Honoring Brian Simcoe: A Defining Artistic Presence
For more than two decades, Brian Simcoe has been a cornerstone of OBT, bringing elegance, musicality, and emotional depth to every role. Since joining the company in 2004, his artistry has helped shape the very identity of OBT.
“Brian’s presence in his dancing and his partnering is truly something to behold. He commits to the work and to storytelling so deeply, while at the same time supporting everyone around him with a calm, steady generosity.”
— Carly Wheaton, OBT Principal Dancer
“Brian Simcoe is woven into the very DNA of OBT, his warmth, professionalism, graciousness, and impossibly pure technique elevating us all to a new plane of commitment and wonder. Our longest-erring dancer departs leaving a legacy of beauty, rigor and integrity that will guide generations, and we thank him deeply for that gift.”
— Dani Rowe, OBT Artistic Director
Celebrating Carly Wheaton: A Dynamic and Beloved Artist
Also taking her final bow this season is Carly Wheaton, whose four years with OBT have been marked by versatility, passion, and an unmistakable stage presence.
“Carly is truly one of a kind. Her range as an artist is vast—a firecracker one moment, soft and sinewy the next. Just as importantly, her kindness, sincerity, and warmth shine through in everything she does. She has been an extraordinary role model for our dancers and a deeply valued member of this community.”
— Dani Rowe, Artistic Director
Carly’s artistry and spirit have made her a cherished member of the OBT community, and she will be deeply missed.
“Carly is one of the most considerate and compassionate people I know. Her openness and generosity are always present in the studio, and it shows in the work that she produces.”
— Brian Simcoe, Principal Artist
A Program to Remember
OBT Encore brings together a curated collection of standout works from recent seasons, alongside exciting new creations. The program includes:
- A new work by Dani Rowe created for Brian Simcoe
- Ben Stevenson’s Dracula pas de deux, performed by Charlotte Nash and John-Paul Simoens
- Nicolas Blanc’s At Night’s Delicious Close, performed by Eva Burton, Kangmi Kim, Mathilde Lambert, Charlotte Nash, Juliette Ochoa, and Carly Wheaton
- George Balanchine’s Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, performed by Carly Wheaton and Cyrus Shaskan
- Christopher Stowell’s Sleeping Beauty pas de deux, performed by Juliette Ochoa and Benjamin Simoens
- Dani Rowe’s UnSaid, performed by Eva Burton and John-Paul Simoens
- George Balanchine’s Rubies pas de deux, performed by Zuzu Metzler and Cyrus Shaskan
- Kangmi Kim’s 바다 (Bada), performed by Sophia Guasco and Ruby Mae Lefebvre
- Charlotte Nash’s Midnight Sun, performed by Hart Isaacoff, Ruth Langill, Swane Messaoudi, and Dominique Wendt
- Dani Rowe’s salad town dance from Princess and the Pea, performed by Hannah Davis, Leigh Goldberger, Benjamin Simoens, John-Paul Simoens, and Nicholas Sakai with OBT Dancers.
In a deeply emotional finale, Brian Simcoe will perform his requested farewell piece: La Valse by Yuri Possokhov.
Audiences will also have the rare opportunity to see Brian and Carly share the stage together in a new duet by Dani Rowe—an especially meaningful moment as both dancers take their final bows.
More Than a Performance
As the inaugural OBT Encore, this event also serves as a vital fundraiser supporting OBT’s education programs—helping to inspire the next generation of dancers and expand access to the arts across our community.
With just one performance, this is an experience designed to be unforgettable—an afternoon filled with beauty, emotion, and celebration.
Join Us
OBT Encore
June 14 at 2:00 PM
Patricia Reser Center for the Arts
Casting subject to change.
Photo Credits: Carly Wheaton and Brian Simcoe by Blaine Truitt Covert; Brian Simcoe and Xuan Cheng by Yi Yin; Brian Simcoe as Cavalier by Jingzi Zhao; Brian Simcoe and Carly Wheaton by Jingzi Zhao; Carly Wheaton with OBT Company Dancers after promotion to Principal Dancer; Carly Wheaton and Brian Simcoe by Blaine Truitt Covert
