Faculty
TWSB Leadership
TWSB Leadership
![Katie Sopoci Drake_©xmbphotography Katie C. Sopoci Drake](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/04/Katie-Sopoci-Drake_©xmbphotography.jpg)
Managing Director of the School
kdrake@washingtonballet.orgKatie Sopoci Drake is a seasoned administrator and educator with nearly 2 decades of experience in the arts spanning non-profit arts administration, teaching in higher education, and performance. As the …
![Trinidad Vives ©xmbphotography-09.01.23-TWB-9712-Edit Trinidad Vives](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2024/04/%C2%A9xmbphotography-09.01.23-TWB-9712-Edit.webp)
School Director
tvives@washingtonballet.org“I am thrilled to be joining TWSB as its new Director and eager to bring my vast professional experience to lead the faculty and students through this exciting time of change. As both a director and teacher, my goal has always been to offer the highest …
![Headshot-P Pamela Bjerknes](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/Headshot-P.jpg)
Principal, NW Campus
school@washingtonballet.orgPamela Booth Bjerknes, a former member of American Ballet Theatre (ABT), brings extensive teaching, directing, and performing experience to The Washington School of Ballet. Performing classical and contemporary ballets throughout …
![©xmbphotography-Tammy Hurt Tammy Hurt](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/01/©xmbphotography-Tammy-Hurt.jpg)
School Principal, SE Campus
thurt@washingtonballet.orgTammy Hurt, a native Washingtonian, started her dance training at the Jones-Haywood School of Ballet and later became a member of the Capitol Ballet Company under the direction of Doris …
Pre-Ballet Faculty
Pre-Ballet Faculty
![Headshot-P Pamela Bjerknes](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/Headshot-P.jpg)
Principal, NW Campus
school@washingtonballet.orgPamela Booth Bjerknes, a former member of American Ballet Theatre (ABT), brings extensive teaching, directing, and performing experience to The Washington School of Ballet. Performing classical and contemporary ballets throughout …
![renaheadshot-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Rena Bernardini](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/renaheadshot-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Administrative Assistant, NW Campus and Faculty
Rena Bernardini is originally from Somers, New York. She began her training at the Westchester Ballet Center, studying everything from Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Jazz to Flamenco, Hawaiian, and Bharatanatyam. She then …
![jenniferbuchanan-kelseyarrington03_1 Jennifer Buchanan](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2019/02/jenniferbuchanan-kelseyarrington03_1.jpg)
Jennifer Johnson Buchanan is native of Seat Pleasant, MD. She began her training at the age of two at Incarnation Dance Group in Washington, DC under the direction of Katherine …
![chanel-dews Chanel Dews](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2020/08/chanel-dews.png)
Chanel R. Dews is a native of Prince George’s County Maryland. She is an alum of Suitland High School where she majored in Dance in the Visual and Performing Arts …
![DSC_6160-1-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Deborah Chen](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/08/DSC_6160-1-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Deborah Chen is originally from Arlington, VA, and grew up in St. Petersburg, FL. She began her ballet training with Elena Martinson at the age of 6. From there, she …
![Valentina-Palladino_800x800_acf_cropped Valentina Palladino](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/08/Valentina-Palladino_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Assistant to the Principal, NW Campus
vpalladino@washingtonballet.orgValentina Palladino is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator from Sardinia, Italy. Ms. Palladino began her dancing career in 2003 at the School Ballet Arabesque, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, under the …
![NEW_twb-photo-sub-1-764x764 Emily Skord](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/NEW_twb-photo-sub-1-764x764-1.png)
A Wisconsin native, Cacciotti began her early training under the guidance of Marc Darling and Linda Bennett. She went on to study as a trainee at Joffrey Ballet School studying …
![TWB-Headshots-Margaret-Williamson Margaret Williamson](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/TWB-Headshots-Margaret-Williamson.jpg)
Artistic Administrator, SE Campus
mwilliamson@washingtonballet.orgMargaret Giragosian Williamson received her early training at The Washington Ballet, the Maryland Youth Ballet, and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. During this time, she was also privileged to spend …
Lower Division Faculty
Lower Division Faculty
