Oliver Halkowich Former Soloist Dancer at Houston Ballet, now Choreographer and Trainee Program Director at New Orleans Ballet Theatre.
4 DAYS WORKSHOP (ages 9-18+)
August 4-7, 2025
10:00am-2:00pm
COST: $504 FOR THE 4-DAY WORKSHOP
Welcome Oliver, a highly talented instructor, to lead our upcoming four-day intensive dance workshop! This is your chance to immerse yourself in a meticulously designed program aimed at enhancing your proficiency in classical ballet technique and contemporary dance.
Under Oliver's expert guidance, you'll explore the nuances of ballet and contemporary dance, refining your movements and unlocking your full potential as a dancer. This workshop offers a transformative journey filled with invaluable insights, personalized instruction, and unparalleled growth.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to elevate your dance practice to new heights. Reserve your spot now and embark on a journey of artistic discovery and fulfillment!
Oliver's journey in the world of ballet began in South Florida, where he discovered his passion for dance at a young age. At just 7 years old, he performed in Miami City Ballet's The Nutcracker, an experience that sparked his lifelong love for ballet. This passion led him to pursue formal training at the renowned San Francisco Ballet School at the age of 14.
After completing his training on the West Coast, Oliver began his professional career with Boston Ballet in 2001. There, he honed his skills and immersed himself in the city's vibrant arts scene. However, a pivotal moment in his artistic journey came with his move to Texas, where he joined the esteemed Houston Ballet in 2002.
Over the course of nearly two decades with Houston Ballet, Oliver’s career flourished. Rising to the rank of First Soloist in 2018, his performances were celebrated for their versatility, artistry, and emotional depth, earning acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
Today, Oliver serves as the Resident Choreographer for the New Orleans Ballet Theatre (NOBT), a role that allows him to channel his wealth of experience into creating innovative works. Drawing from his time with Houston Ballet and the cultural richness of New Orleans, Oliver continues to redefine dance and storytelling through his choreography.
In May 2023, he premiered an original production of Romeo + Juliet for NOBT, followed by the debut of a new production of Dracula in May 2024. These full-length ballets showcased his ability to merge classical tradition with modern narrative, solidifying his reputation as a visionary in contemporary ballet choreography.
Beyond the stage, Oliver also serves as the Trainee Program Director at NOBT, mentoring and shaping the next generation of ballet dancers. His commitment to nurturing young talent reflects his dedication to the art form and its future.
With each new project, Oliver reaffirms his status as a dynamic and influential force in ballet. His creativity, passion, and vision continue to inspire both dancers and audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of dance. As he explores new horizons and pushes artistic boundaries, Oliver's contributions to ballet remain vibrant, innovative, and profoundly impactful.
Oliver grew up in South Florida and took his first dance class at the age of 2. He performed in Miami City Ballet's first Nutcracker, fell in love with both Tchaikovsky and ballet and migrated west to train at the San Francisco Ballet School.
In 2001, he began his professional dance career back on the east coast with the Boston Ballet.
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Oliver grew up in South Florida and took his first dance class at the age of 2. He performed in Miami City Ballet's first Nutcracker, fell in love with both Tchaikovsky and ballet and migrated west to train at the San Francisco Ballet School.
In 2001, he began his professional dance career back on the east coast with the Boston Ballet.
A year later, he settled on middle ground in Texas. He joined Houston Ballet as a Corps de Ballet member in 2002 and rose through the ranks to First Soloist dancing 20 seasons with the company. He has danced a variety of classical, contemporary and character roles, performing in work by George Balanchine, Jiří Kylián, William Forsythe, Nacho Duato, Hans Van Manen, Christopher Bruce, Mark Morris, Ben Stevenson OBE, Stanton Welch, Justin Peck, Julia Adam, Aszure Barton and Jerome Robbins, among others. Oliver has choreographed for Houston Ballet, Dance Alive National Ballet, Houston Contemporary Dance company, Mercury Ensemble, the Texas Contemporary Art Fair, the Blaffer Museum, Houston Cinema Arts Society, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, and Moody Center for the Arts. Alongside his good friends and fellow dancers, Melody Mennite and Connor Walsh, he created REACH, a platform for Houston dancers and choreographers to create new work while raising money for arts education.
He co-choreographed What we keep with Melody Mennite and Connor Walsh for Houston Ballet's performances at the George R. Brown Convention Center in 2018.
He debuted his first solo commission Following for Houston Ballet’s 50th Anniversary season in 2019. In May of 2023, he created an original production of Romeo + Juliet for the New Orleans Ballet Theatre where Oliver now is the resident
choreographer. He will premier a new production of Dracula for NOBT in May of 2024.
