Ballet Arizona’s
Company Dancers
Brooke Bendick
From: Columbus, Ohio
Brooke Bendick is from Columbus, Ohio where she studied in the academy with BalletMet. She then went on to be a trainee with BalletMet for 2 years. She has spent her summers training with Houston Ballet, The School of Ballet Arizona, and City Ballet of San Diego.
In her free time, Brooke enjoys sewing, fashion design, enjoying time in nature, cooking, and spending time with friends and family!
She is very excited to work and perform alongside the company of Ballet Arizona this year!
Brooke Bendick
From: Columbus, Ohio
Brooke Bendick is from Columbus, Ohio where she studied in the academy with BalletMet. She then went on to be a trainee with BalletMet for 2 years. She has spent her summers training with Houston Ballet, The School of Ballet Arizona, and City Ballet of San Diego.
In her free time, Brooke enjoys sewing, fashion design, enjoying time in nature, cooking, and spending time with friends and family!
She is very excited to work and perform alongside the company of Ballet Arizona this year!
Brooke Bendick
From: Columbus, Ohio
Brooke Bendick is from Columbus, Ohio where she studied in the academy with BalletMet. She then went on to be a trainee with BalletMet for 2 years. She has spent her summers training with Houston Ballet, The School of Ballet Arizona, and City Ballet of San Diego.
In her free time, Brooke enjoys sewing, fashion design, enjoying time in nature, cooking, and spending time with friends and family!
She is very excited to work and perform alongside the company of Ballet Arizona this year!
Demitra Bereveskos
From: Indianapolis, Indiana
Demitra Bereveskos was born in Indianapolis and began her ballet training at the age of seven. She trained on scholarship at Valentina Kozlova’s Dance Conservatory, Canada’s National Ballet School, and the Royal Ballet School. From 2015–2017 she trained at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet in New York City where she performed in American Ballet Theatre’s 75th Anniversary Gala.
Demitra joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company for the 2018– 2019 season and has since joined Ballet Arizona. She has performed with the company in many exciting ballets including The Sleeping Beauty, Theme and Variations, Emeralds, La Sylphide, Napoli, and Pas de Sept. She has also performed in Ib Andersen’s The Firebird, and Goldberg Variations, and has danced lead roles in The Nutcracker, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Demitra Bereveskos
From: Indianapolis, Indiana
Demitra Bereveskos was born in Indianapolis and began her ballet training at the age of seven. She trained on scholarship at Valentina Kozlova’s Dance Conservatory, Canada’s National Ballet School, and the Royal Ballet School. From 2015–2017 she trained at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet in New York City where she performed in American Ballet Theatre’s 75th Anniversary Gala.
Demitra joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company for the 2018– 2019 season and has since joined Ballet Arizona. She has performed with the company in many exciting ballets including The Sleeping Beauty, Theme and Variations, Emeralds, La Sylphide, Napoli, and Pas de Sept. She has also performed in Ib Andersen’s The Firebird, and Goldberg Variations, and has danced lead roles in The Nutcracker, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Demitra Bereveskos
From: Indianapolis, Indiana
Demitra Bereveskos was born in Indianapolis and began her ballet training at the age of seven. She trained on scholarship at Valentina Kozlova’s Dance Conservatory, Canada’s National Ballet School, and the Royal Ballet School. From 2015–2017 she trained at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School of Ballet in New York City where she performed in American Ballet Theatre’s 75th Anniversary Gala.
Demitra joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company for the 2018– 2019 season and has since joined Ballet Arizona. She has performed with the company in many exciting ballets including The Sleeping Beauty, Theme and Variations, Emeralds, La Sylphide, Napoli, and Pas de Sept. She has also performed in Ib Andersen’s The Firebird, and Goldberg Variations, and has danced lead roles in The Nutcracker, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Lindsay Camden
From: Houston, Texas
Lindsay Camden was born in Houston, Texas, and started dancing when she was two years old. When she was six, she moved to the American Academy of Dance in Houston to further her ballet training. While there, she attended summer intensives at Houston Ballet and The Rock School for Dance Education. At nine, Lindsay joined Vitacca Vocational School for Dance, where she studied for six years. During that time, she attended summer intensives at the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Ellison Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Houston Ballet, and Ballet Arizona. Lindsay also danced in the second company of Noble Motion, a Houston-based contemporary company, for the 2018-2019 season. Lindsay was awarded the bronze medal at the American Dance Competition/International Ballet Competition as well as the overall Outstanding Technique award at Dance Open America in 2021.
Lindsay joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company in 2021 and, over the last two years, performed in company productions including The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, Cinderella, Giselle and Balanchine works including Bourrée Fantasque, The Four Temperaments, Emeralds and Raymonda Variations. She also performed principal roles in The School of Ballet Arizona’s productions as “Aurora” in The Sleeping Beauty, as well as the title roles of Paquita and Raymonda. She joined the Company as a Trainee for the 2023-2024 season.
Lindsay Camden
From: Houston, Texas
Lindsay Camden was born in Houston, Texas, and started dancing when she was two years old. When she was six, she moved to the American Academy of Dance in Houston to further her ballet training. While there, she attended summer intensives at Houston Ballet and The Rock School for Dance Education. At nine, Lindsay joined Vitacca Vocational School for Dance, where she studied for six years. During that time, she attended summer intensives at the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Ellison Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Houston Ballet, and Ballet Arizona. Lindsay also danced in the second company of Noble Motion, a Houston-based contemporary company, for the 2018-2019 season. Lindsay was awarded the bronze medal at the American Dance Competition/International Ballet Competition as well as the overall Outstanding Technique award at Dance Open America in 2021.
Lindsay joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company in 2021 and, over the last two years, performed in company productions including The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, Cinderella, Giselle and Balanchine works including Bourrée Fantasque, The Four Temperaments, Emeralds and Raymonda Variations. She also performed principal roles in The School of Ballet Arizona’s productions as “Aurora” in The Sleeping Beauty, as well as the title roles of Paquita and Raymonda. She joined the Company as a Trainee for the 2023-2024 season.
Lindsay Camden
From: Houston, Texas
Lindsay Camden was born in Houston, Texas, and started dancing when she was two years old. When she was six, she moved to the American Academy of Dance in Houston to further her ballet training. While there, she attended summer intensives at Houston Ballet and The Rock School for Dance Education. At nine, Lindsay joined Vitacca Vocational School for Dance, where she studied for six years. During that time, she attended summer intensives at the Kirov Academy of Ballet, Ellison Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Houston Ballet, and Ballet Arizona. Lindsay also danced in the second company of Noble Motion, a Houston-based contemporary company, for the 2018-2019 season. Lindsay was awarded the bronze medal at the American Dance Competition/International Ballet Competition as well as the overall Outstanding Technique award at Dance Open America in 2021.
Lindsay joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company in 2021 and, over the last two years, performed in company productions including The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, Cinderella, Giselle and Balanchine works including Bourrée Fantasque, The Four Temperaments, Emeralds and Raymonda Variations. She also performed principal roles in The School of Ballet Arizona’s productions as “Aurora” in The Sleeping Beauty, as well as the title roles of Paquita and Raymonda. She joined the Company as a Trainee for the 2023-2024 season.
Serafin Castro
From: Villa Clara, Cuba
From Villa Clara, Cuba, Serafin was born in a small fishing village and grew up in a family of musicians and fishermen, but decided to follow his sister’s steps and pursue a ballet career where he began his ballet training at the age of eight. Two years later, he continued his studies at the Vocational School of Art of Villa Clara Olga Alonso and by the time he was fifteen years old, Serafin had earned a prestigious scholarship to join the Cuban National Ballet School where he was mentored by Fernando Alonso (founder of the Cuban ballet technique) and teachers Ramona de Saa, Mirta Hermida and Martha Iris Fernandez who helped to develop the technique he now owns.
Serafin participated in the International Ballet Competition of Havana in 2006 and won gold in 2007 and 2008 and graduated with honors in 2008. After graduation, Serafin joined the National Ballet of Cuba under the direction of Alicia Alonso, and his work as a performer over the next five years ultimately culminated in him being promoted to Principal Dancer in 2013. He toured the world with the National Ballet of Cuba and participated in the International Ballet Festival of Havana in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 and worked with renowned choreographers such as Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Peter Quanz, Jimmy Gamonet, Azari Plisetsky, Ivan Perez and Vicente Nebrada. In 2015, Serafin joined Ballet of Monterrey in Mexico as a Principal Dancer under the direction of Jorge Amarante and then Jose Manuel Carreño where he danced classical and contemporary programs including Sechs Tanze (Jiri Kylian) and The Phantom of the Opera (Alberto Mendez). He was invited to perform Grand Pas Classique in the Monterrey International Ballet Gala in 2015, and Satanella Pas de Deux in 2016. He also performed in the most recent virtual edition of the gala in 2020, dancing Mask-up Mambo.
In 2018, Serafin moved to the Phoenix Metro area and joined Ballet Arizona under the direction of Ib Andersen, where he has been leading an active dancing/teaching career. In January 2020, he choreographed and performed the duet Asunder No More as part of the Downtown Chamber Series Concert.
Serafin’s leading roles include The Sleeping Beauty, Paquita, Coppelia, Swan Lake, Giselle, La Bayadere, Don Quixote, Flames of Paris, La Vivandiere, Carmen, Cinderella, Raymonda, The Nutcracker, The Firebird, La Sylphide, Les Patineurs, Romeo & Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Serafin has performed in Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, and the United States where he shared the stage with some of the most prestigious dancers in the world.
Serafin Castro
From: Villa Clara, Cuba
From Villa Clara, Cuba, Serafin was born in a small fishing village and grew up in a family of musicians and fishermen, but decided to follow his sister’s steps and pursue a ballet career where he began his ballet training at the age of eight. Two years later, he continued his studies at the Vocational School of Art of Villa Clara Olga Alonso and by the time he was fifteen years old, Serafin had earned a prestigious scholarship to join the Cuban National Ballet School where he was mentored by Fernando Alonso (founder of the Cuban ballet technique) and teachers Ramona de Saa, Mirta Hermida and Martha Iris Fernandez who helped to develop the technique he now owns.
