Our History

Ballet de Barcelona (BDB) was founded in 2019 with a clear purpose: to create a professional dance company where dancers could thrive artistically, feel safe, and be celebrated for who they are.

For Artistic Director and CEO Chase Johnsey, the company’s creation was deeply personal. Having faced many roadblocks, traumas, and challenges throughout his own career, he envisioned a company built on the values of inclusivity, respect, and artistic freedom — a place where dancers could focus entirely on the joy of dancing and grow in a supportive environment.

From the very beginning, BDB has been a company where diversity is central, not just in words but in action.

Its roster includes dancers from every livable continent, reflecting the global language of dance.
The company is fully gender-inclusive, embracing artists across the entire spectrum of identity.
As an American leading a company in Spain, Chase has prioritized honoring all Spanish cultures:
- Providing Spanish language classes as part of the company’s daily curriculum.
- Incorporating local Catalan traditions into education programs and performances, such as collaborations with Castellers and Esbart Dansaire Rubí in Trencanous (The Nutcracker).
- Celebrating both regional and national identities through repertoire choices and community engagement.

This philosophy has shaped not just BDB’s artistic voice but also its workplace culture — a company where dancers feel valued, seen, and supported.

The First Steps

Ballet de Barcelona began with nine dancers and a shared dream.
Chase was joined in this endeavor by co-founders Carlos Renedo and Carolina Masjuan, who helped establish the company’s administrative and community foundations. Together, this small but determined team launched BDB’s first performances, laying the groundwork for what would become a rapidly growing cultural institution.

In its early seasons, BDB toured throughout Catalonia and Spain, gradually expanding to international performances in Europe, United States, and Africa. Its repertoire included beloved classics such as The Nutcracker (Trencanous) alongside original works, embodying the company’s balance of tradition and innovation.

Growth and the Junior Company

As BDB’s reputation grew, so did the need to train and mentor the next generation of dancers. This led to the creation of the Junior Ballet de Barcelona (JBDB) — a pre-professional program that bridges the gap between advanced training and a professional career.

Through intensive rehearsals and performances, JBDB quickly became internationally recognized and highly competitive, with graduates joining major companies worldwide or being promoted into BDB’s main company.

This program reflects Ballet de Barcelona’s commitment to developing talent in an environment of excellence and care.

Expanding Impact

Beyond the stage, BDB has steadily expanded its community engagement:

Offering educational performances like Peter and the Wolf and #YOUCHARGEME to schools and families.
Partnering with Apropa Cultura to provide accessible performances for underserved audiences.
Bringing dance to schools, retirement homes, and other community spaces to share the transformative power of art.

Internationally, BDB has worked with MindLeaps in Rwanda, using dance as a tool to support refugees and underprivileged youth — a partnership that has inspired plans for similar local initiatives in Barcelona.

Honoring the Founders

The creation of Ballet de Barcelona was a collective effort, built by a small group of visionary individuals and bold artists who believed in the dream.

Carlos Renedo played an essential role in establishing BDB’s administrative and logistical foundations during its formative years, supporting the company’s first tours and productions.
Carolina Masjuan helped shape the company’s initial community engagement efforts, building early connections with theatres, audiences and cultural partners.

Since then, both have embarked on new paths — Carlos has pursued other professional projects, while Carolina Masjuan, after concluding her six-year tenure as Associate Director, continues to contribute to the company through public outreach, relationship development, and fundraising initiatives.

Equally vital are the original nine dancers, whose courage and artistry gave life to the company’s very first performances. Their dedication set the tone for the high standards and collaborative spirit that continue to define BDB today.