Mattison Diane Bedinghaus has been captivated by dance for as long as she can remember, but her true foundation was built beginning at age eight under the guidance of Allison Norton, an instructor whose influence became one of the most important forces in her training and artistic development. She continued to deepen her studies at the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory, where her passion for ballet grew into a lifelong devotion.

 

She went on to join the Sarasota Ballet Studio Company, where she had the joy of performing in works such as Ashton’s The Dream, Samsova’s Paquita, Wright’s Giselle, and Hart’s John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker.

 

A Gaynor Girl for Gaynor Minden and an ABT® Certified Teacher, Mattison has also shared her love of the art form as a full-time instructor with both the Sarasota Ballet School and the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory.

 

Today, Mattison brings her passion to the stage as an Equity dancer and aerialist with Walt Disney World, performing full-time in Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. She continues to nurture her classical roots as a guest dancer with Azara Ballet.

 

Mattison is grateful to Azara Ballet for the opportunity to dance freely, tell meaningful stories, and represent a mission she deeply believes in. It is a dream come true.