Celebrating Two New Company Artists

There are few moments more rewarding than watching an artist grow. 

Over time, we witness not only stronger technique and greater confidence, but also the quiet transformation that happens through perseverance, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to the art form. It is a privilege to be part of that journey, and this season we are delighted to celebrate two artists whose dedication has led them to an exciting new chapter. 

Please join us in congratulating Brita Malena and Hana Luebke, who have been promoted from Eugene Ballet’s Aspirant Program to Company Artists for the 2026–2027 season. 

Moments like these hold special significance for our organization. Professional company positions are rare, and opportunities to welcome new artists occur only occasionally. When they do, they represent years of careful preparation, personal growth, and a commitment to becoming not only exceptional dancers, but valued members of our artistic community. 

At the heart of these journeys is Eugene Ballet’s two-year Aspirant Program. Designed for dancers pursuing professional careers, the program provides intensive daily interaction with our company artists, faculty, guest choreographers, and stagers. Aspirants rehearse, perform, and train alongside the company while developing the technical excellence, artistry, and professionalism that prepare them for the next stage of their careers. It is a program built on mentorship, opportunity, and the belief that artists flourish when they are challenged, encouraged, and supported.

Brita Malena – Company Dancer

Brita joined the Aspirant Program in the fall of 2024 after graduating from Butler University with a BS in Dance Arts Administration and a minor in Business Administration.  

Over the course of her two years in the Aspirant Program, Brita’s growth has been a joy to witness. She approaches every rehearsal with openness to constructive feedback and a genuine desire to improve, embracing each correction as an opportunity to move closer to her long-term goals. Her determination, consistency, and disciplined work ethic have shaped her into the artist she is today.

One performance that stands out came this past February when Brita was cast as the Autumn Fairy in Cinderella. It is a technically demanding role that requires confidence, strength, and precision, and Brita rose to the challenge beautifully. Few moments are as rewarding as watching a dancer embrace a challenge, trust in the work they have invested over time, and step confidently into an opportunity they have earned. Brita’s performance reflected not only her technical growth, but also the quiet confidence, resilience, and artistic maturity that will continue to shape her artistic journey. 

Hana Luebke – Company Dancer

Hana joined the Eugene Ballet Academy during her pre-professional training, bringing with her a strong technical foundation and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. After graduating from the Academy, she continued her artistic journey through Eugene Ballet’s two-year Aspirant Program, where she matured into a thoughtful, expressive artist and an integral member of our artistic community. She approaches each role with sincerity, curiosity, and care, pairing technical strength with an ever-growing ability to communicate emotion through movement. 

I still remember watching Hana perform the Black Swan variation during her final Academy performances. Her confidence, musicality, and dramatic interpretation revealed an artist finding her voice. This past spring, she was selected to perform alongside our company artists in Martha Graham’s Dark Meadow Suite, a wonderful opportunity that reflected both her artistic growth and her readiness for the professional stage. 

As Artistic Director, one of my greatest joys is watching artists discover what they are capable of. It is equally rewarding to share that experience with Associate Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer, Suzanne Haag, whose mentorship and artistic guidance have been instrumental in shaping so many of the dancers who have come through our studios. Together, it is a privilege to welcome Brita and Hana into the company and to continue supporting their growth as artists, colleagues, and members of the Eugene Ballet family. 

Brita and Hana have each earned this opportunity through years of dedication, resilience, and a genuine love for their craft. While we celebrate this important milestone, we know it is only the beginning. We look forward to helping them pursue new artistic goals, embrace new challenges, and continue discovering the remarkable artists they are becoming. 

Their journeys remind us that ballet is about more than performance. It is about mentorship, trust, perseverance, and the relationships built along the way. Brita and Hana each bring unique strengths and personalities to our company, and together they help shape the welcoming, supportive culture that makes Eugene Ballet feel like home. 

This fall, Brita and Hana will make their debut as Company Artists in The Taming of the Shrew, opening on October 30. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this exciting milestone in their careers. Following the opening performance, audience members are warmly invited to meet our newest Company Artists in the lobby, where you’ll have the opportunity to congratulate them in person and help welcome them into this exciting new chapter with Eugene Ballet. 

Please join all of us at Eugene Ballet to congratulate Brita and Hana. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished, grateful for the commitment they have shown to this organization, and excited to watch them continue to grow as artists in the years ahead. 

– Jennifer Martin, Artistic Director