René Olivier
René Olivier’s professional career started in 1990 with the Natal Performing Arts Council, in South Africa. From there, she joined Alberta Ballet, in Canada for their 1998-1999 season. She joined Tulsa Ballet Theater in 1999. While a Soloist, she got the opportunity to teach for Tulsa Ballet Theater Center for Dance Education’s Preparatory Level. In 2010 she became a faculty member at Charlotte Ballet Academy. Ms. Olivier taught and choreographed for all Levels year round, as well as for their Summer Intensives. She acted as assistant repetiteur for visiting artist Valentina Kozlova, who set Corsaire, La Bayadere, Raymonda and Paquita, for Charlotte Ballet’s Summer Intensives. She got the opportunity to set Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s, Danses Brillantes on Charlotte Ballet Company, alongside Sarkis Kaltakhtchian. In addition, she became an adjunct faculty member at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte from 2012. Currently, she is a faculty member at Hartt Community Division Dance Department and Hartt School’s BFA Dance Program at the University of Hartford. In 2017, she choreographed Carnival of the Animals for Level A, B & C, Division I. From 2021 to present, she is also a guest faculty member at Ballet Hartford, in CT. This past summer, she was invited as a guest faculty member at the Chautauqua Institution’s Dance Summer Intensive. Dancing offered Ms. Olivier the opportunity to perform in countries like China, Taiwan, India, Italy, and Canada. Some of her favorite roles performed included, the lead in George Balanchine’s Rubies and Serenade. Lady Capulet in Michael Smuin’s Romeo and Juliet. Titania in Mark Hawkins a Midsummer Night’s Dream. Featured roles in Jerome Robbin’s in the Night. Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra songs. Paul Taylor’s Black Tuesday. Featured role in Val Caniparoli’s Going for Baroque. Principal role in Ma Cong’s Carmina Burana. In 1988 she received her Solo Seal award by the Royal Academy of Dancing. In 1990 she was awarded “The Most Promising Dancer” award by Natal Performing Arts Council. She is the recipient of the 1997 FNB Vita Award, for her performances with The Playhouse Dance Company.