Our History

Edward Morgan and Daniel Scott formed The MorganScott Ballet in 1997. The company made its debut on August 1 of that year, at the Binghamton Summer Music Festival, with the live accompaniment of Al Jarreau. The debut was received with a standing ovation and the company was consequently invited to perform with Jarreau at Carnegie Hall.

On February 20, 1998, The MorganScott Ballet made its official New York City debut at The John Jay Theater in Manhattan. Jennifer Dunning wrote for The New York Times "Pleasing crowds is no longer much in fashion. But the MorganScott Ballet made a virtue of that lost art…What stood out about the new venture was its sheer fun. If Edward Morgan and Daniel Scott could bottle the evening's warmth and good spirits, they would have no trouble raising money to keep their company going…May it flourish and return soon." Christopher Cook wrote for VICE magazine, "Spring has sprung early in the New York dance scene…Leading the way is The MorganScott Ballet Company; solid and sharp in presentation, superb inventive partnering…lyrical and bravura dancing."

On September 8, 1998 The MorganScott Ballet began its own professional Training Program. Kate Mattingly wrote of the training program in the March 2000 issue of Dance Teacher, "students in his intermediate-level class display the work ethic and commitment of professional dancers…The constructive environment that Morgan creates was palpable at the City Center showing."

On March 30, 1999, the MorganScott Ballet presented a program at St. Mark's Church entitled "Remembering Matthew Shepard: A Vigil in Dance." Jennifer Dunning wrote for The New York Times, "The well-paced event, produced by Daniel Scott, began with a solemn processional….Classical ballet was represented by "Threshold of Passage" and "Bach Oboe Concertos," both choreographed by Edward Morgan….Both pieces emphasized clear poses and groupings, as well as the lyrical arms and poised upper torsos that are hallmarks of this ebullient troupe….The evening ended in a blaze of high spirits…" Following this event, principals of The MorganScott Ballet were invited to perform at New York's City Hall.

The MorganScott Ballet presented its third New York season featuring five world premieres in March and April of 2000. Jack Anderson used the words "a glittering display of balletic classicism", "compelling", "well disciplined", "upward in spiritual aspiration", and "a celebration of romantic intimacy" to describe the premieres in The New York Times.

In the summer of 2000, the company performed in Bryant Park's inaugural season of their summer dance series, August Dance. The performance was described by Jennifer Dunning with the words "serendipitous magic," "spirited classical ballet purity" and "unforgettably theatrical." Eva Yaa Assantewa described the company for the Village Voice with the words "true to their word" and "incredible poise."

In March 2001, the company presented its fourth New York City season. Jennifer Dunning of the New York Times wrote, "If Edward Morgan and Daniel Scott are not careful, the dance police may get them. Nobody seems to have told Mr. Morgan and Mr. Scott that it is risky business to entertain one's audience, especially with bright bouncy work performed by dancers whose delight in dancing is infectious."

Prior to forming the MorganScott Ballet, Morgan and Scott directed the Joffrey II Concert Dancers. Jack Anderson wrote of their work in The New York Times, "There are now two Joffrey Ballet companies, each based in a different community." Helene Eisenberg wrote for Dancer newspaper, "They impressed audiences with their skill and versatility" and Caitlin Sims, the Editor of Dance Teacher and the Managing Editor of Pointe magazine wrote, "The only way to recognize these dancers as students was by their youthful enthusiasm which could hardly be considered a fault." Janet Guggenheim wrote for Dance and the Arts, "If they are any indication of The Joffrey Ballet Company, they are alive and thriving in Chicago." It was the critical and popular success of their work with this group that inspired them to form their own professional company.

Morgan and Scott have worked together on numerous projects in television, theater and concert dance since 1991.