Brenna Mulligan-Olson
Principal
Ballet
San Antonio
Hometown:
San Antonio, Texas
Joined BSA:
2020
Promotions:
Promoted to Principal in 2023
Brenna Mulligan-Olson began her training at age five under the direction of her mother, Melissa Mulligan. When Brenna was 16, she originated the role of Clara for Ballet San Antonio’s The Nutcracker choreographed by Easton and Haley Smith.
Brenna joined Ballet San Antonio under the direction of Sofiane Sylve as an apprentice in 2020 at age 18. Since then, she has progressed through the ranks of the company to receive principal status at the end of the 2022/23 season at the age of 21. Throughout her time in the company, Brenna has been able to be coached and perform soloist and principal roles such as the Black Swan Pas de Deux from Swan Lake, Aurora’s Rose Adagio and Wedding Pas de Deux from Sleeping Beauty, Princess Florine from Sleeping Beauty, Clara and Sugar Plum from The Nutcracker, Kitri from Don Quixote, Cinderella, and Alice from Alice in Wonderland. After her promotion to Principal at the end of the 2022/23 season, Brenna married the love of her life, Reid Olson. She wishes to share her love, passion, and excitement for dance and life itself with all of San Antonio.
Get to know Brenna
When did you start dancing, and why?
I started dancing at the age of five. I’m pretty sure I was a dancer before I was born due to the fact that my mother was a dancer. She was my very first ballet teacher and for that special relationship, I could not be more grateful.
What inspires you to be a professional dancer?
I believe my inspiration hasn’t changed but over time, I have had more and more things that bring me inspiration; people and experiences that show me how wonderful things can be! One of those is my loving husband. His presence in my life helped me grow into an artist I didn’t know was possible for me. Something that has been a constant inspiration to me is the ability this career allows to bring inspiration to someone else! It’s the never-ending cycle of motivation, light, encouragement and joy that is highly contagious… one I hope to continue!
Why did you choose Ballet San Antonio?
I chose BSA because it was family for me. I was extremely grateful to have received a position here when times for all companies were difficult. I chose BSA because they make the studio feel like home. I chose BSA because of our wonderful Artistic Director, Sofiane, who nurtures, encourages, inspires and cares for her dancers. I chose BSA because it was young, like me, and had so much potential; the potential I hoped to have in myself as well.