Celebrating 50 Years of Burklyn Ballet Theatre

1976 — From a barn in Vermont grew a program that would shape generations of dancers.

Burklyn Ballet Theatre began in 1976 in the most humble of settings — a barn on the Burklyn Mansion property Mountain View Farm in East Burke, Vermont. The Morgan Horse farm was part of the Burklyn Mansion estate built by Elmer Darling.

From the very beginning, it was truly a family endeavor. Angela Whitehill’s twelve-year-old son, Jamie, ran the stage lights, while her ten-year-old daughter, Pamela, danced in the productions. Angela herself managed nearly every aspect of the program — producing performances, designing costumes, choreographing, running the box office, and handling the countless details required to bring a ballet company to life.

Angela also brought remarkable artists to Vermont from the very start. Modern dancer Marianne Hraibi, a St. Johnsbury native who had built a formidable career in New York’s modern dance scene, became Burklyn’s first master teacher. Soon after, Cherie Noble, former principal dancer with Pennsylvania Ballet, joined the faculty, helping establish the strong artistic foundation that would shape the program for decades to come.

1986 — A Legacy of Master Teachers

By 1986, Burklyn Ballet Theatre had grown into something much larger than its humble beginnings. The program was recognized as the official school of Vermont Ballet Theatre, the professional company founded and directed by Angela Whitehill.

As enrollment expanded, Burklyn moved its base of operations to Johnson State College in Johnson, Vermont — a move that allowed the program to continue growing while providing dancers with a more expansive campus environment for training and performances.

With this growth came an extraordinary roster of master teachers. Over the years, distinguished artists such as Alexander Bennett, David Howard, Arthur Leeth, Rochelle Zide-Booth, and Kenneth Oberly brought their expertise to Burklyn, helping shape generations of dancers.

Today, Burklyn continues this tradition of excellence with master teachers including Helen Starr, Alun Jones, John Gardner, Amanda McKerrow, and Thom Clower.

Perhaps most meaningful of all, Burklyn alumni are now returning to the program as master teachers after successful professional careers — continuing the cycle of mentorship that has defined Burklyn for nearly five decades.

1988 — A Leader Grows from Within

In 1988, Joanne Hallier joined Vermont Ballet Theatre and soon after attended the Burklyn Ballet Theatre summer program. It was there that she met Jaime Whitehill, Angela Whitehill’s son. The two later married in 1992, further deepening Joanne’s connection to the Burklyn family.

Over the years, Joanne Whitehill has held nearly every role within the program. She began as a student, later serving as a counselor, young choreographer, and director of the Intermediate Program, gaining a deep understanding of Burklyn from every perspective.

In 2001, Joanne and resident choreographer Rob Royce brought Burklyn’s creativity to an international stage. Their production of Cinderella and the Flower Fairies, presented at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, received the prestigious Scotsman Award for Best Dance and Physical Theatre.

1992 — Burklyn Ballet Theatre Featured on PBS

In 1992, Burklyn Ballet Theatre was featured in a PBS documentary as part of the Crossroads television series. The program highlighted Angela Whitehill’s dedication to cultivating young dancers through Burklyn’s unique summer program, which combined intensive training with performance opportunities for students ages 12–21.

The film captured the spirit of Burklyn’s early years, from its beginnings in a rustic barn in East Burke, Vermont to its growing reputation as a place where young dancers could train, perform, and develop as artists.

2001 — Ballet Magic: The Burklyn Story

In 2001, Burklyn Ballet Theatre founder and first Artistic Director Angela Whitehill published Ballet Magic: The Burklyn Story, a tribute to the program’s first twenty-five years. Through photographs, stories, and reflections, the book chronicles Burklyn’s remarkable journey—from its earliest performances in a converted barn in East Burke, Vermont, to a thriving summer ballet program drawing dancers from across the country. Explore Ballet Magic: The Burklyn Story and discover the early history of Burklyn Ballet Theatre.

“With passion and dedication, talent and commitment, we can truly produce ballet magic.” — Angela Whitehill

2003 — Carrying the Legacy Forward

In 2003, Joanne Whitehill became Artistic Director of Burklyn Ballet Theatre.

Having grown within the program herself — as a student, counselor, choreographer, and program director — Joanne brought a deep understanding of Burklyn’s traditions, values, and artistic vision.

Under her leadership, Burklyn continues the legacy established by founder Angela Whitehill: providing dancers with exceptional training, meaningful performance opportunities, and an environment where young artists can grow both technically and creatively.

2026 — Celebrating 50 Years of Burklyn Ballet Theatre

In 2026, Burklyn Ballet Theatre celebrates its 50th anniversary — a remarkable milestone for a program that began in a barn in East Burke, Vermont.

Over five decades, Burklyn has trained thousands of dancers, many of whom have gone on to perform with professional companies, choreograph new works, lead dance programs, and inspire the next generation of artists.

This anniversary is both a celebration of Burklyn’s history and a tribute to the dancers, teachers, and families who have helped shape its legacy. As alumni return to Vermont to reconnect and share memories, the spirit that began in 1976 continues to guide Burklyn into the future.