![Headshot-P Pamela Bjerknes](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/Headshot-P.jpg)
Principal, NW Campus
school@washingtonballet.orgPamela Booth Bjerknes, a former member of American Ballet Theatre (ABT), brings extensive teaching, directing, and performing experience to The Washington School of Ballet. Performing classical and contemporary ballets throughout …
![Brittany_bailey_9189 Brittany Bailey](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/09/Brittany_bailey_9189-e1699294043928.jpg)
Brittany Bailey graduated high school from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where she studied in both the ballet and modern dance departments under the direction of Melissa …
![Rafael Bejarano_©xmbphotography Rafael Bejarano](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/Rafael-Bejarano_©xmbphotography.jpg)
Rafael Bejarano Vidal, from Guadalajara, Mexico, began dance training at the age of 11 at the Royal Academy of Dance in Mexico with Ana Torquemada. He has studied intensively throughout …
![renaheadshot-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Rena Bernardini](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/renaheadshot-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Administrative Assistant, NW Campus and Faculty
Rena Bernardini is originally from Somers, New York. She began her training at the Westchester Ballet Center, studying everything from Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Jazz to Flamenco, Hawaiian, and Bharatanatyam. She then …
![jenniferbuchanan-kelseyarrington03_1 Jennifer Buchanan](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2019/02/jenniferbuchanan-kelseyarrington03_1.jpg)
Jennifer Johnson Buchanan is native of Seat Pleasant, MD. She began her training at the age of two at Incarnation Dance Group in Washington, DC under the direction of Katherine …
![DSC_6160-1-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Deborah Chen](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/08/DSC_6160-1-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Deborah Chen is originally from Arlington, VA, and grew up in St. Petersburg, FL. She began her ballet training with Elena Martinson at the age of 6. From there, she …
![chanel-dews Chanel Dews](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2020/08/chanel-dews.png)
Chanel R. Dews is a native of Prince George’s County Maryland. She is an alum of Suitland High School where she majored in Dance in the Visual and Performing Arts …
![©xmbphotography-Tammy Hurt Tammy Hurt](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/01/©xmbphotography-Tammy-Hurt.jpg)
School Principal, SE Campus
thurt@washingtonballet.orgTammy Hurt, a native Washingtonian, started her dance training at the Jones-Haywood School of Ballet and later became a member of the Capitol Ballet Company under the direction of Doris …
![Headshots-1697-Edit Yao Odamtten](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2019/02/Headshots-1697-Edit.jpg)
Fondly known as “Mr. Yao”, Yao E. Odamtten (pronounced oh-DAM-tin) is passionate about the healthy physical and psychosocial power of dance to transform both lives and society. Mr. Yao’s rich …
![Elena-Ovchinnikova_Headshot_800x800_acf_cropped Elena Ovchinnikova](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/09/Elena-Ovchinnikova_Headshot_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Full-time Faculty
Dr. Elena Ovchinnikova graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy obtained her PhD in Pedagogic Science (Theory and Methodology of Professional Education in Choreography) and Master Degree in Ballet Pedagogy. Additionally, …
![Valentina-Palladino_800x800_acf_cropped Valentina Palladino](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/08/Valentina-Palladino_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Assistant to the Principal, NW Campus
vpalladino@washingtonballet.orgValentina Palladino is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator from Sardinia, Italy. Ms. Palladino began her dancing career in 2003 at the School Ballet Arabesque, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, under the …
![NEW_twb-photo-sub-1-764x764 Emily Skord](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/NEW_twb-photo-sub-1-764x764-1.png)
A Wisconsin native, Cacciotti began her early training under the guidance of Marc Darling and Linda Bennett. She went on to study as a trainee at Joffrey Ballet School studying …
![VincentWilliamsfromWeb-201x300 Vincent Williams](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/09/VincentWilliamsfromWeb-201x300-1-e1721249122333.jpg)
Vincent Williams is an accomplished performing artist; he sings, acts, drums, choreographs, and dances in addition to being a celebrated dance educator. He has worked with renowned artists such as …
![TWB-Headshots-Margaret-Williamson Margaret Williamson](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/TWB-Headshots-Margaret-Williamson.jpg)
