Staff

American arts leader and acclaimed choreographer Edwaard Liang is the Artistic Director of The Washington Ballet. Edwaard is one of only four people to have led the organization, and the first person of color. He is also the first Asian American to lead a major American ballet company.

Andres Estevez began his training in Havana, Cuba, and joined Ballet Nacional de Cuba under the direction of Alicia Alonso. After several seasons, Mr. Estevez joined Ballet Clasico de la
Havana under the direction of Laura Alonso; where his career flourished…

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 …

Timothy, an Australian of First Nations descent, retired as a Principal Dancer and Resident Choreographer from Milwaukee Ballet in 2019 before transitioning into the role of Company Manager and Rehearsal …

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 …

Glenn 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 …

Kristina is an experienced fundraising professional and strategist with over 20 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience and a strong passion for ensuring there is access and opportunity for individuals …

Risa Kaneko is an arts fundraiser with a background in music performance and teaching. She completed her Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance with a Minor in Arts Administration …

Hunter Atherton is a native of Texas where she studied Art History and Business at Rice University. She completed her Master’s in Arts Management at George Mason University, where she …

Erica Bondarev Rapach is an accomplished leader in brand innovation, strategic communication, and social responsibility reflected in her career that crosses arts administration, experiential marketing, higher education, and individual identity. Her journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of creativity and transformative change, shaping cultural and educational landscapes through her visionary leadership and deep commitment to fostering artistic expression, audience building, and community engagement.

Courtney joins TWB from the Spartanburg Philharmonic in South Carolina. During her tenure there, she connected with classical music enthusiasts, expanded the Philharmonic’s audience, collaborated with arts partners, and provided invaluable support to the organization’s educational initiatives. She brings a lifelong passion for the arts, a dedication to her community, and a diverse background in marketing to the already strong TWB team. 

Her journey in the arts began with ballet and expanded to focus on choir and theater, ultimately leading her to earn a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Ithaca College. Professionally, Courtney has honed her expertise in branding, marketing strategy, and audience development through roles at a national cable television network and various equipment manufacturers before moving into the non-profit space. Her first entrance into the arts was as the Marketing & Sales Coordinator at the Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, located near Memphis, Tennessee. 

As parents, Courtney and her husband, Scot, dedicate much of their family time to instilling a love for the arts in their two children, especially the ballet and symphony, or wherever their interests take them. 

Sonia Bartolomeo is a digital media professional specializing in videography and editing.

Photo by XMB Photography.

DeMoya Watson Brown (Director of Community Engagement), Arts Administrator, Dance Educator, Choreographer, and Performing Artist, is originally from Daytona Beach, FL, where she received dance training at multiple schools in …

Kaitlyn joined The Washington Ballet in the 2023-24 season after working with the Milwaukee Repertory Theater for nine seasons. There, she was a key player in managing the production department …

Photo by XMB Photography.

Suzi Kilbourne stage managed her first show in 1983. Since then, her path has been winding and her experiences eclectic, with stops along the way for a masters in political …

Photo by XMB Photography.

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 …

Timothy, an Australian of First Nations descent, retired as a Principal Dancer and Resident Choreographer from Milwaukee Ballet in 2019 before transitioning into the role of Company Manager and Rehearsal …

Katie Sopoci Drake joined The Washington School of Ballet in 2022 as Managing Director, bringing her expertise in business operations, strategic vision, and sustainable growth to one of the nation’s premier ballet schools. In this role, Sopoci Drake oversees a $4.2 million annual budget and manages a team of over 80 faculty and staff across two campuses and 14 studios, serving a diverse student body of more than 3,000 students annually.

“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 …

“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 …

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Ayano Kimura of Japan, is in 14th season with The Washington Ballet and seventh year teaching at The Washington School of Ballet. Kimura, born in Germany, went on a short-term …

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 …

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 …

Kurumi Miwa from Tokyo, Japan.

She grew up in Tokyo and stated her training at age 3. She continued studies at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music in Kanagawa and graduated. She studied Ballet, Contemporary dance, Character dance, Jazz dance, Theater dance, Improvisation, Street Dance, dance choreography, Pilates, music, Ballet history, Nutrition , Anatomy for dancing, music history, Movement Studies, Exercise Physiology and Solfeggio.

Her second year in college, she was awarded a merit scholarship. She also trained at Joffrey Ballet School in NY, where she trained two years under direction of Era Jouravlev. She trained Balanchine techniques taught by Stacy Caddell former soloist with NewYork City Ballet. She danced Juliet from Romeo and Juliet (Choreography by Akop Akopian), Naina’s Magic garden as a principal (Choreography by Michael Fokine) and Stars and Stripes.

