Bend Don't Break: Peter Franc, Executive Director of Ballet Bend

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Peter Franc, executive director of Ballet Bend, to explore how a nationally accomplished dancer and arts leader is building something entirely new in Central Oregon. Peter shares his journey from growing up in Atlanta and training with elite programs like Houston Ballet, to performing internationally and eventually leading artistic direction at Oregon Ballet Theatre. Together, Aaron and Peter talk about the realities of a professional dance career, the discipline and collaboration behind the art form, and what inspired Peter to launch Ballet Bend. They dive into his vision for bringing world-class ballet—both classical and contemporary—to Bend, the strategic work behind building a nonprofit arts organization from the ground up, and what it means to contribute to the region’s evolving cultural identity. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, resilience, and the role of the arts in shaping a thriving community.