Artistic Administrator, SE Campus
mwilliamson@washingtonballet.orgMargaret Giragosian Williamson received her early training at The Washington Ballet, the Maryland Youth Ballet, and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. During this time, she was also privileged to spend …
![Irina-Wunder-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Irina Wunder](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/08/Irina-Wunder-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Irina Wunder received her classical training in Turkmenistan, then a republic of the former Soviet Union. She performed with the Republic’s Theater of Opera and Ballet and toured with the …
![Tovar, Zoica - Headshot Zoica Tovar](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2024/05/Tovar-Zoica-Headshot.jpg)
Full-time Faculty
Zoica Tovar began her training at the age of nine at the Cuban Ballet School of Havana. Upon graduation she was accepted at Classical Ballet of Havana under the direction of Laura Alonso. Ms. Tovar danced as a principal dancer in Orlando Ballet from 1998 to 2009…
Upper Division Faculty
Upper Division Faculty
![Edwin-Aparicio Edwin Aparicio](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/Edwin-Aparicio.jpg)
Summer Faculty
Edwin Aparicio is considered to be one of the most sought-after flamenco performers, teachers and choreographers in the United States. He has been described by critics as “the most amazing …
![Rafael Bejarano_©xmbphotography Rafael Bejarano](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/Rafael-Bejarano_©xmbphotography.jpg)
Rafael Bejarano Vidal, from Guadalajara, Mexico, began dance training at the age of 11 at the Royal Academy of Dance in Mexico with Ana Torquemada. He has studied intensively throughout …
![renaheadshot-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Rena Bernardini](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/renaheadshot-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Administrative Assistant, NW Campus and Faculty
Rena Bernardini is originally from Somers, New York. She began her training at the Westchester Ballet Center, studying everything from Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Jazz to Flamenco, Hawaiian, and Bharatanatyam. She then …
![thumbnail_2023-TWB-CeCe-Farha-Headshots2023-5-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Cece Farha](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/thumbnail_2023-TWB-CeCe-Farha-Headshots2023-5-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Summer Faculty, Nutcracker Children's Rehearsal Director
CECE FARHA began teaching on the faculty of The Washington School of Ballet in 1999 under the direction of Mary Day. She works within multiple levels of the school as …
![©xmbphotography-Tammy Hurt Tammy Hurt](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/01/©xmbphotography-Tammy-Hurt.jpg)
School Principal, SE Campus
thurt@washingtonballet.orgTammy Hurt, a native Washingtonian, started her dance training at the Jones-Haywood School of Ballet and later became a member of the Capitol Ballet Company under the direction of Doris …
![Ayano Kimura_©xmbphotography Ayano Kimura](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/Ayano-Kimura_©xmbphotography.jpg)
Ayano Kimura of Japan, is in 13th season with The Washington Ballet and sixth year teaching at The Washington School of Ballet. Kimura, born in Germany, went on a short-term …
![amanda-melrose-smith Amanda Melrose-Smith](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/amanda-melrose-smith.jpg)
Amanda received her formal ballet training on scholarship at The Washington School of Ballet with Septime Webre, Rebecca Wright, and Victoria Leigh, and at Miami City Ballet with Edward Villella, …
![IMG_3415-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Mimmo Miccolis](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/09/IMG_3415-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpeg)
Mimmo Miccolis, born in Italy, is a neoclassical and contemporary teacher and choreographer at The Washington Ballet. He was the winner of the “Outstanding Choreographer Award” at the Youth American …
![Maki Onuki_©xmbphotography Maki Onuki](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/Maki-Onuki_©xmbphotography.jpg)
Born in Kanagawa, Japan, Maki enters her 20th season with The Washington Ballet after one season with The Studio Company. Before joining TWB, she danced and studied with Goh Ballet …
![Elena-Ovchinnikova_Headshot_800x800_acf_cropped Elena Ovchinnikova](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/09/Elena-Ovchinnikova_Headshot_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Full-time Faculty
Dr. Elena Ovchinnikova graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy obtained her PhD in Pedagogic Science (Theory and Methodology of Professional Education in Choreography) and Master Degree in Ballet Pedagogy. Additionally, …