She went to summer training at Central School of Ballet in England, Royal Danish Ballet in Denmark, Milwaukee Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet and Maryland Youth Ballet. She won 1st place in the Jewels Festival Ballet Competition in 2019, 2nd place in the World Ballet Grand Prix in NY. And she got top 3 in World Ballet Competition. She performed contemporary solo, “Intrecci” choreographed by Mimmo Miccolis. She also won 1st place in the Japan Ballet Competition in 2018 and received Technical award, Artist award and Special judge award.

She has been performing with Manassas Ballet Theatre as a company dancer since March 2021. She has performed leading roles in several ballets. such as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Sugar Plum in Nutcracker, Can Can Doll in Laboutique Fantastic, Amy Wolfe in Colin, Spring Fairy in Cinderella and Gamzatti’s friends in La Bayadere. She also performed in Giselle, Dracula, Gaite Paeisienne. She performed contemporary works too, A Letter of Maria choreographed by Debora Greer, Deja-vu, Sleepy Hollow and Carmina Burana by Ahmed Nabil. She is also performing a lot of places as a guest dancer in the US.

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 …

Felipe Oyarzun Moltedo is from Santiago, Chile. He began dancing at the age of 12 and has since received several awards and distinctions, among others, Chile’s Best Dancer Inter-American Circle of Dance Professionals Award. In Santiago, Mr. Moltedo ran his own company, which led to multiple national and international tours. He holds a B.F.A in dance, an M.A. in dance education with honors from the University of Chile, and an M.F.A. in dance from The George Washington University Department of Theatre and Dance. Currently, he is the Assistant Artistic Director and Dancer for Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company and teaches dance around the world on a regular basis.

As a native of Washington, DC, Jaday Myers began her dance training at the age of four at Divine Dance Institute in Capitol Heights, MD under the direction of Amanda F. Standard. The organization provided Myers a strong foundation in ballet, modern, jazz, and African techniques. Myers continued her pre-professional training at Towson University and graduated with a B.F.A in Dance Performance and Choreography as well as a B.S in General Psychology in Spring 2021. There she received superb training from Linda Denise Fisher-Harrell, Catherine Horta-Hayden, Vincent Thomas, Erin Du, and others.

Throughout her collegiate experience, Myers was able to train at various summer intensives at various summer intensives such as Earl Moseley Institute of the Arts, Pneuma Dance Project, and The Dance Institute of Washington where she attended on full scholarship. She has performed works by Will B. Bell, Vincent Thomas, Earl Mosley, Troy Powell, Fabian Barnes, Ray Mercer, along with many others.

Now her passion lies in developing the next generation of dancers to be technically sound and well-rounded artists. She is now a full time dance educator in the Anne Arundel County Public School System on faculty at Divine Dance Institute and The Washington Ballet. Most recently, Myers has become the founder of theStudio, a dance training center that aims to develop, inspire and connect with dancers who dream in both traditional and nontraditional dance education settings.

Svetlana V. Nikoloff holds an equivalent of MFA degree in ballet pedagogy Vaganova methodology and choreography from the South-West University “Neofit Rilski” in her native Bulgaria, EU. Svetlana danced professionally …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Andrei Yemelianov has over 25 years of experience in the world of dance as a teacher, director, and choreographer specializing in classical ballet and original works. Born in Ukraine, Andrei trained at the Kyiv State Choreography College, where he studied the Vaganova ballet method. He holds a degree in Choreographic Art, focusing on ballet technique, partnering, and folk and character dances.

Throughout his career, Andrei has performed with the National Opera and Ballet Theater of Ukraine and the Donetsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. His repertoire includes classical ballet, character dance, contemporary, modern, and folk styles.

Andrei has dedicated much of his teaching career to roles as a Ballet Teacher and Ballet Master at the Academie de Ballet and Master Works Dance Company, where he has choreographed and staged both classical and original ballets.

A firm believer in nurturing talent, Andrei’s teaching philosophy prioritizes professional excellence while promoting individual well-being. He creates a supportive atmosphere that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, passionately guiding them toward both physical and spiritual growth in their dance journeys.

