Salma Gonzalez

Katie 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 …

“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 …

Tammy 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 …

Pamela 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 …

Entering her 18th season with The Washington Ballet, Ms. Glover has transitioned from the leadership position of Director of Operations for The Washington School of Ballet to Summer Intensive Manager …

Margaret 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 …

Kayla DeShields is a native of Woodbridge, VA where she grew up studying liturgical dance in her church beginning at age four and holding positions of leadership within the dance …

With 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 …

Valentina 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 …

Madeline Garland is a skilled creator of positive human experiences through art’s experiences. She strives to unite people to enjoy life’s pleasures, drawing from her background in social work and …

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 …

Sydney B. Wiggins is a native Washingtonian and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) graduate with a BFA in Dance and Choreography. Sydney has been training in dance since the age of …

Michaele Skye Glouchkova (Misha) began dancing at age 3 and began her classical ballet training in 2005. She studied under Melanie Kregel, Artistic Director of Metamorphosis Dance Company, and her …

Caroline is a junior at Marymount University in their fashion design B.A. program, with minors in sustainability and studio art. Ballet is close to home for her, as she spent two …

Salma Gonzalez Rosario received her early dance training at Ballet Clasico Santiago in the Dominican Republic. Throughout those years, she participated in competitions in Cuba, Finals in New York City, …

Join PTD: 2019
Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

I first fell in love with ballet at age 3 after seeing an amazing performance by former Mariinsky and Bolshoi dancers in my home state. Soon after, I insisted my parents enroll me in classes. My parents allowed me to begin taking ballet classes when I turned age 4. During those foundational years, I studied with respected teachers certified in various methods of training including: The Cecchetti Method, ABT National Training Curriculum, and The Vaganova Method.

Neither of my parents have a background in ballet, but as I gained more experience, they realized I would need to challenge my skills outside of my home studios. My parents had read about Youth America Grand Prix and at age 10, they convinced my teachers to allow me to compete. I was excited to be the youngest from my school to participate, placing in the top 12 in the pre-competitive category.

YAGP became an excellent resource over the following 5 years, helping me to grow in my technique and artistry. In addition, I began taking supplemental classes through Indianapolis City Ballet’s Master Class Series, which ran six seasons. During that time, I had the fortune to take classes with world renowned ballet dancers and teachers, including Ms. Julie Kent and Mrs. Xiomara Reyes. I would also go on to participate in ballet summer intensives at world-renowned programs, including San Francisco Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre, and Kaatsbaan.

In the summer of 2019, I auditioned for a spot in The Washington School of Ballet’s year-round program. During this audition I felt an instant connection with Mrs. Reyes and Mr. Imaev. The way they communicated corrections, for instance, resonated with me in a new way. I joined TWSB that fall, and I will never forget the feeling of walking through the doors of the gorgeous Joseph C. Coleman Studios for my first class; I knew I was “home.”

With the support and training of teachers at TWSB, I have thrived and grown as a dancer. I have had the joy of dancing prominent roles, including Clara in TWB’s Nutcracker at the historic Warner Theater, Mercedes in TWSB’s Don Quixote, as well as supporting roles in TWB’s Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake performances at the prestigious Kennedy Center. These opportunities have deepened my knowledge of this beautiful art form, improved my skills, and helped me to gain more confidence. I look forward to another rewarding year ahead with the incoming leadership of Ms. Vives and Mr. Liang!

Jillian Schene, Trainee 1

Born in Trelawny, Jamaica has always been passionate about Visual and Performing Arts. He began dancing at the age of 10, and that unlocked a world of endless possibilities for …