Serafin participated in the International Ballet Competition of Havana in 2006 and won gold in 2007 and 2008 and graduated with honors in 2008. After graduation, Serafin joined the National Ballet of Cuba under the direction of Alicia Alonso, and his work as a performer over the next five years ultimately culminated in him being promoted to Principal Dancer in 2013. He toured the world with the National Ballet of Cuba and participated in the International Ballet Festival of Havana in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 and worked with renowned choreographers such as Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Peter Quanz, Jimmy Gamonet, Azari Plisetsky, Ivan Perez and Vicente Nebrada. In 2015, Serafin joined Ballet of Monterrey in Mexico as a Principal Dancer under the direction of Jorge Amarante and then Jose Manuel Carreño where he danced classical and contemporary programs including Sechs Tanze (Jiri Kylian) and The Phantom of the Opera (Alberto Mendez). He was invited to perform Grand Pas Classique in the Monterrey International Ballet Gala in 2015, and Satanella Pas de Deux in 2016. He also performed in the most recent virtual edition of the gala in 2020, dancing Mask-up Mambo.
In 2018, Serafin moved to the Phoenix Metro area and joined Ballet Arizona under the direction of Ib Andersen, where he has been leading an active dancing/teaching career. In January 2020, he choreographed and performed the duet Asunder No More as part of the Downtown Chamber Series Concert.
Serafin’s leading roles include The Sleeping Beauty, Paquita, Coppelia, Swan Lake, Giselle, La Bayadere, Don Quixote, Flames of Paris, La Vivandiere, Carmen, Cinderella, Raymonda, The Nutcracker, The Firebird, La Sylphide, Les Patineurs, Romeo & Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Serafin has performed in Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, and the United States where he shared the stage with some of the most prestigious dancers in the world.
Serafin Castro
From: Villa Clara, Cuba
From Villa Clara, Cuba, Serafin was born in a small fishing village and grew up in a family of musicians and fishermen, but decided to follow his sister’s steps and pursue a ballet career where he began his ballet training at the age of eight. Two years later, he continued his studies at the Vocational School of Art of Villa Clara Olga Alonso and by the time he was fifteen years old, Serafin had earned a prestigious scholarship to join the Cuban National Ballet School where he was mentored by Fernando Alonso (founder of the Cuban ballet technique) and teachers Ramona de Saa, Mirta Hermida and Martha Iris Fernandez who helped to develop the technique he now owns.
Serafin participated in the International Ballet Competition of Havana in 2006 and won gold in 2007 and 2008 and graduated with honors in 2008. After graduation, Serafin joined the National Ballet of Cuba under the direction of Alicia Alonso, and his work as a performer over the next five years ultimately culminated in him being promoted to Principal Dancer in 2013. He toured the world with the National Ballet of Cuba and participated in the International Ballet Festival of Havana in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014 and worked with renowned choreographers such as Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Peter Quanz, Jimmy Gamonet, Azari Plisetsky, Ivan Perez and Vicente Nebrada. In 2015, Serafin joined Ballet of Monterrey in Mexico as a Principal Dancer under the direction of Jorge Amarante and then Jose Manuel Carreño where he danced classical and contemporary programs including Sechs Tanze (Jiri Kylian) and The Phantom of the Opera (Alberto Mendez). He was invited to perform Grand Pas Classique in the Monterrey International Ballet Gala in 2015, and Satanella Pas de Deux in 2016. He also performed in the most recent virtual edition of the gala in 2020, dancing Mask-up Mambo.
In 2018, Serafin moved to the Phoenix Metro area and joined Ballet Arizona under the direction of Ib Andersen, where he has been leading an active dancing/teaching career. In January 2020, he choreographed and performed the duet Asunder No More as part of the Downtown Chamber Series Concert.
Serafin’s leading roles include The Sleeping Beauty, Paquita, Coppelia, Swan Lake, Giselle, La Bayadere, Don Quixote, Flames of Paris, La Vivandiere, Carmen, Cinderella, Raymonda, The Nutcracker, The Firebird, La Sylphide, Les Patineurs, Romeo & Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Serafin has performed in Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, and the United States where he shared the stage with some of the most prestigious dancers in the world.
Tiffany Chatfield
From: Alexandria, Virginia
Tiffany began her training in various forms of dance at the Metropolitan School of the Arts in Alexandria, Virginia. At the age of 14, she went to The Harid Conservatory to further her ballet technique. During this time, she spent two summers at The San Francisco Ballet School on scholarship. She joined Ballet Arizona’s studio company for the 2018-2019 season. This provided the opportunity to dance in various pieces choreographed by George Balanchine, as well as works choreographed by Ib Andersen.
Tiffany Chatfield
From: Alexandria, Virginia
Tiffany began her training in various forms of dance at the Metropolitan School of the Arts in Alexandria, Virginia. At the age of 14, she went to The Harid Conservatory to further her ballet technique. During this time, she spent two summers at The San Francisco Ballet School on scholarship. She joined Ballet Arizona’s studio company for the 2018-2019 season. This provided the opportunity to dance in various pieces choreographed by George Balanchine, as well as works choreographed by Ib Andersen.
Tiffany Chatfield
From: Alexandria, Virginia
Tiffany began her training in various forms of dance at the Metropolitan School of the Arts in Alexandria, Virginia. At the age of 14, she went to The Harid Conservatory to further her ballet technique. During this time, she spent two summers at The San Francisco Ballet School on scholarship. She joined Ballet Arizona’s studio company for the 2018-2019 season. This provided the opportunity to dance in various pieces choreographed by George Balanchine, as well as works choreographed by Ib Andersen.
Alli Chester
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Alli started her ballet training at the age of 12 at the School of Ballet Arizona in 2013, then moved to Houston to train in the Professional Program at the Houston Ballet Academy in 2018. During 2020, she returned to Ballet Arizona and joined the Studio Company in August of 2020.
With The School, she performed in feature roles such as “Aurora” in the 2017 production of The Sleeping Beauty and as “Odette” in the 2021 production of Swan Lake.
With the Company, she has performed in The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Swan Lake, and La Bayadère as well as in George Balanchine’s Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Serenade, and Symphony in Three Movements.
Alli Chester
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Alli started her ballet training at the age of 12 at the School of Ballet Arizona in 2013, then moved to Houston to train in the Professional Program at the Houston Ballet Academy in 2018. During 2020, she returned to Ballet Arizona and joined the Studio Company in August of 2020.
With The School, she performed in feature roles such as “Aurora” in the 2017 production of The Sleeping Beauty and as “Odette” in the 2021 production of Swan Lake.
With the Company, she has performed in The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Swan Lake, and La Bayadère as well as in George Balanchine’s Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Serenade, and Symphony in Three Movements.
Alli Chester
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Alli started her ballet training at the age of 12 at the School of Ballet Arizona in 2013, then moved to Houston to train in the Professional Program at the Houston Ballet Academy in 2018. During 2020, she returned to Ballet Arizona and joined the Studio Company in August of 2020.
With The School, she performed in feature roles such as “Aurora” in the 2017 production of The Sleeping Beauty and as “Odette” in the 2021 production of Swan Lake.
With the Company, she has performed in The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Swan Lake, and La Bayadère as well as in George Balanchine’s Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Serenade, and Symphony in Three Movements.
Luis Corrales
From: Havana, Cuba
Luis Corrales was born in Havana, Cuba and began his ballet training at the School of Ballet Alejo Carpentier and then continued his training at the Cuban National Ballet School, under the supervision of Ramona de Saa, where he graduated with honors in 2011.
After entering the finals of the International Ballet Competition in Havana, In 2011 Luis was invited by Dirk Badenhorst to perform in his production of ‘’Don Quixote’’ with Mzansi Productions on tour in South Africa.
After the successful tour, he joined Ballet Pro-Danza under the leadership of Laura Alonso, after a year he was invited to join Ecuador National Ballet as a Principal Dancer where he danced with the company for 3 years and performed a majority of the world classics and worked in contemporary pieces by renowned Latin-American choreographer Pepe Hevia.
In 2017 he joined Ballet San Antonio performing leading roles in ballets such as Giselle and Round of Angels by Gerald Arpino. His work as a performer over 2 Seasons ultimately culminated in him being promoted to Soloist in 2018.
Repertoire Highlights: The Sleeping Beauty, Le Corsair, Giselle, Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet (Hector Sanzana), The Nutcracker, The Dying Swan (Michael Descombey), Carmen (Pepe Hevia), El Eco de tu Adios (Pepe Hevia), Beauty and the Beast (Bruce Wells). Symphony in D (Jiří Kylián). His most remarkable teachers have been Fernando Alonso (founder of the Cuban School), Nor Maria Olaechea, Maria del Carmen Hechavarria, Ramona de Saá, Laura Alonso, Kevin Mckenzie, Martha Iris Fernandez, Ana Maria Leyte.
Luis Corrales
From: Havana, Cuba
Luis Corrales was born in Havana, Cuba and began his ballet training at the School of Ballet Alejo Carpentier and then continued his training at the Cuban National Ballet School, under the supervision of Ramona de Saa, where he graduated with honors in 2011.
After entering the finals of the International Ballet Competition in Havana, In 2011 Luis was invited by Dirk Badenhorst to perform in his production of ‘’Don Quixote’’ with Mzansi Productions on tour in South Africa.
After the successful tour, he joined Ballet Pro-Danza under the leadership of Laura Alonso, after a year he was invited to join Ecuador National Ballet as a Principal Dancer where he danced with the company for 3 years and performed a majority of the world classics and worked in contemporary pieces by renowned Latin-American choreographer Pepe Hevia.
In 2017 he joined Ballet San Antonio performing leading roles in ballets such as Giselle and Round of Angels by Gerald Arpino. His work as a performer over 2 Seasons ultimately culminated in him being promoted to Soloist in 2018.
Repertoire Highlights: The Sleeping Beauty, Le Corsair, Giselle, Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet (Hector Sanzana), The Nutcracker, The Dying Swan (Michael Descombey), Carmen (Pepe Hevia), El Eco de tu Adios (Pepe Hevia), Beauty and the Beast (Bruce Wells). Symphony in D (Jiří Kylián). His most remarkable teachers have been Fernando Alonso (founder of the Cuban School), Nor Maria Olaechea, Maria del Carmen Hechavarria, Ramona de Saá, Laura Alonso, Kevin Mckenzie, Martha Iris Fernandez, Ana Maria Leyte.
Luis Corrales
From: Havana, Cuba
Luis Corrales was born in Havana, Cuba and began his ballet training at the School of Ballet Alejo Carpentier and then continued his training at the Cuban National Ballet School, under the supervision of Ramona de Saa, where he graduated with honors in 2011.
After entering the finals of the International Ballet Competition in Havana, In 2011 Luis was invited by Dirk Badenhorst to perform in his production of ‘’Don Quixote’’ with Mzansi Productions on tour in South Africa.
