Voted "Seattle's Sexiest Host" 2 years running
2 years in a row. - Exotic Underground Magazine
“A modern day Mr Entertainment”
The Stranger - Seattle's alternative arts & culture weekly
“Show Stoppers”
MSNBC, on the Sinner Saint Burlesque performance produced by Dane Ballard at SEAF 2007
Julia Colson, Seattle Center Productions: Recommendation Letter
August 2008
It is my pleasure to provide a letter of recommendation for Dane Ballard. Dane has worked as an emcee for Seattle Center Production on two of our highest profile events, Movies at the Mural and the 6-week festival Winterfest. We think very highly of his professionalism and presentation abilities.
One of the reasons we selected Dane was his ability to research and fill out material having only been given a few key points or facts. Whether its finding the restrooms, or explaining an artist’s vision, he understands how to retain the integrity of the message while still making it accessible to the audience. Dane’s voice and physical presence aid tremendously in capturing the audience’s attention. Plus, he has an innate sense of timing for delivering messages. Enough to attract and inform the audience without making the information feel too redundant.
The Seattle Center staff, from administrators to production crew, thoroughly enjoy working with Dane. He is dependable, knowledgeable and respectful. He quickly becomes one of us. Most Importantly, he promotes the organization and it’s events with enthusiasm and in a manner that is appropriate to our brand.
Finally, we continue to contract Dane because of his skillful interaction with the audience. He rapport with people is outstanding. However it’s not just about entertainment, Dane recognizes that as an identifiable figure he is going to be sought out as a customer service representative. He is willing and able to help address general questions, way-finding, and even the occasional complaint.
I cannot recommend Dane Ballard more highly. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Julia Colson
Seattle Center Productions
305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109-4645
Jeff Hengst, Hengst Studio: Recommendation Letter
November 20, 2008
To whom it may concern,
Dane Ballard has been a professional colleague of mine for nearly ten years. During that time I have seen Mr. Ballard produce and host a TV talk show in my studios. I have also co-directed multi-media projects in various artistic endeavors in Seattle and watched him host his own show and play various roles in countless other projects over the time I have known him.
Mr. Ballard has many qualities that make him an important asset to whoever he is working with and to the greater Seattle arts community. He has a strong ability to formulate a vision for a project. Furthermore, he has the organizational skills, communication skills and the deep understanding that things just take a lot of hard work in order to bring something to fruition. He is also able to inspire others to perform and work at the best of their abilities. I have seen him do this in a wide variety of settings and with a very wide variety of people in age, talent, educational background. I have always been particularly impressed with his ability to find roles for individuals who approach him that seem well suited to their ability and temperament and then helped them grow and expand in their abilities.
Mr. Ballard is also very charming and charismatic. In addition to his willingness to roll up his sleeves and get the dirty work done, he is also very comfortable in front of a crowd or a camera and a microphone in his hand. He has a very sweet and likable disposition and a bit of the ham in
him. At the same time I want to be quick to point out that he knows how to connect with his audience and will make them feel they are absolutely the most special people he has had the pleasure to entertain. I have seen him do this with audiences as small as 5 and a large as several hundred. He seems as comfortable in any setting and even with little or no advance notice or preparation.
I highly recommend Mr. Ballard for all kinds of performance or production opportunities. He is talented, hard working and full of ambition. I would be delighted to answer any questions you may have about our work together in the past.
Sincerely,
Jeff Hengst
Owner Little Red Studio and Hengst Studio Hengst Studio,
1506 Franklin Ave. East Seattle Wa 98102
“Dane is a true professional and a joy to work with. I look forward to working with him, both as a producer and performer as he brings a higher caliber of entertainment to the stage.”
Jennifer Morgensen - Performer and Co owner, PURE Cirkus.
“I am a full-time professional cabaret performer and I have worked with hundreds of cabaret shows across the United States, Canada and England. Dane Ballard's weekly 'Sinner Saint' event in Seattle has been consistently one of the most entertaining, professional, well-curated and well-managed shows I have ever been a part of.”
John Woods - The Wetspots
“Dane Ballard is one of the most energetic and talented young men I know. It's always been a pleasure to work with him and to watch him perform.”
Allena Gabosch - Director, SEAF