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 …

Glenn 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 …

A multi-talented instrumentalist and composer, Rafael began his music journey at a very young age studying both the violin and piano. By 10, he was selected to attend the Special …

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 (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 …

Ashley Baker is a Soloist with Ballet Idaho, as well as a choreographer and teacher. She began her ballet training at Johansen Olympia Dance Center in Olympia, Washington, then moved …

Roman began his ballet training at age 12 at City Ballet School in his hometown of San Francisco. Following his years there, he began training at the San Francisco Ballet …

Salma Gonzalez Rosario is a company member at Moveius Ballet. She’s also currently
teaching at Powell Elementary School, Dance Loft, Dance Institute of Washington and
Stager for TWB’s Nutcracker. Salma is an alumna at The Washington School of Ballet who
studied under the Merit Scholarship. She has worked as a receptionist at TWB locations
since 2021. She’s very thankful to be part of our community because it is like a second home
to her.

Joined Trainee Program: 2021
Hometown: Birmingham, Michigan

Joined Trainee Program: 2024

Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa

Emma Jane Wood is a dedicated and passionate ballet dancer currently training as a Trainee 1
with The Washington Ballet. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, she has trained at
prestigious institutions, including The Cape Junior Ballet, Kirov Academy of Ballet, and Alchemy
Ballet. She previously attended The Washington School of Ballet’s Summer Intensive for two
summers and is now honored to give back as a Residential Assistant and Chaperone.

Beyond her dance career, Emma is committed to creating supportive environments for young
dancers. Having experienced the challenges of relocating internationally for her art, she brings
empathy, leadership, and a nurturing presence both in and out of the studio.

Emma holds a high school diploma from The Kirov Academy of Ballet and has completed two
years of college coursework. She continues to balance her professional training with a
dedication to personal growth and helping others reach their potential.

Katie Sopoci Drake joined The Washington School of Ballet in 2022 as Managing Director, bringing her expertise in business operations, strategic vision, and sustainable growth to one of the nation’s premier ballet schools. In this role, Sopoci Drake oversees a $4.2 million annual budget and manages a team of over 80 faculty and staff across two campuses and 14 studios, serving a diverse student body of more than 3,000 students annually.

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 …

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 …

Salma Gonzalez Rosario is a company member at Moveius Ballet. She’s also currently
teaching at Powell Elementary School, Dance Loft, Dance Institute of Washington and
Stager for TWB’s Nutcracker. Salma is an alumna at The Washington School of Ballet who
studied under the Merit Scholarship. She has worked as a receptionist at TWB locations
since 2021. She’s very thankful to be part of our community because it is like a second home
to her.

Beatriz Moreira Leite is a graduate of the TWSB upper and lower division programs. She continues to be part of the TWSB family by participating in adult classes, working as …

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 …

Dallas Ryan is a medical student in Washington, DC and dance enthusiast. She is an alumna of the Philadelphia School of Dance Arts and has continued to train since graduating college and medical school. She has found a home in the Washington Ballet’s adult program and enjoys getting to know the Washington Ballet team. 

Atticus is a current student at American University and lifelong dancer. They are a student of Journalism and Gender Studies and have stayed an avid dancer throughout their life. Born …

Myra Schoengold is a student at American University pursuing dual degrees in Dance
and Public Relations/Strategic Communication. A passionate dancer and
choreographer, Myra is an alumna of Charlotte Ballet and has debuted two original
works at the Greenberg Theater. Myra has served The Washington Ballet since early
2022 and is grateful to be part of such an incredible and welcoming community.

Aliya Siegel was born in Tucson, Arizona, and raised in Tampa, Florida, where she began dancing at a young age. From age 7 to 18, she thrived as a competitive …

Tiffany Tu was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, and has worked with The Washington School of Ballet since 2013. After coming to America, Ms. Tiffany has found her second …

Bryony Whitelaw is a Master’s candidate at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. Before that, she worked in the Peace Programs at The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. …

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 …

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 …

Baylee Wong (dancer) is in her first season with Dana Tai Soon Burgess Dance Company. Born and raised in Carmel, New York, Baylee Wong began her dance journey at age …

Kirsten Poole is the Director of Finance & Operations for the Washington Ballet. With 25 years of small business and non-profit finance, operations, and business management experience, Kirsten brings her …

Mario Da Silva joined The Washington Ballet (TWB) in July 2023. With a strong background in human resources management, he previously served as a key contributor with the American Council …

Bennard Fajardo is a dedicated professional with a strong background in finance, having previously worked for the National Immigration Forum and Politics and Prose Bookstore. With experience as a Finance …

Kate is a detail-oriented and results-driven administrator with a passion for the arts. With a background in administrative support and office management, Kate has successfully contributed to the operations of …

Chelsie Vaillancourt is an arts administrator with a background in orchestral performance, music history, and arts education. Originally from Canada, she completed her studies in flute performance at McGill University …

Photo by XMB Photography.