After the successful tour, he joined Ballet Pro-Danza under the leadership of Laura Alonso, after a year he was invited to join Ecuador National Ballet as a Principal Dancer where he danced with the company for 3 years and performed a majority of the world classics and worked in contemporary pieces by renowned Latin-American choreographer Pepe Hevia.
In 2017 he joined Ballet San Antonio performing leading roles in ballets such as Giselle and Round of Angels by Gerald Arpino. His work as a performer over 2 Seasons ultimately culminated in him being promoted to Soloist in 2018.
Repertoire Highlights: The Sleeping Beauty, Le Corsair, Giselle, Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet (Hector Sanzana), The Nutcracker, The Dying Swan (Michael Descombey), Carmen (Pepe Hevia), El Eco de tu Adios (Pepe Hevia), Beauty and the Beast (Bruce Wells). Symphony in D (Jiří Kylián). His most remarkable teachers have been Fernando Alonso (founder of the Cuban School), Nor Maria Olaechea, Maria del Carmen Hechavarria, Ramona de Saá, Laura Alonso, Kevin Mckenzie, Martha Iris Fernandez, Ana Maria Leyte.
Sarah Diniz
From: Maracay, Venezuela
Sarah Diniz started dancing at a young age but only seriously started training at the age of 11, following her family’s move to Arizona. Sarah was accepted at the Orlando Ballet School’s Academy program at the age of 15 and moved away from home for the year to train full-time. In 2017, she joined the School of Ballet Arizona. Sarah attended summer programs and short-term stays at Houston Ballet Academy, American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago.
Sarah joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company in 2018 and the company in 2020. She has performed a number of roles with the studio company and company including George Balanchine’s Symphony in Three, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, and Ib Andersen’s Firebird, The Nutcracker, Napoli, and A Midsummer’s Night Dream.
Sarah Diniz
From: Maracay, Venezuela
Sarah Diniz started dancing at a young age but only seriously started training at the age of 11, following her family’s move to Arizona. Sarah was accepted at the Orlando Ballet School’s Academy program at the age of 15 and moved away from home for the year to train full-time. In 2017, she joined the School of Ballet Arizona. Sarah attended summer programs and short-term stays at Houston Ballet Academy, American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago.
Sarah joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company in 2018 and the company in 2020. She has performed a number of roles with the studio company and company including George Balanchine’s Symphony in Three, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, and Ib Andersen’s Firebird, The Nutcracker, Napoli, and A Midsummer’s Night Dream.
Sarah Diniz
From: Maracay, Venezuela
Sarah Diniz started dancing at a young age but only seriously started training at the age of 11, following her family’s move to Arizona. Sarah was accepted at the Orlando Ballet School’s Academy program at the age of 15 and moved away from home for the year to train full-time. In 2017, she joined the School of Ballet Arizona. Sarah attended summer programs and short-term stays at Houston Ballet Academy, American Ballet Theatre’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago.
Sarah joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company in 2018 and the company in 2020. She has performed a number of roles with the studio company and company including George Balanchine’s Symphony in Three, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, and Ib Andersen’s Firebird, The Nutcracker, Napoli, and A Midsummer’s Night Dream.
Leticia Endler
From: Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil
Leticia is originally from Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil. She studied at Ballet Zulma Emrich (Anápolis, GO, Brazil). After graduation, she joined the Cia Paulista de Dança (São Paulo, SP, Brazil).
During the 21-22 season, she joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company. With the Company, she performed in Les Patineurs, The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, Juan Gabriel, and Round: Reimagined For A New Stage. She also performed in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Bourree Fantasque. With The School, she performed in excerpts of Raymonda and The Sleeping Beauty. She joined the Company as an apprentice for the 22-23 season.
Leticia Endler
From: Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil
Leticia is originally from Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil. She studied at Ballet Zulma Emrich (Anápolis, GO, Brazil). After graduation, she joined the Cia Paulista de Dança (São Paulo, SP, Brazil).
During the 21-22 season, she joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company. With the Company, she performed in Les Patineurs, The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, Juan Gabriel, and Round: Reimagined For A New Stage. She also performed in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Bourree Fantasque. With The School, she performed in excerpts of Raymonda and The Sleeping Beauty. She joined the Company as an apprentice for the 22-23 season.
Leticia Endler
From: Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil
Leticia is originally from Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil. She studied at Ballet Zulma Emrich (Anápolis, GO, Brazil). After graduation, she joined the Cia Paulista de Dança (São Paulo, SP, Brazil).
During the 21-22 season, she joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company. With the Company, she performed in Les Patineurs, The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, Juan Gabriel, and Round: Reimagined For A New Stage. She also performed in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Bourree Fantasque. With The School, she performed in excerpts of Raymonda and The Sleeping Beauty. She joined the Company as an apprentice for the 22-23 season.
Rachel Gehr
From: Westfield, Indiana
Rachel began her ballet training at Central Indiana Academy of Dance under the direction of Suzann DeLay. She spent her summers attending summer programs at Ballet West, School of American Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Rachel attended Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. There, she was awarded the Premier Young Artist Scholarship Award. She graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Ballet and an Outside Field in Arts Management. Among her instructors were Kyra Nichols, Carla Körbes, Michael Vernon, Sarah Wroth, and Sasha Janes. During her time at IU, she performed in George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante, Valse Fantaisie and La Source, as well as Jerome Robbins’ Antique Epigraphs and The Concert, and Michael Vernon’s The Nutcracker.
With Ballet Arizona, she has performed in Bournonville’s Pas de Sept and Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker.
Rachel Gehr
From: Westfield, Indiana
Rachel began her ballet training at Central Indiana Academy of Dance under the direction of Suzann DeLay. She spent her summers attending summer programs at Ballet West, School of American Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Rachel attended Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. There, she was awarded the Premier Young Artist Scholarship Award. She graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Ballet and an Outside Field in Arts Management. Among her instructors were Kyra Nichols, Carla Körbes, Michael Vernon, Sarah Wroth, and Sasha Janes. During her time at IU, she performed in George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante, Valse Fantaisie and La Source, as well as Jerome Robbins’ Antique Epigraphs and The Concert, and Michael Vernon’s The Nutcracker.
With Ballet Arizona, she has performed in Bournonville’s Pas de Sept and Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker.
Rachel Gehr
From: Westfield, Indiana
Rachel began her ballet training at Central Indiana Academy of Dance under the direction of Suzann DeLay. She spent her summers attending summer programs at Ballet West, School of American Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Rachel attended Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. There, she was awarded the Premier Young Artist Scholarship Award. She graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Ballet and an Outside Field in Arts Management. Among her instructors were Kyra Nichols, Carla Körbes, Michael Vernon, Sarah Wroth, and Sasha Janes. During her time at IU, she performed in George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante, Valse Fantaisie and La Source, as well as Jerome Robbins’ Antique Epigraphs and The Concert, and Michael Vernon’s The Nutcracker.
With Ballet Arizona, she has performed in Bournonville’s Pas de Sept and Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker.
Marco Giuriato
From: Budapest, Hungary
Marco Giuriato is originally from Budapest, Hungary and started studying ballet at Hungarian Dance University in Budapest at the age of 10, where he trained for 6 years. During his time in Europe, he trained at Edas Siba Salzburg Ballet Summer Intensive on scholarship in Salzburg, Austria in 2015. The following summer, he performed in the Hungarian Dance University’s productions of Romeo and Juliet and Carmen and with a number of Slovenian ballet companies in Piran, Slovenia. He then began his training at the Vaganova Ballet Academy in Saint Petersburg, Russia. In 2022, he received a full scholarship for the summer intensive and the year-round program at Miami City Ballet School. There, he performed in The Four Temperaments with the school and in Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story with Miami City Ballet.
In addition to ballet, he is a makeup artist and works with the world-famous cellist, Hauser. In addition, he has worked on photo and video shoots, was a leader at Miss Royal Hungary’s beauty competition, a makeup artist with EuropeFace Model Agency, and L’Oreal Paris. He also started teaching at Glamour Makeup International Academy in Budapest, Hungary. He joined the Company as a Trainee for the 2023-24 season.
Marco Giuriato
From: Budapest, Hungary
Marco Giuriato is originally from Budapest, Hungary and started studying ballet at Hungarian Dance University in Budapest at the age of 10, where he trained for 6 years. During his time in Europe, he trained at Edas Siba Salzburg Ballet Summer Intensive on scholarship in Salzburg, Austria in 2015. The following summer, he performed in the Hungarian Dance University’s productions of Romeo and Juliet and Carmen and with a number of Slovenian ballet companies in Piran, Slovenia. He then began his training at the Vaganova Ballet Academy in Saint Petersburg, Russia. In 2022, he received a full scholarship for the summer intensive and the year-round program at Miami City Ballet School. There, he performed in The Four Temperaments with the school and in Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story with Miami City Ballet.
In addition to ballet, he is a makeup artist and works with the world-famous cellist, Hauser. In addition, he has worked on photo and video shoots, was a leader at Miss Royal Hungary’s beauty competition, a makeup artist with EuropeFace Model Agency, and L’Oreal Paris. He also started teaching at Glamour Makeup International Academy in Budapest, Hungary. He joined the Company as a Trainee for the 2023-24 season.
Marco Giuriato
From: Budapest, Hungary
Marco Giuriato is originally from Budapest, Hungary and started studying ballet at Hungarian Dance University in Budapest at the age of 10, where he trained for 6 years. During his time in Europe, he trained at Edas Siba Salzburg Ballet Summer Intensive on scholarship in Salzburg, Austria in 2015. The following summer, he performed in the Hungarian Dance University’s productions of Romeo and Juliet and Carmen and with a number of Slovenian ballet companies in Piran, Slovenia. He then began his training at the Vaganova Ballet Academy in Saint Petersburg, Russia. In 2022, he received a full scholarship for the summer intensive and the year-round program at Miami City Ballet School. There, he performed in The Four Temperaments with the school and in Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story with Miami City Ballet.
In addition to ballet, he is a makeup artist and works with the world-famous cellist, Hauser. In addition, he has worked on photo and video shoots, was a leader at Miss Royal Hungary’s beauty competition, a makeup artist with EuropeFace Model Agency, and L’Oreal Paris. He also started teaching at Glamour Makeup International Academy in Budapest, Hungary. He joined the Company as a Trainee for the 2023-24 season.
Genevieve Heron
From: Oxfordshire, England
Genevieve grew up in Oxfordshire, England and trained at the Royal Ballet School and Elmhurst School for Dance.
