Robert Bettmann began his dance training at Oberlin College where he received a BA in Environmental Studies with a minor in Dance. Robert was on scholarship at the Alvin Ailey school in New York City in '97-'98, and danced with Sudden Enlightenment Theater in '98-'99. He received a fellowship to pursue his MA in Dance at American University, graduating in '04. While in school Robert founded The Blackbird Dance Ensemble, performing evening-length shows of his choreography in North Carolina, Washington D.C., New York City, and Boston. These shows were supported by two Young Emerging Artists grants from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. In 2005 he founded the arts magazine Bourgeon, which can be seen online at www.dayeight.org. In addition to making his own choreography, Robert has danced recently with Maida Withers, Jane Franklin, and the Alexandria Ballet.