Beloved longtime accompanist Eliane Hess retires from BBT

After nearly 25 years of making music for hundreds of dancers at the School of Boca Ballet Theatre, beloved accompanist Eliane Hess will retire from playing for BBT this May. While we will dearly miss Eliane and the joy she brings through her music each class, we also celebrate with her the beginning of a new chapter as well as the many memories we’ve made these past decades!

Eliane began studying piano at seven years old. She majored in music in college, and at 23, she had her first experience with ballet at Escola de Danças Classicas (School of Classical Dance) at Teatro Guaira (Guaira Theatre). There she fell in love with ballet and became a piano accompanist. She played for the Ballet School, Ballet College, and the Guaira Theatre Ballet Company, one of the most prestigious ballet companies in Brazil. Eliane also became a pianist at the Symphonic Choir at the same theatre company.

BBT accompanist Eliane Hess with ABT’s Fernando Bujones.

In 2000, Eliane moved to the United States, where a friend gave her a leaflet for a presentation happening at Boca Ballet Theatre. It was then that Eliane thought to herself “I’m going to play for this company.” Almost 25 years later, Eliane is now retiring from the company, though not without recalling the many reasons why she loves accompanying ballet classes.

“I’ve always been passionate about seeing the development of the students, their progress, both technical and artistic,” Eliane said. “It’s beautiful to watch their growth, their overcoming of challenges, and their dedication. I feel like somehow I’m part of all of it through contributing with my music. I’ve made lots of friends.” Eliane is especially grateful for the opportunity to play for many renowned professionals who have visited BBT over the years. Fernando Bujones was the first she had the privilege to accompany at BBT.

We are so thankful to have had Eliane’s accompaniment for so long, and we hope you’ll join us in wishing her all the best as she moves on to the next chapter! She will be dearly missed at BBT’s studios!