Since graduating in 2015, she has performed with the New English Ballet Theatre, Northern Ballet, Royal Swedish Ballet, English National Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet. She was also a cast member in the Original London Company of Christopher Wheeldon’s ‘An American in Paris’ before touring with the show across Asia and to the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Genevieve Heron
From: Oxfordshire, England
Genevieve grew up in Oxfordshire, England and trained at the Royal Ballet School and Elmhurst School for Dance.
Since graduating in 2015, she has performed with the New English Ballet Theatre, Northern Ballet, Royal Swedish Ballet, English National Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet. She was also a cast member in the Original London Company of Christopher Wheeldon’s ‘An American in Paris’ before touring with the show across Asia and to the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Genevieve Heron
From: Oxfordshire, England
Genevieve grew up in Oxfordshire, England and trained at the Royal Ballet School and Elmhurst School for Dance.
Since graduating in 2015, she has performed with the New English Ballet Theatre, Northern Ballet, Royal Swedish Ballet, English National Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet. She was also a cast member in the Original London Company of Christopher Wheeldon’s ‘An American in Paris’ before touring with the show across Asia and to the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
Nayon Iovino
From: Goiania, Brazil
Nayon began dancing at age 10 under the instruction of Gisela Vaz at Studio Dancarte Brazil. At age 17, he was awarded a full scholarship to begin training with The Washington School of Ballet with Kee Juan Han and Carlos Valcárcel. In 2009 he joined Houston Ballet II and was featured in Stanton Welch’s Fingerprints, Blue, Long and Winding Road, Red Earth and Tales of Texas. In 2010 Nayon joined The Washington Ballet where he performed soloist roles in Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker, The Great Gatsby, and in Twyla Tharp’s Sinatra Songs, Push Comes to Shove and Surfer at the River Rocks. His accomplishments include finalist at the 2008 Youth America Grand Prix, the bronze medal at the 2009 Youth America Grand Prix and in 2012 he was awarded the gold medal at the World Ballet Competition in Orlando. As a guest artist, he has performed with Terra Brazil touring throughout Germany and France. Nayon joined Ballet Arizona in 2012. Since joining Ballet Arizona in 2012 Nayon has performed in George Balanchine’s “Rubies” (from Jewels) at The Chicago Dancing Festival and Balanchine’s Serenade and Stravinsky Violin Concerto at Ballet Under the Stars.
Nayon Iovino
From: Goiania, Brazil
Nayon began dancing at age 10 under the instruction of Gisela Vaz at Studio Dancarte Brazil. At age 17, he was awarded a full scholarship to begin training with The Washington School of Ballet with Kee Juan Han and Carlos Valcárcel. In 2009 he joined Houston Ballet II and was featured in Stanton Welch’s Fingerprints, Blue, Long and Winding Road, Red Earth and Tales of Texas. In 2010 Nayon joined The Washington Ballet where he performed soloist roles in Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker, The Great Gatsby, and in Twyla Tharp’s Sinatra Songs, Push Comes to Shove and Surfer at the River Rocks. His accomplishments include finalist at the 2008 Youth America Grand Prix, the bronze medal at the 2009 Youth America Grand Prix and in 2012 he was awarded the gold medal at the World Ballet Competition in Orlando. As a guest artist, he has performed with Terra Brazil touring throughout Germany and France. Nayon joined Ballet Arizona in 2012. Since joining Ballet Arizona in 2012 Nayon has performed in George Balanchine’s “Rubies” (from Jewels) at The Chicago Dancing Festival and Balanchine’s Serenade and Stravinsky Violin Concerto at Ballet Under the Stars.
Nayon Iovino
From: Goiania, Brazil
Nayon began dancing at age 10 under the instruction of Gisela Vaz at Studio Dancarte Brazil. At age 17, he was awarded a full scholarship to begin training with The Washington School of Ballet with Kee Juan Han and Carlos Valcárcel. In 2009 he joined Houston Ballet II and was featured in Stanton Welch’s Fingerprints, Blue, Long and Winding Road, Red Earth and Tales of Texas. In 2010 Nayon joined The Washington Ballet where he performed soloist roles in Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker, The Great Gatsby, and in Twyla Tharp’s Sinatra Songs, Push Comes to Shove and Surfer at the River Rocks. His accomplishments include finalist at the 2008 Youth America Grand Prix, the bronze medal at the 2009 Youth America Grand Prix and in 2012 he was awarded the gold medal at the World Ballet Competition in Orlando. As a guest artist, he has performed with Terra Brazil touring throughout Germany and France. Nayon joined Ballet Arizona in 2012. Since joining Ballet Arizona in 2012 Nayon has performed in George Balanchine’s “Rubies” (from Jewels) at The Chicago Dancing Festival and Balanchine’s Serenade and Stravinsky Violin Concerto at Ballet Under the Stars.
Jordan Islas
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Jordan Islas was born and raised in Phoenix AZ.
He has been dancing with The School of Ballet Arizona for 7 years. Prior to attending The School, he danced with Miss. Lloyd at Clarendon Former Ballet Program.
Outside of ballet, Jordan enjoys running, gaming, hanging out with his friends, and reading manga. He is looking forward to dancing with the company this season and growing his skills as a dancer.
Jordan Islas
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Jordan Islas was born and raised in Phoenix AZ.
He has been dancing with The School of Ballet Arizona for 7 years. Prior to attending The School, he danced with Miss. Lloyd at Clarendon Former Ballet Program.
Outside of ballet, Jordan enjoys running, gaming, hanging out with his friends, and reading manga. He is looking forward to dancing with the company this season and growing his skills as a dancer.
Jordan Islas
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Jordan Islas was born and raised in Phoenix AZ.
He has been dancing with The School of Ballet Arizona for 7 years. Prior to attending The School, he danced with Miss. Lloyd at Clarendon Former Ballet Program.
Outside of ballet, Jordan enjoys running, gaming, hanging out with his friends, and reading manga. He is looking forward to dancing with the company this season and growing his skills as a dancer.
Eastlyn Jensen
From: Ridgefield, Connecticut
Eastlyn Jensen grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut. She began her ballet training at The Studio at Ballet Etudes in Norwalk, Connecticut under the direction of Nanette Vallas. At the age of 13, she was promoted to the pre-professional division becoming a member of the Ballet Etudes Company. She was granted the opportunity to choreograph a contemporary piece for the graduating senior class which was performed at the end-of-year performance. Along with The Studio’s summer intensives, Eastlyn has continued her summer training at American Ballet Theatre, The School of American Ballet, Chautauqua Institution’s dance program, Houston Ballet, Ballet West, and The School of Ballet Arizona. She joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company in the 2018-2019 season.
Eastlyn Jensen
From: Ridgefield, Connecticut
Eastlyn Jensen grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut. She began her ballet training at The Studio at Ballet Etudes in Norwalk, Connecticut under the direction of Nanette Vallas. At the age of 13, she was promoted to the pre-professional division becoming a member of the Ballet Etudes Company. She was granted the opportunity to choreograph a contemporary piece for the graduating senior class which was performed at the end-of-year performance. Along with The Studio’s summer intensives, Eastlyn has continued her summer training at American Ballet Theatre, The School of American Ballet, Chautauqua Institution’s dance program, Houston Ballet, Ballet West, and The School of Ballet Arizona. She joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company in the 2018-2019 season.
Eastlyn Jensen
From: Ridgefield, Connecticut
Eastlyn Jensen grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut. She began her ballet training at The Studio at Ballet Etudes in Norwalk, Connecticut under the direction of Nanette Vallas. At the age of 13, she was promoted to the pre-professional division becoming a member of the Ballet Etudes Company. She was granted the opportunity to choreograph a contemporary piece for the graduating senior class which was performed at the end-of-year performance. Along with The Studio’s summer intensives, Eastlyn has continued her summer training at American Ballet Theatre, The School of American Ballet, Chautauqua Institution’s dance program, Houston Ballet, Ballet West, and The School of Ballet Arizona. She joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company in the 2018-2019 season.
Helio Lima
From: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Follow Helio Lima on Instagram
Helio Lima was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and started dancing at the age of 10. He studied with Patricia Salgado at Escola de Dança Petite Danse in Rio de Janeiro for nine years. In 2009 he was placed amongst the top ten finalists of the Youth America Grand Prix and was awarded the Sir Logan Campbell ballet award. He was also awarded scholarships to Washington Ballet School and The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School but accepted the Jerome Robbins Foundation Scholarship to study full-time at the New Zealand School of Dance. At the end of 2010, he joined The Western Australian Ballet Company, for Marcia Haydée’s season of Sleeping Beauty, under Ivan Cavallari. In 2011 Helio was offered a place with Royal New Zealand Ballet Company under Ethan Stiefel. In 2014 Helio was offered a contract with the Boston Ballet Company, under Mikko Nissinen. Today Helio currently dances as one of Ballet Arizona’s Principal dancers.
Some of Helio’s highlight performances include Albrecht, from Johan Kobborg and Ethan Stiefel’s production of Giselle, Dream Pas in Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias, Blue Bird in Marcia Haydée’s Sleeping Beauty, and several works under the direction of Ib Andersen including Romeo, from Romeo and Juliet, Solor from Bayadère, Prince Désiré from Sleeping Beauty, Franz from Coppélia, Prince Seigfried from Swan Lake and the Prince from Cinderella. Helio has also had the privilege to dance in a principal role in the following works by George Balanchine: Rubies from Jewels, Square Dance, Symphony in Three Movements, Agon and La Sonnambula.
Helio Lima
From: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Follow Helio Lima on Instagram
Helio Lima was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and started dancing at the age of 10. He studied with Patricia Salgado at Escola de Dança Petite Danse in Rio de Janeiro for nine years. In 2009 he was placed amongst the top ten finalists of the Youth America Grand Prix and was awarded the Sir Logan Campbell ballet award. He was also awarded scholarships to Washington Ballet School and The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School but accepted the Jerome Robbins Foundation Scholarship to study full-time at the New Zealand School of Dance. At the end of 2010, he joined The Western Australian Ballet Company, for Marcia Haydée’s season of Sleeping Beauty, under Ivan Cavallari. In 2011 Helio was offered a place with Royal New Zealand Ballet Company under Ethan Stiefel. In 2014 Helio was offered a contract with the Boston Ballet Company, under Mikko Nissinen. Today Helio currently dances as one of Ballet Arizona’s Principal dancers.
