Kalamazoo ballet’s 60 year legacy

The Legacy of Kalamazoo Ballet and Bullard School of Ballet and Highland Dance

The Kalamazoo Ballet and the Bullard School of Ballet and Highland Dance were deeply rooted in the rich artistic legacy of their founder, Thérèse Bullard. Born in England, Thérèse emigrated to Canada as a young child. Her love of dance was inspired by her mother, whose own theatrical aspirations were unfulfilled due to societal norms of the time. Despite these limitations, her parents wholeheartedly supported her pursuit of dance, which Therese credits as essential to her success in the demanding world of ballet.

Thérèse Bullard’s career spanned international stages and prestigious organizations. She trained at the National Ballet School of Canada and was a former member of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Radio City Music Hall Ballet, and the Royal Academy of Dance in London. Her performances graced television programs featuring entertainment icons like Ed Sullivan, Perry Como, Jimmy Durante, and Robert Goulet. She also toured the eastern United States as Jeanie in Brigadoon.

After an illustrious career in major cities such as New York, London, and Toronto, Thérèse settled in Kalamazoo, Michigan, following her marriage. Although adjusting to a smaller community was a challenge, Thérèse’s passion for dance and education flourished in Kalamazoo.

The Founding of Kalamazoo Ballet in 1965

In 1965, Thérèse founded the Kalamazoo Ballet and the Bullard School of Ballet and Highland Dancing. The Kalamazoo Ballet became a charter member of the Mid-States Regional Dance America Association, achieving recognition for its commitment to professional performance and artistic excellence. The Company’s repertoire spanned classical ballet, traditional Highland dance, and innovative contemporary works, embodying a philosophy of artistic diversity and education.

The Bullard School of Ballet offered classes for all age groups, fostering a love for dance while maintaining high standards of training. Many of Thérèse’s students have gone on to join prestigious companies such as the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Royal Winnepeg Ballet, Boston Ballet, Winifred Haun Dancers, Joel Hall Dancers, National Ballet of Ukraine, Ontario Ballet, Royal Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre.

Thérèse’s dedication to dance education extended beyond her school. She served on the faculties of Wichita State University, Western Michigan University, Creighton University, and Nazareth College. She also conducted Master Classes worldwide, including in Europe, Canada, England, Malaysia, and Japan. Her own education included advanced training with renowned instructors such as Phyllis Atkins, Grace Holdich, Gwenyth Lloyd, Gladys Forrester, and Anthony Tudor. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Communications from Western Michigan University.

Throughout her career, Thérèse Bullard received numerous accolades, including the Irving S. Gilmore Kalamazoo Medal of Arts Award in 1988, the Thistle Award from the Scottish Society of Kalamazoo in 2007, and the 2009 Community Dance Advocacy Award from Western Michigan University’s Partners in Dance. In 2007, she was honored as an honorary member of Regional Dance America and again celebrated at the National Regional Festival in Montreal in 2012.

Thérèse’s enduring legacy is not only in her accolades but also in the lives of her students and the vibrancy of the Kalamazoo dance community. Her contributions were further recognized by August and Aimee Tye, who honored her at the Hyde Park School’s Twentieth Anniversary Celebration in 2013.

Continuing the Legacy: Tye Chua Dance Directors Aimee Tye & Angi Polderman

The legacy of the Kalamazoo Ballet lives on through Aimee Tye and Angi Polderman, Directors of Tye Chua Dance. Both Aimee and Angi received their foundational training at the Kalamazoo Ballet under the guidance of Thérèse Bullard. Their experiences with the company instilled in them a commitment to artistic excellence, technical precision, and the transformative power of dance.

Today, Aimee and Angi continue Thérèse Bullard’s vision by nurturing the next generation of dancers at Tye Chua Dance. They uphold the values of rigorous training and artistic exploration, inspired by the diverse repertoire and educational philosophy of the Kalamazoo Ballet. Through their leadership, Tye Chua Dance has become a vibrant community that celebrates dance as both an art form and a means of personal growth. By honoring the traditions and high standards of the Kalamazoo Ballet, Aimee and Angi ensure that its spirit thrives in every class, rehearsal, and performance.