![Valentina-Palladino_800x800_acf_cropped Valentina Palladino](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/08/Valentina-Palladino_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Assistant to the Principal, NW Campus
vpalladino@washingtonballet.orgValentina Palladino is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator from Sardinia, Italy. Ms. Palladino began her dancing career in 2003 at the School Ballet Arabesque, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, under the …
![dashawn-rawl Da’Shown Rawl](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2019/08/dashawn-rawl.jpg)
Da’Shown Rawl studied Ballet and Modern at the Baltimore School of the Arts in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from the prestigious Dance Department of George Mason University (GMU). While at …
![thumbnail_arron_51Z7930bw_800x800_acf_cropped Arron Scott](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/thumbnail_arron_51Z7930bw_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Arron Scott was raised in State College, Pennsylvania, and started his training at the Ballet Theatre of Central Pennsylvania at age nine. He has danced on full scholarships at American …
![Katherine-Head-Shot11-1 Katherine Smith](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2019/08/Katherine-Head-Shot11-1.jpg)
Katherine Smith a native Washingtonian, is a graduate from The Duke Ellington School of the Arts and received her B.F.A. from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts [currently University of …
![Resized_KeithThomas Keith Thomas](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/08/Resized_KeithThomas.png)
Keith Lamelle Thomas, is a graduate of the Baltimore School for the Arts. Upon graduating, Mr. Thomas received a full scholarship to Dance Theater of Harlem. He worked his way up …
![©xmbphotography 08.30.23 TWB HEADSHOTS-9257-3-Edit Adrian Vincent James](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/%C2%A9xmbphotography-08.30.23-TWB-HEADSHOTS-9257-3-Edit-scaled.jpg)
Adrian Vincent James is a native of Washington, DC, who began his artistic guidance under director Mike Malone in 1970. This led him to win scholarships giving him the opportunity to study …
![TWB-Headshots-Royce-Zackery1 Royce Zackery](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2021/02/TWB-Headshots-Royce-Zackery1.png)
Royce Zackery received a Master of Arts in Dance Education from N.Y.U. Steinhardt/American Ballet Theatre and is certified in the ABT National Teaching Curriculum with a concentrated degree in Ballet Pedagogy. He …
![VincentWilliamsfromWeb-201x300 Vincent Williams](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/09/VincentWilliamsfromWeb-201x300-1-e1721249122333.jpg)
Vincent Williams is an accomplished performing artist; he sings, acts, drums, choreographs, and dances in addition to being a celebrated dance educator. He has worked with renowned artists such as …
![Brittany_bailey_9189 Brittany Bailey](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/09/Brittany_bailey_9189-e1699294043928.jpg)
Brittany Bailey graduated high school from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where she studied in both the ballet and modern dance departments under the direction of Melissa …
![Tovar, Zoica - Headshot Zoica Tovar](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2024/05/Tovar-Zoica-Headshot.jpg)
Full-time Faculty
Zoica Tovar began her training at the age of nine at the Cuban Ballet School of Havana. Upon graduation she was accepted at Classical Ballet of Havana under the direction of Laura Alonso. Ms. Tovar danced as a principal dancer in Orlando Ballet from 1998 to 2009…
![Irina-Wunder-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Irina Wunder](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/08/Irina-Wunder-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Irina Wunder received her classical training in Turkmenistan, then a republic of the former Soviet Union. She performed with the Republic’s Theater of Opera and Ballet and toured with the …
![TWB-Headshots-Margaret-Williamson Margaret Williamson](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/TWB-Headshots-Margaret-Williamson.jpg)
Artistic Administrator, SE Campus
mwilliamson@washingtonballet.orgMargaret Giragosian Williamson received her early training at The Washington Ballet, the Maryland Youth Ballet, and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. During this time, she was also privileged to spend …
![Parren_Ballard Parren Ballard](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2024/05/Parren_Ballard.jpg)
Full-time Faculty