Some of Helio’s highlight performances include Albrecht, from Johan Kobborg and Ethan Stiefel’s production of Giselle, Dream Pas in Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias, Blue Bird in Marcia Haydée’s Sleeping Beauty, and several works under the direction of Ib Andersen including Romeo, from Romeo and Juliet, Solor from Bayadère, Prince Désiré from Sleeping Beauty, Franz from Coppélia, Prince Seigfried from Swan Lake and the Prince from Cinderella. Helio has also had the privilege to dance in a principal role in the following works by George Balanchine: Rubies from Jewels, Square Dance, Symphony in Three Movements, Agon and La Sonnambula.
Helio Lima
From: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Follow Helio Lima on Instagram
Helio Lima was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and started dancing at the age of 10. He studied with Patricia Salgado at Escola de Dança Petite Danse in Rio de Janeiro for nine years. In 2009 he was placed amongst the top ten finalists of the Youth America Grand Prix and was awarded the Sir Logan Campbell ballet award. He was also awarded scholarships to Washington Ballet School and The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School but accepted the Jerome Robbins Foundation Scholarship to study full-time at the New Zealand School of Dance. At the end of 2010, he joined The Western Australian Ballet Company, for Marcia Haydée’s season of Sleeping Beauty, under Ivan Cavallari. In 2011 Helio was offered a place with Royal New Zealand Ballet Company under Ethan Stiefel. In 2014 Helio was offered a contract with the Boston Ballet Company, under Mikko Nissinen. Today Helio currently dances as one of Ballet Arizona’s Principal dancers.
Some of Helio’s highlight performances include Albrecht, from Johan Kobborg and Ethan Stiefel’s production of Giselle, Dream Pas in Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias, Blue Bird in Marcia Haydée’s Sleeping Beauty, and several works under the direction of Ib Andersen including Romeo, from Romeo and Juliet, Solor from Bayadère, Prince Désiré from Sleeping Beauty, Franz from Coppélia, Prince Seigfried from Swan Lake and the Prince from Cinderella. Helio has also had the privilege to dance in a principal role in the following works by George Balanchine: Rubies from Jewels, Square Dance, Symphony in Three Movements, Agon and La Sonnambula.
Katherine Loxtercamp
From: Bemidji, Minnesota
Katherine was born in Brooklyn, New York, but grew up in Bemidji, Minnesota. She began her ballet training at First City Dance Studio, and then at the Reif Center in Grand Rapids, Minnesota under the direction of Daniel and Julie Blake. She then moved to Maryland when she was 16 to continue training at the Maryland Youth Ballet. Before joining the Company, Katherine danced with the Ballet Arizona Studio Company.
Some of the ballets she has performed in are Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère, Raymonda, Coppélia, The Nutcracker, Walpurgisnacht, Symphony in 3 Movements, Western Symphony, and Agon.
Katherine Loxtercamp
From: Bemidji, Minnesota
Katherine was born in Brooklyn, New York, but grew up in Bemidji, Minnesota. She began her ballet training at First City Dance Studio, and then at the Reif Center in Grand Rapids, Minnesota under the direction of Daniel and Julie Blake. She then moved to Maryland when she was 16 to continue training at the Maryland Youth Ballet. Before joining the Company, Katherine danced with the Ballet Arizona Studio Company.
Some of the ballets she has performed in are Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère, Raymonda, Coppélia, The Nutcracker, Walpurgisnacht, Symphony in 3 Movements, Western Symphony, and Agon.
Katherine Loxtercamp
From: Bemidji, Minnesota
Katherine was born in Brooklyn, New York, but grew up in Bemidji, Minnesota. She began her ballet training at First City Dance Studio, and then at the Reif Center in Grand Rapids, Minnesota under the direction of Daniel and Julie Blake. She then moved to Maryland when she was 16 to continue training at the Maryland Youth Ballet. Before joining the Company, Katherine danced with the Ballet Arizona Studio Company.
Some of the ballets she has performed in are Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère, Raymonda, Coppélia, The Nutcracker, Walpurgisnacht, Symphony in 3 Movements, Western Symphony, and Agon.
Atsunari Matsuyama
From: Yamaguchi, Japan
Atsunari Matsuyama began his ballet training at six years old. For years, he participated in several ballet competitions in Japan. At the Tokyo City Ballet competition, he was awarded a scholarship to the San Francisco Ballet School. At fifteen, he moved to the United States to train with them full-time. There, he participated in productions with the school and company.
Atsunari joined the Ballet Arizona Studio Company for the 2019-2020 season and performed principal roles with the school and roles with the company.
Some of his repertory at Ballet Arizona includes Balanchine’s Theme and Variations, Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker and A Midsummer’s Night Dream.
Atsunari Matsuyama
From: Yamaguchi, Japan
Atsunari Matsuyama began his ballet training at six years old. For years, he participated in several ballet competitions in Japan. At the Tokyo City Ballet competition, he was awarded a scholarship to the San Francisco Ballet School. At fifteen, he moved to the United States to train with them full-time. There, he participated in productions with the school and company.
Atsunari joined the Ballet Arizona Studio Company for the 2019-2020 season and performed principal roles with the school and roles with the company.
Some of his repertory at Ballet Arizona includes Balanchine’s Theme and Variations, Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker and A Midsummer’s Night Dream.
Atsunari Matsuyama
From: Yamaguchi, Japan
Atsunari Matsuyama began his ballet training at six years old. For years, he participated in several ballet competitions in Japan. At the Tokyo City Ballet competition, he was awarded a scholarship to the San Francisco Ballet School. At fifteen, he moved to the United States to train with them full-time. There, he participated in productions with the school and company.
Atsunari joined the Ballet Arizona Studio Company for the 2019-2020 season and performed principal roles with the school and roles with the company.
Some of his repertory at Ballet Arizona includes Balanchine’s Theme and Variations, Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker and A Midsummer’s Night Dream.
Katelyn May
From: Lake Oswego, Oregon
Katelyn started dancing when she was 7 at June Taylor’s School of Dance. There, she completed all examinations in the Royal Academy of Dance curriculum.
In 2006, she moved to Houston to join Houston Ballet’s professional school, Houston Ballet II, for two years before joining the main company in 2008. While with Houston Ballet, she originated many soloist roles in ballets by Artistic Director Stanton Welch, including roles in Maninyas, Marie, Romeo and Juliet, and Tapestry. Other memorable roles with Houston Ballet include Christopher Bruce’s Ghost Dances and Rooster, Alexander Ekman’s Cacti, and Wayne McGregor’s Dyad 1929.
In 2017, she moved to Sarasota to join The Sarasota Ballet of Florida. There, she had the opportunity to dance principal roles in Sir Fredrick Ashton’s works, such as Meditation from Thaïs, “Titania” in The Dream, and Rhapsody. Other notable experiences include leading roles in Paul Taylor’s Airs and Brandenburgs, Martha Graham’s Appalachian Spring, and David Bintley’s Still Life at the Penguin Café.
Katelyn May
From: Lake Oswego, Oregon
Katelyn started dancing when she was 7 at June Taylor’s School of Dance. There, she completed all examinations in the Royal Academy of Dance curriculum.
In 2006, she moved to Houston to join Houston Ballet’s professional school, Houston Ballet II, for two years before joining the main company in 2008. While with Houston Ballet, she originated many soloist roles in ballets by Artistic Director Stanton Welch, including roles in Maninyas, Marie, Romeo and Juliet, and Tapestry. Other memorable roles with Houston Ballet include Christopher Bruce’s Ghost Dances and Rooster, Alexander Ekman’s Cacti, and Wayne McGregor’s Dyad 1929.
In 2017, she moved to Sarasota to join The Sarasota Ballet of Florida. There, she had the opportunity to dance principal roles in Sir Fredrick Ashton’s works, such as Meditation from Thaïs, “Titania” in The Dream, and Rhapsody. Other notable experiences include leading roles in Paul Taylor’s Airs and Brandenburgs, Martha Graham’s Appalachian Spring, and David Bintley’s Still Life at the Penguin Café.
Katelyn May
From: Lake Oswego, Oregon
Katelyn started dancing when she was 7 at June Taylor’s School of Dance. There, she completed all examinations in the Royal Academy of Dance curriculum.
In 2006, she moved to Houston to join Houston Ballet’s professional school, Houston Ballet II, for two years before joining the main company in 2008. While with Houston Ballet, she originated many soloist roles in ballets by Artistic Director Stanton Welch, including roles in Maninyas, Marie, Romeo and Juliet, and Tapestry. Other memorable roles with Houston Ballet include Christopher Bruce’s Ghost Dances and Rooster, Alexander Ekman’s Cacti, and Wayne McGregor’s Dyad 1929.
In 2017, she moved to Sarasota to join The Sarasota Ballet of Florida. There, she had the opportunity to dance principal roles in Sir Fredrick Ashton’s works, such as Meditation from Thaïs, “Titania” in The Dream, and Rhapsody. Other notable experiences include leading roles in Paul Taylor’s Airs and Brandenburgs, Martha Graham’s Appalachian Spring, and David Bintley’s Still Life at the Penguin Café.
Erin Mesaros
From: Eagle, Michigan
Erin Mesaros began her dance training at the age of five near her hometown in Eagle, Michigan. In 2015, she accepted a full scholarship as a trainee with the Orlando Ballet School and later joined the Orlando Ballet Second Company in 2016. During her time in Orlando, she performed in many of the company’s productions, such as Giselle, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, as well as, Michael Pink’s Dracula, Arcadian Broad’s Beauty and the Beast, and George Balanchine’s Serenade. In 2018, she joined San Diego Ballet as a company member, where she got to perform many lead roles and pas de deux’s in Javier Velasco’s choreographies, such as Rhapsody on a Theme, Don Quixote Grand Pas de Deux, and Que Bonito Amor.
Erin Mesaros
From: Eagle, Michigan
Erin Mesaros began her dance training at the age of five near her hometown in Eagle, Michigan. In 2015, she accepted a full scholarship as a trainee with the Orlando Ballet School and later joined the Orlando Ballet Second Company in 2016. During her time in Orlando, she performed in many of the company’s productions, such as Giselle, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, as well as, Michael Pink’s Dracula, Arcadian Broad’s Beauty and the Beast, and George Balanchine’s Serenade. In 2018, she joined San Diego Ballet as a company member, where she got to perform many lead roles and pas de deux’s in Javier Velasco’s choreographies, such as Rhapsody on a Theme, Don Quixote Grand Pas de Deux, and Que Bonito Amor.
