Accompanist Eliane Hess Celebrates 20 Years with BBT!

If you’ve been in BBT’s studios before, chances are you’ve heard the talented Eliane Hess bringing ballet class to life with her exceptional playing! For the past 20 years, Eliane has served as an accompanist for hundreds of dancers, providing live music to students at the School of Boca Ballet Theatre. However, Eliane’s relationship with music stretches back some 36 years to Brazil, where she was born and raised.

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.

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.” Twenty years later, Eliane is still sharing her gift of music with the students at BBT! 

BBT accompanist Eliane Hess with ABT’s Fernando Bujones.

“I’ve always been passionate about seeing the development of the students, their progress, both technical and artistic,” Eliane says. “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.

Next time you visit the BBT studios, be sure to take a moment to listen to the fabulous music of Eliane Hess and thank her for 20 years of dedication to BBT!