Parren Ballard, a graduate of the Alabama School of Fine Arts, was trained by Dame Sonia Arova and Thor Sutowski. He began his professional career at the age of seventeen with the Cincinnati Ballet. From there he went on to enjoy an internationally successful career of over twenty years as a Soloist Dancer…
Trainee Program Faculty
Trainee Program Faculty
![Trinidad Vives ©xmbphotography-09.01.23-TWB-9712-Edit Trinidad Vives](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2024/04/%C2%A9xmbphotography-09.01.23-TWB-9712-Edit.webp)
School Director
tvives@washingtonballet.org“I am thrilled to be joining TWSB as its new Director and eager to bring my vast professional experience to lead the faculty and students through this exciting time of change. As both a director and teacher, my goal has always been to offer the highest …
![Parren_Ballard Parren Ballard](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2024/05/Parren_Ballard.jpg)
Full-time Faculty
Parren Ballard, a graduate of the Alabama School of Fine Arts, was trained by Dame Sonia Arova and Thor Sutowski. He began his professional career at the age of seventeen with the Cincinnati Ballet. From there he went on to enjoy an internationally successful career of over twenty years as a Soloist Dancer…
![Tovar, Zoica - Headshot Zoica Tovar](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2024/05/Tovar-Zoica-Headshot.jpg)
Full-time Faculty
Zoica Tovar began her training at the age of nine at the Cuban Ballet School of Havana. Upon graduation she was accepted at Classical Ballet of Havana under the direction of Laura Alonso. Ms. Tovar danced as a principal dancer in Orlando Ballet from 1998 to 2009…
![Edwin-Aparicio Edwin Aparicio](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/Edwin-Aparicio.jpg)
Summer Faculty
Edwin Aparicio is considered to be one of the most sought-after flamenco performers, teachers and choreographers in the United States. He has been described by critics as “the most amazing …
![thumbnail_2023-TWB-CeCe-Farha-Headshots2023-5-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Cece Farha](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/thumbnail_2023-TWB-CeCe-Farha-Headshots2023-5-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Summer Faculty, Nutcracker Children's Rehearsal Director
CECE FARHA began teaching on the faculty of The Washington School of Ballet in 1999 under the direction of Mary Day. She works within multiple levels of the school as …
![ACA photo Lisae Jordan](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2021/01/ACA-photo.jpg)
Lisae Jordan is originally from upstate New York, where many small towns have ballet schools as a result of the Ford Foundation’s support for George Balanchine and his efforts to …
![IMG_3415-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Mimmo Miccolis](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/09/IMG_3415-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpeg)
Mimmo Miccolis, born in Italy, is a neoclassical and contemporary teacher and choreographer at The Washington Ballet. He was the winner of the “Outstanding Choreographer Award” at the Youth American …
![thumbnail_arron_51Z7930bw_800x800_acf_cropped Arron Scott](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/thumbnail_arron_51Z7930bw_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Arron Scott was raised in State College, Pennsylvania, and started his training at the Ballet Theatre of Central Pennsylvania at age nine. He has danced on full scholarships at American …
![francoise-thouveny-headshot Françoise Thouveny-Doyle](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2019/08/francoise-thouveny-headshot.jpg)
Françoise Thouveny-Doyle is a native of France. She started her classical ballet training in her hometown of Orléans and in Paris at le Centre de Danse de Paris training with …
![Irina-Wunder-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Irina Wunder](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/08/Irina-Wunder-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Irina Wunder received her classical training in Turkmenistan, then a republic of the former Soviet Union. She performed with the Republic’s Theater of Opera and Ballet and toured with the …
![TWB-Headshots-Royce-Zackery1 Royce Zackery](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2021/02/TWB-Headshots-Royce-Zackery1.png)
Royce Zackery received a Master of Arts in Dance Education from N.Y.U. Steinhardt/American Ballet Theatre and is certified in the ABT National Teaching Curriculum with a concentrated degree in Ballet Pedagogy. He …
Adult Program Faculty
Adult Program Faculty
![©xmbphotography 08.30.23 TWB HEADSHOTS-9240-3-Edit (1) Miya Hisaka](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/05/%C2%A9xmbphotography-08.30.23-TWB-HEADSHOTS-9240-3-Edit-1-scaled.jpg)
Adult Program Head
mhisaka@washingtonballet.orgWith 40 years of experience as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, founding artistic/executive director, and urban planner, Miya’s life has spanned two continents with a commitment to diversity and excellence in …
