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Adage Ballet Ensemble
Adage Ballet Ensemble (ABE) is the official touring and performance group of Adage Ballet Academy, composed of dancers from the Adagio Tier alongside invited professional guest artists. Co-Artistic Directors Abby Jayne DeAngelo and Guillaume Basso not only lead the Ensemble but frequently perform in principal roles, bringing professional caliber to every production.
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The Ensemble was created to offer Adagio dancers real-world performance opportunities beyond the classroom — expanding their experience with soloist roles, new audiences, and the demands of a touring schedule. Dancers grow their stage presence, confidence, and artistry through exposure to both classical and contemporary works in fully produced settings. ABE also serves as a platform for outreach and cultural exchange, sharing high-level dance performance with communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Our Mission
Adage Ballet Ensemble was created to prepare dancers for the realities of professional performance — both onstage and behind the scenes. Our mission is to guide dancers through the transition from student to artist by giving them access to full productions that go beyond classroom training.
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Through Ensemble work, dancers develop a broader understanding of the performing arts. They are not only cast in technically demanding roles but are also exposed to the full creative process: rehearsals, staging, production planning, collaboration with other institutions, and performing for live audiences in professional venues.
The Ensemble also emphasizes cultural exchange and outreach, offering dancers the opportunity to share their work with new communities and engage with the arts as contributors, not just participants.
Performance & Touring Opportunities
Ensemble dancers perform in classical revivals, contemporary works, and original choreography created specifically for the company. Repertoire emphasizes small group material and soloist opportunities, providing dancers with meaningful stage time and experience performing featured roles.
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Participation in ABE is a core part of the Adagio Tier curriculum. All Adagio dancers are expected to take part in both local productions and touring engagements, which may include festivals, collaborative projects, and invited guest appearances. These performances are designed to simulate a professional touring experience, helping dancers gain confidence, adaptability, and the stamina required to succeed in the industry. Performances are fully produced, public-facing events and serve as an essential platform for students to apply their technical training in high-level, real-world contexts.
Past Highlights
Adage Ballet Ensemble has been featured as guest artists in several prestigious productions and events throughout Washington State:
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Ballet Arts Academy’s The Nutcracker in Spokane, where Guillaume Basso choreographed a new Mirliton pas de quatre inspired by the original Petipa version.
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WA Ballet Academy’s Sleeping Beauty in Walla Walla, with ABE dancers performing two soloist roles each — one as a Fairy in the Prologue and another in the Precious Stones scene, choreographed by Basso.
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MiYoung Margolis Dance Collective (MMDC) memorial ceremony for the 10th Anniversary of the MV Sewol Tragedy, honoring the event with a powerful contemporary performance.
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Seattle International Dance Festival (SIDF) 20th Anniversary, featuring an original contemporary piece choreographed by Guillaume Basso and performed alongside professional dancers from Pacific Northwest Ballet and Olympic Ballet Theatre.
Through these collaborations, ABE has reached audiences across Washington — from Seattle to Spokane and Walla Walla — bringing high-caliber dance to new communities while elevating the experience and visibility of its dancers.