Erin Mesaros
From: Eagle, Michigan
Erin Mesaros began her dance training at the age of five near her hometown in Eagle, Michigan. In 2015, she accepted a full scholarship as a trainee with the Orlando Ballet School and later joined the Orlando Ballet Second Company in 2016. During her time in Orlando, she performed in many of the company’s productions, such as Giselle, Don Quixote, Swan Lake, as well as, Michael Pink’s Dracula, Arcadian Broad’s Beauty and the Beast, and George Balanchine’s Serenade. In 2018, she joined San Diego Ballet as a company member, where she got to perform many lead roles and pas de deux’s in Javier Velasco’s choreographies, such as Rhapsody on a Theme, Don Quixote Grand Pas de Deux, and Que Bonito Amor.
Luis Olivera
From: Montevideo, Uruguay
Originally from a small town in Montevideo, Uruguay, he started studying ballet at the National School of Dance (Sodre) in Montevideo at the age of 15, where he trained for a year and a half.
During his time there, he participated in Coppelia, Don Quixote, and The Nutcracker with Ballet Nacional Sodre. In 2017, during his second year studying ballet, he won a full scholarship for the summer intensive at Miami City Ballet School. He then trained there for four and a half years, performing in the Company’s productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Firebird.
In 2021, Luis joined the Ballet Arizona Studio Company, performing in George Balanchine’s Slaughter in Tenth Avenue, Serenade, Bourree Fantasque, and Ib Andersen’s Round: Reimagined For A New Stage. He also performed in The School of Ballet Arizona’s production of The Sleeping Beauty, performing as the Bluebird. He joined the Company as an apprentice in 2022.
Luis Olivera
From: Montevideo, Uruguay
Originally from a small town in Montevideo, Uruguay, he started studying ballet at the National School of Dance (Sodre) in Montevideo at the age of 15, where he trained for a year and a half.
During his time there, he participated in Coppelia, Don Quixote, and The Nutcracker with Ballet Nacional Sodre. In 2017, during his second year studying ballet, he won a full scholarship for the summer intensive at Miami City Ballet School. He then trained there for four and a half years, performing in the Company’s productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Firebird.
In 2021, Luis joined the Ballet Arizona Studio Company, performing in George Balanchine’s Slaughter in Tenth Avenue, Serenade, Bourree Fantasque, and Ib Andersen’s Round: Reimagined For A New Stage. He also performed in The School of Ballet Arizona’s production of The Sleeping Beauty, performing as the Bluebird. He joined the Company as an apprentice in 2022.
Luis Olivera
From: Montevideo, Uruguay
Originally from a small town in Montevideo, Uruguay, he started studying ballet at the National School of Dance (Sodre) in Montevideo at the age of 15, where he trained for a year and a half.
During his time there, he participated in Coppelia, Don Quixote, and The Nutcracker with Ballet Nacional Sodre. In 2017, during his second year studying ballet, he won a full scholarship for the summer intensive at Miami City Ballet School. He then trained there for four and a half years, performing in the Company’s productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Firebird.
In 2021, Luis joined the Ballet Arizona Studio Company, performing in George Balanchine’s Slaughter in Tenth Avenue, Serenade, Bourree Fantasque, and Ib Andersen’s Round: Reimagined For A New Stage. He also performed in The School of Ballet Arizona’s production of The Sleeping Beauty, performing as the Bluebird. He joined the Company as an apprentice in 2022.
Randy Pacheco
From: Camagüey, Cuba
Randy Pacheco was born in Camaguey, Cuba. He first began his ballet training at the age of nine at the Vocational School of Art of Camaguey Luis Casas Romero. He continued his ballet training at Vincentia de la Torre School. After graduation, Randy joined the Ballet of Camaguey as Corps de Ballet. His work as a performer over the next four years ultimately culminated in him being promoted to Soloist in 2012. In 2013 Randy was invited by Darius Blajer to join the Ballet of Jalisco in Mexico as a Soloist. He joined Ballet Arizona in 2015.
Repertoire Highlights: In Creases, Coppélia, Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, Flames of Paris, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Carmen, Majisimo, Fille mal Gardee, Scheherezade, Romeo and Juliet, Konservatoriet, Symphonie Classique, Who Cares, Rubies, Agon, Walpurgisnacht, Symphony in Three Movements, and The Firebird.
Randy Pacheco
From: Camagüey, Cuba
Randy Pacheco was born in Camaguey, Cuba. He first began his ballet training at the age of nine at the Vocational School of Art of Camaguey Luis Casas Romero. He continued his ballet training at Vincentia de la Torre School. After graduation, Randy joined the Ballet of Camaguey as Corps de Ballet. His work as a performer over the next four years ultimately culminated in him being promoted to Soloist in 2012. In 2013 Randy was invited by Darius Blajer to join the Ballet of Jalisco in Mexico as a Soloist. He joined Ballet Arizona in 2015.
Repertoire Highlights: In Creases, Coppélia, Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, Flames of Paris, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Carmen, Majisimo, Fille mal Gardee, Scheherezade, Romeo and Juliet, Konservatoriet, Symphonie Classique, Who Cares, Rubies, Agon, Walpurgisnacht, Symphony in Three Movements, and The Firebird.
Randy Pacheco
From: Camagüey, Cuba
Randy Pacheco was born in Camaguey, Cuba. He first began his ballet training at the age of nine at the Vocational School of Art of Camaguey Luis Casas Romero. He continued his ballet training at Vincentia de la Torre School. After graduation, Randy joined the Ballet of Camaguey as Corps de Ballet. His work as a performer over the next four years ultimately culminated in him being promoted to Soloist in 2012. In 2013 Randy was invited by Darius Blajer to join the Ballet of Jalisco in Mexico as a Soloist. He joined Ballet Arizona in 2015.
Repertoire Highlights: In Creases, Coppélia, Swan Lake, Giselle, Don Quixote, Flames of Paris, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Carmen, Majisimo, Fille mal Gardee, Scheherezade, Romeo and Juliet, Konservatoriet, Symphonie Classique, Who Cares, Rubies, Agon, Walpurgisnacht, Symphony in Three Movements, and The Firebird.
Ethan Price
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Ethan was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He began dancing in the School of Ballet Arizona where he received his classical ballet training, as well as taking summer programs at both State Street Ballet and The Kirov Academy of Ballet. Later he would be granted a spot in Ballet Arizona’s studio company where he would continue training and performing with the company. In 2016, he entered the main company where he would do featured roles in such ballets as The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Napoli, Les Patineurs, The Nutcracker, George Balanchine’s Symphony in Three Movements, George Balanchine’s Emeralds, and a number of Ib Anderson’s works including Round, Eroica, Romeo and Juliet, Indigo Rhapsody, Preludes and Fugues and The Fire Bird.
Ethan Price
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Ethan was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He began dancing in the School of Ballet Arizona where he received his classical ballet training, as well as taking summer programs at both State Street Ballet and The Kirov Academy of Ballet. Later he would be granted a spot in Ballet Arizona’s studio company where he would continue training and performing with the company. In 2016, he entered the main company where he would do featured roles in such ballets as The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Napoli, Les Patineurs, The Nutcracker, George Balanchine’s Symphony in Three Movements, George Balanchine’s Emeralds, and a number of Ib Anderson’s works including Round, Eroica, Romeo and Juliet, Indigo Rhapsody, Preludes and Fugues and The Fire Bird.
Ethan Price
From: Phoenix, Arizona
Ethan was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He began dancing in the School of Ballet Arizona where he received his classical ballet training, as well as taking summer programs at both State Street Ballet and The Kirov Academy of Ballet. Later he would be granted a spot in Ballet Arizona’s studio company where he would continue training and performing with the company. In 2016, he entered the main company where he would do featured roles in such ballets as The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Napoli, Les Patineurs, The Nutcracker, George Balanchine’s Symphony in Three Movements, George Balanchine’s Emeralds, and a number of Ib Anderson’s works including Round, Eroica, Romeo and Juliet, Indigo Rhapsody, Preludes and Fugues and The Fire Bird.
Trey Puckett
From: Spokane, Washington
Trey started dancing at the age of 10 in their hometown studio, Spokane WA. Trey trained at small hometown studios, such as Spokane Ballet Studio, Dance Center of Spokane, Moses Lake Dance Academy, and Huntsville Ballet Company.
At the age of 17, he moved to start seriously training at CPYB (Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet) until they graduated. They moved to train more in the Balanchine technique at Miami City Ballet, where they performed Firebird, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and George Balanchine’s Who Cares.
Trey came to Ballet Arizona in the summer of 2021 and joined as a Studio Company dancer for the 21-22 season. With the Company, he performed in Les Patineurs, The Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet, Juan Gabriel, and Round: Reimagined for a New Stage. They also performed in George Balanchine’s Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Slaughter on 10th Avenue, and Serenade. With The School of Ballet Arizona, they performed excerpts of Raymonda as well as The Sleeping Beauty. They joined the Company as an apprentice for the 22-23 season.
Trey Puckett
From: Spokane, Washington
Trey started dancing at the age of 10 in their hometown studio, Spokane WA. Trey trained at small hometown studios, such as Spokane Ballet Studio, Dance Center of Spokane, Moses Lake Dance Academy, and Huntsville Ballet Company.
At the age of 17, he moved to start seriously training at CPYB (Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet) until they graduated. They moved to train more in the Balanchine technique at Miami City Ballet, where they performed Firebird, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and George Balanchine’s Who Cares.
Trey came to Ballet Arizona in the summer of 2021 and joined as a Studio Company dancer for the 21-22 season. With the Company, he performed in Les Patineurs, The Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet, Juan Gabriel, and Round: Reimagined for a New Stage. They also performed in George Balanchine’s Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Slaughter on 10th Avenue, and Serenade. With The School of Ballet Arizona, they performed excerpts of Raymonda as well as The Sleeping Beauty. They joined the Company as an apprentice for the 22-23 season.
Trey Puckett
From: Spokane, Washington
Trey started dancing at the age of 10 in their hometown studio, Spokane WA. Trey trained at small hometown studios, such as Spokane Ballet Studio, Dance Center of Spokane, Moses Lake Dance Academy, and Huntsville Ballet Company.
At the age of 17, he moved to start seriously training at CPYB (Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet) until they graduated. They moved to train more in the Balanchine technique at Miami City Ballet, where they performed Firebird, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and George Balanchine’s Who Cares.