![Brittany_bailey_9189 Brittany Bailey](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/09/Brittany_bailey_9189-e1699294043928.jpg)
Brittany Bailey graduated high school from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where she studied in both the ballet and modern dance departments under the direction of Melissa …
![linda-baranovics Linda Baranovics](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/linda-baranovics.jpg)
Linda Baranovics began her ballet career as a young adult while attending Georgetown University in 1977. After graduating in 1978, she continued her training at The Washington School of Ballet. …
![Rafael Bejarano_©xmbphotography Rafael Bejarano](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/Rafael-Bejarano_©xmbphotography.jpg)
Rafael Bejarano Vidal, from Guadalajara, Mexico, began dance training at the age of 11 at the Royal Academy of Dance in Mexico with Ana Torquemada. He has studied intensively throughout …
![renaheadshot-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Rena Bernardini](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/renaheadshot-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Administrative Assistant, NW Campus and Faculty
Rena Bernardini is originally from Somers, New York. She began her training at the Westchester Ballet Center, studying everything from Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Jazz to Flamenco, Hawaiian, and Bharatanatyam. She then …
![SquareShuChenCuff.Headshot Shu-Chen Cuff](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/SquareShuChenCuff.Headshot.png)
Shu-Chen Cuff was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan where she established a well-rounded background in dance with training in Ballet, Modern, Chinese Opera movements, and various Chinese folk dances. She immigrated to …
![©xmbphotography 08.30.23 TWB HEADSHOTS-9257-3-Edit Adrian Vincent James](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/%C2%A9xmbphotography-08.30.23-TWB-HEADSHOTS-9257-3-Edit-scaled.jpg)
Adrian Vincent James is a native of Washington, DC, who began his artistic guidance under director Mike Malone in 1970. This led him to win scholarships giving him the opportunity to study …
![Headshots-Tamas-Krizsa-square Tamás Krizsa](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/Headshots-Tamas-Krizsa-square.jpg)
Rehearsal Director
Tamás Krizsa, of Hungary, is in his 13th season with The Washington Ballet. Krizsa graduated from the Hungarian Dance Academy with honors in 2002. During his school years, he was …
![©xmbphotography 09.01.23 TWB-9388-Edit Kevin Malone](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/05/%C2%A9xmbphotography-09.01.23-TWB-9388-Edit-scaled.jpg)
Kevin Thomas Malone, a native of Washington, DC,Founding Artistic Director / Artist Development Coach for ktm eXtremes dance project as well as is currently Artistic Advisor/Resident Choreographer at the Dance …
![mayberry_amberAP8A0556RTsmall Amber Mayberry](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2024/06/mayberry_amberAP8A0556RTsmall-e1721249654475.jpg)
Amber is a performer, choreographer and dance educator from Washington, DC. She received her training at the Washington School of ballet and with Fabian Barnes at the Dance Institute of …
![Headshot-by-Bill-Cameron-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Gabriel Mata](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2024/01/Headshot-by-Bill-Cameron-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpeg)
Gabriel Mata (pronounced: gah-bryehl mah-tah) is a Mexican American dance choreographer, educator, and performer based in Washington DC. He received his Masters in Fine Arts – dance from the University …
![thumbnail_arron_51Z7930bw_800x800_acf_cropped Arron Scott](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/thumbnail_arron_51Z7930bw_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Arron Scott was raised in State College, Pennsylvania, and started his training at the Ballet Theatre of Central Pennsylvania at age nine. He has danced on full scholarships at American …
![Resized_KeithThomas Keith Thomas](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/08/Resized_KeithThomas.png)
Keith Lamelle Thomas, is a graduate of the Baltimore School for the Arts. Upon graduating, Mr. Thomas received a full scholarship to Dance Theater of Harlem. He worked his way up …
![Elena-Ovchinnikova_Headshot_800x800_acf_cropped Elena Ovchinnikova](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/09/Elena-Ovchinnikova_Headshot_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Full-time Faculty
Dr. Elena Ovchinnikova graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy obtained her PhD in Pedagogic Science (Theory and Methodology of Professional Education in Choreography) and Master Degree in Ballet Pedagogy. Additionally, …
