Comments (0) Best Dancers - 2001

Barbara Bears and Dawn Scannell

They grew up together in Florida, sharing ballet teachers, friends, schools and neighborhoods. They even joined Houston Ballet within a few years of each other -- Scannell first, because she was older. And they have always looked out for each other. But on stage, the similarities end. Bears is soft and lyrical, emotive and effortless -- the perfect wispy sylph for the classics, or heroine for Sir Kenneth MacMillan. Scannell is sharp and dramatic, with a fiercely athletic attack -- perfect for a feisty Juliet, or for contemporary works by Christopher Bruce. With their equally impressive but unique styles, these two dancers have given Houston Ballet tremendous depth and versatility for more than a decade. Unfortunately, they have both decided to retire, and will be missed.