Trey came to Ballet Arizona in the summer of 2021 and joined as a Studio Company dancer for the 21-22 season. With the Company, he performed in Les Patineurs, The Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet, Juan Gabriel, and Round: Reimagined for a New Stage. They also performed in George Balanchine’s Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Slaughter on 10th Avenue, and Serenade. With The School of Ballet Arizona, they performed excerpts of Raymonda as well as The Sleeping Beauty. They joined the Company as an apprentice for the 22-23 season.
Natalie Ramirez
From: Riverside, California
Natalie began dancing at Inland Pacific Ballet Academy in Montclair, California, under the direction of Victoria Koenig and Jill Voznick.
In 2016, Natalie moved to Massachusetts to train as a pre-professional program student at the Boston Ballet School. She then joined the School of Ballet Arizona’s pre-professional program in 2018. In addition, Natalie furthered her training by attending the following summer intensives under scholarship: Pacific Northwest Ballet, School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet School, and the School of Ballet Arizona. In 2019, she was accepted into Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company. Natalie then joined the company in 2020.
Natalie Ramirez
From: Riverside, California
Natalie began dancing at Inland Pacific Ballet Academy in Montclair, California, under the direction of Victoria Koenig and Jill Voznick.
In 2016, Natalie moved to Massachusetts to train as a pre-professional program student at the Boston Ballet School. She then joined the School of Ballet Arizona’s pre-professional program in 2018. In addition, Natalie furthered her training by attending the following summer intensives under scholarship: Pacific Northwest Ballet, School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet School, and the School of Ballet Arizona. In 2019, she was accepted into Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company. Natalie then joined the company in 2020.
Natalie Ramirez
From: Riverside, California
Natalie began dancing at Inland Pacific Ballet Academy in Montclair, California, under the direction of Victoria Koenig and Jill Voznick.
In 2016, Natalie moved to Massachusetts to train as a pre-professional program student at the Boston Ballet School. She then joined the School of Ballet Arizona’s pre-professional program in 2018. In addition, Natalie furthered her training by attending the following summer intensives under scholarship: Pacific Northwest Ballet, School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet School, and the School of Ballet Arizona. In 2019, she was accepted into Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company. Natalie then joined the company in 2020.
Alison Remmers
From: Sudbury, Massachusetts
Alison’s passion for ballet began at the tender age of five after her first performance in The Nutcracker. She began her training at Walnut Hill School for the Arts Community Dance Academy and was then accepted, with a scholarship, into Walnut Hill’s full-time high school under the direction of Michael Owen. After graduation, Alison was offered a scholarship to attend Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Professional Division under the direction of Peter Boal. While at PNB, Alison performed in various company productions including Diamonds and Giselle. Upon completing her years at PNB Alison joined Ballet Arizona. Currently in her sixth season with the company, she has performed various roles in The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Allegro Brilliante, Cinderella, Carnival of the Animals, Sleeping Beauty, La Sylphide, Emeralds, Theme and Variations, Square Dance and several more.
Alison Remmers
From: Sudbury, Massachusetts
Alison’s passion for ballet began at the tender age of five after her first performance in The Nutcracker. She began her training at Walnut Hill School for the Arts Community Dance Academy and was then accepted, with a scholarship, into Walnut Hill’s full-time high school under the direction of Michael Owen. After graduation, Alison was offered a scholarship to attend Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Professional Division under the direction of Peter Boal. While at PNB, Alison performed in various company productions including Diamonds and Giselle. Upon completing her years at PNB Alison joined Ballet Arizona. Currently in her sixth season with the company, she has performed various roles in The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Allegro Brilliante, Cinderella, Carnival of the Animals, Sleeping Beauty, La Sylphide, Emeralds, Theme and Variations, Square Dance and several more.
Alison Remmers
From: Sudbury, Massachusetts
Alison’s passion for ballet began at the tender age of five after her first performance in The Nutcracker. She began her training at Walnut Hill School for the Arts Community Dance Academy and was then accepted, with a scholarship, into Walnut Hill’s full-time high school under the direction of Michael Owen. After graduation, Alison was offered a scholarship to attend Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Professional Division under the direction of Peter Boal. While at PNB, Alison performed in various company productions including Diamonds and Giselle. Upon completing her years at PNB Alison joined Ballet Arizona. Currently in her sixth season with the company, she has performed various roles in The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Allegro Brilliante, Cinderella, Carnival of the Animals, Sleeping Beauty, La Sylphide, Emeralds, Theme and Variations, Square Dance and several more.
Erick Rojas
From: Mexico City, Mexico
Erick Bernardo Rojas Ortega was born in Mexico City, Mexico. At the age of 2, he began studying ballet with his mother, who helped him find a passion for the art form. He then trained in two different schools in Mexico, finishing his training in DanceFit Impulso al Talento de Mexico A.C. At age 14, he moved to Miami City Ballet School to train under the direction of Arantxa Ochoa. He received many scholarships throughout his time at MCBS and also had the opportunity to perform a variety of leading roles, in productions such as August Bournonville’s William Tell, excerpts from Marius Petipa Coppelia as “Franz,” the Don Quixote’s Grand Pas de Deux, Jerome Robbins’s 2 and 3 Part Inventions, as well as George Balanchine’s Western Symphony and Who Cares?
During the pandemic, Miami City Ballet Artistic Director Lourdes Lopez asked Rojas to work with the company in a remote ballet A Dance for Heroes, by Durante Verzola. It was inspired and dedicated to the heroes who risked their lives to help the rest of society. In addition, he had performed with Miami City Ballet in Alexei Ratmansky’s Swan Lake and as the role of “Prince” in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Erick Rojas joined New Jersey Ballet under Maria Kowroski’s direction in 2022, where he performed Peter Martins’ Hallelujah Junction, Lauren Lovette’s Not our Fate, and in The Sleeping Beauty as the Bluebird. He joined the Company for the 2023-24 season.
Erick Rojas
From: Mexico City, Mexico
Erick Bernardo Rojas Ortega was born in Mexico City, Mexico. At the age of 2, he began studying ballet with his mother, who helped him find a passion for the art form. He then trained in two different schools in Mexico, finishing his training in DanceFit Impulso al Talento de Mexico A.C. At age 14, he moved to Miami City Ballet School to train under the direction of Arantxa Ochoa. He received many scholarships throughout his time at MCBS and also had the opportunity to perform a variety of leading roles, in productions such as August Bournonville’s William Tell, excerpts from Marius Petipa Coppelia as “Franz,” the Don Quixote’s Grand Pas de Deux, Jerome Robbins’s 2 and 3 Part Inventions, as well as George Balanchine’s Western Symphony and Who Cares?
During the pandemic, Miami City Ballet Artistic Director Lourdes Lopez asked Rojas to work with the company in a remote ballet A Dance for Heroes, by Durante Verzola. It was inspired and dedicated to the heroes who risked their lives to help the rest of society. In addition, he had performed with Miami City Ballet in Alexei Ratmansky’s Swan Lake and as the role of “Prince” in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Erick Rojas joined New Jersey Ballet under Maria Kowroski’s direction in 2022, where he performed Peter Martins’ Hallelujah Junction, Lauren Lovette’s Not our Fate, and in The Sleeping Beauty as the Bluebird. He joined the Company for the 2023-24 season.
Erick Rojas
From: Mexico City, Mexico
Erick Bernardo Rojas Ortega was born in Mexico City, Mexico. At the age of 2, he began studying ballet with his mother, who helped him find a passion for the art form. He then trained in two different schools in Mexico, finishing his training in DanceFit Impulso al Talento de Mexico A.C. At age 14, he moved to Miami City Ballet School to train under the direction of Arantxa Ochoa. He received many scholarships throughout his time at MCBS and also had the opportunity to perform a variety of leading roles, in productions such as August Bournonville’s William Tell, excerpts from Marius Petipa Coppelia as “Franz,” the Don Quixote’s Grand Pas de Deux, Jerome Robbins’s 2 and 3 Part Inventions, as well as George Balanchine’s Western Symphony and Who Cares?
During the pandemic, Miami City Ballet Artistic Director Lourdes Lopez asked Rojas to work with the company in a remote ballet A Dance for Heroes, by Durante Verzola. It was inspired and dedicated to the heroes who risked their lives to help the rest of society. In addition, he had performed with Miami City Ballet in Alexei Ratmansky’s Swan Lake and as the role of “Prince” in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Erick Rojas joined New Jersey Ballet under Maria Kowroski’s direction in 2022, where he performed Peter Martins’ Hallelujah Junction, Lauren Lovette’s Not our Fate, and in The Sleeping Beauty as the Bluebird. He joined the Company for the 2023-24 season.
Ricardo Santos
From: Rio de Janeiro
Ricardo Santos began dancing at the age of seven with the project Luar of Hope in Brazil. In 2004, he trained with Jorge Teixeira at the Conservatorio Brasileiro de Danca. In 2007, Santos performed in The Nutcracker with the Theatre Municipal of Rio de Janeiro. He then joined the Cia Brasileira de Ballet in Rio de Janeiro where he danced many principal and soloist roles in ballets including Raymonda, La Bayadère, The Nutcracker, La Sylphide, La Fille mal gardée, and Don Quixote, along with many contemporary pieces.
Santos has competed in national and international dance competitions including the Beijing International Ballet Competition and the Prix de Lausanne. At the Youth America Grand Prix in New York City, he won a scholarship to attend the Australian Ballet School. In 2007 and 2008, he competed in the Danza America International Competition in Argentina where he placed as a top finalist. The New York International Ballet Competition awarded him a bronze medal and the Arpino Award for a one-year contract with Joffrey Ballet.
Past performances include In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude by William Forsythe, Infra and Chroma by Wayne McGregor, and ballets choreographed by Edwaard Liang, Yuri Possikhov, and Stanton Welch. Santos has performed principal roles in Wayne McGregor’s Chroma; Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias (Gaston); Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake (Neapolitan) and many roles in his The Nutcracker; and Jerome Robbins’ The Concert (Shy Boy). He is certified in the UltraBarre technique.
Ricardo Santos
From: Rio de Janeiro
Ricardo Santos began dancing at the age of seven with the project Luar of Hope in Brazil. In 2004, he trained with Jorge Teixeira at the Conservatorio Brasileiro de Danca. In 2007, Santos performed in The Nutcracker with the Theatre Municipal of Rio de Janeiro. He then joined the Cia Brasileira de Ballet in Rio de Janeiro where he danced many principal and soloist roles in ballets including Raymonda, La Bayadère, The Nutcracker, La Sylphide, La Fille mal gardée, and Don Quixote, along with many contemporary pieces.