![thumbnail_Alvaro Palau copy-2 copy Alvaro Palau](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/thumbnail_Alvaro-Palau-copy-2-copy-e1689344967521.jpg)
From Cali Colombia, An accomplished ballet dancer and teacher. Danced with The Washington Ballet for 13 years as a principal dancer, National Ballet of Venezuela for two years and the …
![MarcelaHeadshot Marcela Paz Palau](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2022/10/MarcelaHeadshot.png)
Originally from Asuncion, Paraguay, Marcela began her training at age six at Studio Nilsa Abraham and Ballet Academic Patricia Manavella. She has attended summer intensives and competitions in Brazil, Chile, …
![Bahareh_resized Bahareh Sardari](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/Bahareh_resized.jpg)
Bahareh Sardari graduated from the London Royal Ballet School and the Royal Academy of Dance. She was a soloist with the Iranian National Ballet Company, and has worked and performed …
![Katherine-Head-Shot11-1 Katherine Smith](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2019/08/Katherine-Head-Shot11-1.jpg)
Katherine Smith a native Washingtonian, is a graduate from The Duke Ellington School of the Arts and received her B.F.A. from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts [currently University of …
![TWB-Headshots-Royce-Zackery1 Royce Zackery](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2021/02/TWB-Headshots-Royce-Zackery1.png)
Royce Zackery received a Master of Arts in Dance Education from N.Y.U. Steinhardt/American Ballet Theatre and is certified in the ABT National Teaching Curriculum with a concentrated degree in Ballet Pedagogy. He …
![DSC_6160-1-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped Deborah Chen](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/08/DSC_6160-1-scaled_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Deborah Chen is originally from Arlington, VA, and grew up in St. Petersburg, FL. She began her ballet training with Elena Martinson at the age of 6. From there, she …
Natalie is a native Washingtonian. She trained at the Washington School of Ballet under the direction of Mary Day and Choo San Goh. Her training also included Joffrey Ballet, Pennsylvania …
![Maki Onuki_©xmbphotography Maki Onuki](https://www.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/Maki-Onuki_©xmbphotography.jpg)
Born in Kanagawa, Japan, Maki enters her 20th season with The Washington Ballet after one season with The Studio Company. Before joining TWB, she danced and studied with Goh Ballet …
![Sona_2021_800x800_acf_cropped Sona Kharatian](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2021/12/Sona_2021_800x800_acf_cropped.png)
Sona Kharatian is a seasoned professional in the world of ballet, bringing over two decades of experience as a professional ballet dancer, instructor, and rehearsal director. Most recently, she held …
Accompanists
Accompanists
![TWB-Headshots-Glenn-Sales-square Glenn Sales](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/TWB-Headshots-Glenn-Sales-square.jpg)
Music Supervisor
gsales@washingtonballet.orgGlenn Sales, Pianist, has been well-known to Washington, DC audiences since his National Symphony Orchestra debut at age 14 and his subsequent invitations as soloist with NSO. Sales attended the …
![Photo_Grigori Hovhannisyan Grigori Hovhannisyan](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/09/Photo_Grigori-Hovhannisyan.jpg)
Accompanist
Grigori Hovhannisyan has received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with concentration in Sound Engineering, and a Master’s Degree in Music with concentration in Flute, Saxophone and Piano from the Armenian …
![Irina_Rutkaitiene_800x800_acf_cropped Irina Rutkaitiene](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/Irina_Rutkaitiene_800x800_acf_cropped.jpg)
Accompanist
Irina Rutkaitiene got her Master’s degree from the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre and has nearly three decades of experience as a piano teacher and collaborative accompanist. Originally from …
![Leeza-Wildgen-pic_800x800_acf_cropped Leeza Wildgen](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2023/07/Leeza-Wildgen-pic_800x800_acf_cropped.png)
Accompanist
Leeza Wildgen (pianist) is native of St. Petersburg, Russia. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Rimsky-Korsakov Music College and University of Culture, both in St. Petersburg. She …
![glenn at the piano TWB Accompanists](https://media.washingtonballet.org/app/uploads/2018/11/glenn-at-the-piano-scaled.jpg)
Glenn Sales, Music Supervisor (pictured left. Photo by Spencer Bentley) Accompanists: Irina Edigarova, Bella Kristosturyan, Michael Parker, Irina Rutkaitiene, Yelena Nusinovich, Zina Steppanova, Leeza Wildgen [button label=’Washington Ballet pianists enhance …