Riet Velthuisen/ Founder/Director

   Riet is both the founder and director of the Continental Ballet Company. She is a native of Holland and has danced professionally with several European ballet companies, including the Dutch National Ballet. Riet studied classical ballet in Amsterdam, the Hague and Paris.

   After working as ballet mistress in Memphis and Florida, she moved to the Twin Cities with her family. In 1987, she began teaching in Bloomington and in 1988 formed the Continental Ballet Company.

   Riet's primary work is with the Company Dancers conducting all rehearsals and directing all productions. She passes on her European style which is evident in the dancers who have trained with her. On several occasions she has accompanied dancers to Holland to share her European heritage and training with them.

   Riet has choreographed numerous ballets for the Company. These include Floret Silva, Proclaimation, Classe de la Danse, Bonae Fortunae, Cinderella, and the Nutcracker. In addition, she has staged/choreographed Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia and Paquita. She will premiere her newest work, Swan Lake, in the spring.

   Riet is also involved in community education by speaking in public schools for Career days, physical fitness seminars and arts education. Her love of classical ballet is evident in all her work; whether she is speaking, teaching or creating choreography.