Santos has competed in national and international dance competitions including the Beijing International Ballet Competition and the Prix de Lausanne. At the Youth America Grand Prix in New York City, he won a scholarship to attend the Australian Ballet School. In 2007 and 2008, he competed in the Danza America International Competition in Argentina where he placed as a top finalist. The New York International Ballet Competition awarded him a bronze medal and the Arpino Award for a one-year contract with Joffrey Ballet.
Past performances include In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude by William Forsythe, Infra and Chroma by Wayne McGregor, and ballets choreographed by Edwaard Liang, Yuri Possikhov, and Stanton Welch. Santos has performed principal roles in Wayne McGregor’s Chroma; Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias (Gaston); Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake (Neapolitan) and many roles in his The Nutcracker; and Jerome Robbins’ The Concert (Shy Boy). He is certified in the UltraBarre technique.
Ricardo Santos
From: Rio de Janeiro
Ricardo Santos began dancing at the age of seven with the project Luar of Hope in Brazil. In 2004, he trained with Jorge Teixeira at the Conservatorio Brasileiro de Danca. In 2007, Santos performed in The Nutcracker with the Theatre Municipal of Rio de Janeiro. He then joined the Cia Brasileira de Ballet in Rio de Janeiro where he danced many principal and soloist roles in ballets including Raymonda, La Bayadère, The Nutcracker, La Sylphide, La Fille mal gardée, and Don Quixote, along with many contemporary pieces.
Santos has competed in national and international dance competitions including the Beijing International Ballet Competition and the Prix de Lausanne. At the Youth America Grand Prix in New York City, he won a scholarship to attend the Australian Ballet School. In 2007 and 2008, he competed in the Danza America International Competition in Argentina where he placed as a top finalist. The New York International Ballet Competition awarded him a bronze medal and the Arpino Award for a one-year contract with Joffrey Ballet.
Past performances include In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude by William Forsythe, Infra and Chroma by Wayne McGregor, and ballets choreographed by Edwaard Liang, Yuri Possikhov, and Stanton Welch. Santos has performed principal roles in Wayne McGregor’s Chroma; Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias (Gaston); Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake (Neapolitan) and many roles in his The Nutcracker; and Jerome Robbins’ The Concert (Shy Boy). He is certified in the UltraBarre technique.
Isabella Seo
From: Los Angeles, California
Isabella began her ballet training at The Marat Daukayev School of Ballet under the direction of Marat Daukayev and Hasmik Amirian.
During her training, she had the opportunity to perform several main roles in The Nutcracker, as well as Paquita and Sleeping Beauty. In 2017, Isabella received the bronze medal in the Youth America Grand Prix and was invited to the New York City Finals. She was also a semi-finalist at the Music Center’s Spotlight in Los Angeles. The following year, Isabella attended Pittsburgh Ballet Theater’s Graduate Program on scholarship. There, she performed as “Gamzatti” in La Bayadere, the “Sugar Plum Fairy” with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Divertimento No. 15, Raymonda, Terrence Orr’s The Nutcracker, as well as in New Works, choreographed by PBT company members.
Isabella Seo
From: Los Angeles, California
Isabella began her ballet training at The Marat Daukayev School of Ballet under the direction of Marat Daukayev and Hasmik Amirian.
During her training, she had the opportunity to perform several main roles in The Nutcracker, as well as Paquita and Sleeping Beauty. In 2017, Isabella received the bronze medal in the Youth America Grand Prix and was invited to the New York City Finals. She was also a semi-finalist at the Music Center’s Spotlight in Los Angeles. The following year, Isabella attended Pittsburgh Ballet Theater’s Graduate Program on scholarship. There, she performed as “Gamzatti” in La Bayadere, the “Sugar Plum Fairy” with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Divertimento No. 15, Raymonda, Terrence Orr’s The Nutcracker, as well as in New Works, choreographed by PBT company members.
Isabella Seo
From: Los Angeles, California
Isabella began her ballet training at The Marat Daukayev School of Ballet under the direction of Marat Daukayev and Hasmik Amirian.
During her training, she had the opportunity to perform several main roles in The Nutcracker, as well as Paquita and Sleeping Beauty. In 2017, Isabella received the bronze medal in the Youth America Grand Prix and was invited to the New York City Finals. She was also a semi-finalist at the Music Center’s Spotlight in Los Angeles. The following year, Isabella attended Pittsburgh Ballet Theater’s Graduate Program on scholarship. There, she performed as “Gamzatti” in La Bayadere, the “Sugar Plum Fairy” with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Divertimento No. 15, Raymonda, Terrence Orr’s The Nutcracker, as well as in New Works, choreographed by PBT company members.
Renée Spaltenstein
From: Zurich, Switzerland
Renée Spaltenstein was born and raised in Zurich, Switzerland. At the age of four, Renée entered into the Ballet School for the Opera House in Zurich, under the direction and mentorship of Doris Catana Beriozoff. She was trained in the Royal Academy of Dance and Vaganova style. Renée was selected to dance in multiple roles in the school’s performances and as one of the six girls to dance with the Zurich Ballet in Heinz Spoerli’s The Nutcracker in the 2011/12 season.
In 2014, Renée moved with her family to Santa Monica, California, and started to train at the Yuri Grigoriev School of Ballet. Then, in 2017, Renée moved on to Westside School of Ballet where she first was introduced to the Balanchine style. In 2019, she was invited to join the School of American Ballet’s year-round program, where she was able to further her studies in the Balanchine style and graduated in June 2023, with a leading role in the school’s workshop performance. She joined the Company for the 2023-24 season.
Renée Spaltenstein
From: Zurich, Switzerland
Renée Spaltenstein was born and raised in Zurich, Switzerland. At the age of four, Renée entered into the Ballet School for the Opera House in Zurich, under the direction and mentorship of Doris Catana Beriozoff. She was trained in the Royal Academy of Dance and Vaganova style. Renée was selected to dance in multiple roles in the school’s performances and as one of the six girls to dance with the Zurich Ballet in Heinz Spoerli’s The Nutcracker in the 2011/12 season.
In 2014, Renée moved with her family to Santa Monica, California, and started to train at the Yuri Grigoriev School of Ballet. Then, in 2017, Renée moved on to Westside School of Ballet where she first was introduced to the Balanchine style. In 2019, she was invited to join the School of American Ballet’s year-round program, where she was able to further her studies in the Balanchine style and graduated in June 2023, with a leading role in the school’s workshop performance. She joined the Company for the 2023-24 season.
Renée Spaltenstein
From: Zurich, Switzerland
Renée Spaltenstein was born and raised in Zurich, Switzerland. At the age of four, Renée entered into the Ballet School for the Opera House in Zurich, under the direction and mentorship of Doris Catana Beriozoff. She was trained in the Royal Academy of Dance and Vaganova style. Renée was selected to dance in multiple roles in the school’s performances and as one of the six girls to dance with the Zurich Ballet in Heinz Spoerli’s The Nutcracker in the 2011/12 season.
In 2014, Renée moved with her family to Santa Monica, California, and started to train at the Yuri Grigoriev School of Ballet. Then, in 2017, Renée moved on to Westside School of Ballet where she first was introduced to the Balanchine style. In 2019, she was invited to join the School of American Ballet’s year-round program, where she was able to further her studies in the Balanchine style and graduated in June 2023, with a leading role in the school’s workshop performance. She joined the Company for the 2023-24 season.
Gabriel Wright
From: Dallas, Oregon
Gabriel started his training with the American Ballet Academy in Salem, Oregon. He spent a year in the Colburn Dance Academy before moving to Seattle to join the Professional Division at Pacific Northwest Ballet. He trained there for two years under Peter Boal before joining Ballet Arizona in 2021.
Gabriel Wright
From: Dallas, Oregon
Gabriel started his training with the American Ballet Academy in Salem, Oregon. He spent a year in the Colburn Dance Academy before moving to Seattle to join the Professional Division at Pacific Northwest Ballet. He trained there for two years under Peter Boal before joining Ballet Arizona in 2021.
Gabriel Wright
From: Dallas, Oregon
Gabriel started his training with the American Ballet Academy in Salem, Oregon. He spent a year in the Colburn Dance Academy before moving to Seattle to join the Professional Division at Pacific Northwest Ballet. He trained there for two years under Peter Boal before joining Ballet Arizona in 2021.
Cheyenne You
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
Originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, Cheyenne started dancing at the age of five with The School of Ballet Arizona in 2010. During her time at The School, she received featured roles in The School’s and Company productions, such as Clara in The Nutcracker and as a Tall Swan in Swan Lake. After 11 years of training with The School, she joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company for the 2021-22 Season.
As a member of the Studio Company, she performed with the Company in Sir Fredrick Ashton’s Les Patinuers, Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, and Juan Gabriel. She has also performed in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Bourrée Fantasque, and Stravinsky Violin Concerto. With The School, she performed in principal roles in The School’s production of The Sleeping Beauty as the Lilac Fairy and Carabosse. She joined the Company as a Trainee for the 2022-23 Season.
Cheyenne You
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
Originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, Cheyenne started dancing at the age of five with The School of Ballet Arizona in 2010. During her time at The School, she received featured roles in The School’s and Company productions, such as Clara in The Nutcracker and as a Tall Swan in Swan Lake. After 11 years of training with The School, she joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company for the 2021-22 Season.
As a member of the Studio Company, she performed with the Company in Sir Fredrick Ashton’s Les Patinuers, Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, and Juan Gabriel. She has also performed in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Bourrée Fantasque, and Stravinsky Violin Concerto. With The School, she performed in principal roles in The School’s production of The Sleeping Beauty as the Lilac Fairy and Carabosse. She joined the Company as a Trainee for the 2022-23 Season.
Cheyenne You
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
Originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, Cheyenne started dancing at the age of five with The School of Ballet Arizona in 2010. During her time at The School, she received featured roles in The School’s and Company productions, such as Clara in The Nutcracker and as a Tall Swan in Swan Lake. After 11 years of training with The School, she joined Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company for the 2021-22 Season.
As a member of the Studio Company, she performed with the Company in Sir Fredrick Ashton’s Les Patinuers, Ib Andersen’s The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, and Juan Gabriel. She has also performed in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Bourrée Fantasque, and Stravinsky Violin Concerto. With The School, she performed in principal roles in The School’s production of The Sleeping Beauty as the Lilac Fairy and Carabosse. She joined the Company as a Trainee for the 2022-23 Season.
