mid-Westchester, where he oversees both the Dance School and the Bendheim Performing Arts Center. Hailing from a professional career in medicine and corporate consulting, Aaron choreographs classical and contemporary ballets that honor the art of storytelling and evoke compassionate understanding by highlighting untold stories. His work's mission is not only to add repertoire into the canon of story ballets but to also challenge and evolve the art form to be more inclusive and representative of people outside the traditional landscape.
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Richard Bermange​
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Richard Bermange is a teacher, choreographer, director and dance artist. Richard has choreographed and directed for numerous companies and youth programs, including The National Ballet of Ireland, Ballet Central, London Studio Centre, ENBYouthCo, National Youth Ballet and a range of independently produced productions across ballet, musical theatre, dance theatre and film. Richard is a member of the teaching faculty of London Studio Centre and a regular guest teacher and ballet master at a number of vocational schools and professional companies.
