Ballet Arizona’s

Administrative Staff

Executive Leadership

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Daniela Cardim

Artistic Director

Cardim began her celebrated career as a dancer at Ballet of Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro in 1994, becoming a soloist in 1995 and performing lead roles in ballets such as Giselle, L'après-midi d'un Faune (Nijinsky) and Suite en Blanc (Lifar). She then joined the Dutch National Ballet in 1999, rising to distinction in the company, and subsequently performing a vast repertoire including key roles in Choreatium (Massine), Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet. Her professional dance training includes the Studio Eliana Karin in Rio de Janeiro, the Académie De Danse Classique Princesse Grace in Monaco, and contemporary dance training at Ballet Cristina Helena in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

While still a student, Cardim began choreographing and soon proved herself to be an exceptional talent and visionary. Her first works for the Dutch National Ballet, including 3 Movements for Cello & Piano (2006), Zaahir (2007), In Space (2008) and Two Octaves Below Middle C (2009), garnered her swift recognition in the dance world. She was also one of six choreographers selected to attend the prestigious New York Choreographic Institute in 2008, where she worked with composer Jude Vaclavik. By 2015, Dance Europe Magazine lauded Cardim as a “New Name to Watch.” Her recent works, such as Reset, Stabat Mater and Baroque Encounters, have now made Cardim a celebrated name.

Over the course of her career, Cardim has choreographed works for a myriad of internationally recognized ballet companies, including Ballet of Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo Dance Company (Brazil), Dutch National Ballet Junior Company - Junior and Main Companies (Netherlands), West Australian Ballet, Poznan Opera Ballet (Poland), Birmingham Royal Ballet, New English Ballet Theatre, English National Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School (United Kingdom). Ballet Arizona is thrilled to bring this caliber of talent to its stages.

Additionally, Cardim has worked as a ballet teacher and mentor for student dancers, including mentoring young choreographers at The Royal Ballet School and creating works for their Summer Intensive programs. She also taught students at Studio Eliana Karin and open classes at Central School of Ballet and English National Ballet. Cardim served as a guest ballet teacher at Studio Wayne McGregor, Rambert Dance Company, Akram Khan Company and Swedish Ballet School in Gothenburg.

After retiring as a dancer in 2010, Cardim completed an honors bachelor’s in arts management at London South Bank University graduating with a first-class degree. Since 2013, Cardim has served in a variety of leadership roles at the New English Ballet Theatre in London starting as a project manager, followed by a promotion to company and general manager in 2014, and to assistant director in 2022.

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Daniela Cardim

Artistic Director

Cardim began her celebrated career as a dancer at Ballet of Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro in 1994, becoming a soloist in 1995 and performing lead roles in ballets such as Giselle, L'après-midi d'un Faune (Nijinsky) and Suite en Blanc (Lifar). She then joined the Dutch National Ballet in 1999, rising to distinction in the company, and subsequently performing a vast repertoire including key roles in Choreatium (Massine), Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet. Her professional dance training includes the Studio Eliana Karin in Rio de Janeiro, the Académie De Danse Classique Princesse Grace in Monaco, and contemporary dance training at Ballet Cristina Helena in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

While still a student, Cardim began choreographing and soon proved herself to be an exceptional talent and visionary. Her first works for the Dutch National Ballet, including 3 Movements for Cello & Piano (2006), Zaahir (2007), In Space (2008) and Two Octaves Below Middle C (2009), garnered her swift recognition in the dance world. She was also one of six choreographers selected to attend the prestigious New York Choreographic Institute in 2008, where she worked with composer Jude Vaclavik. By 2015, Dance Europe Magazine lauded Cardim as a “New Name to Watch.” Her recent works, such as Reset, Stabat Mater and Baroque Encounters, have now made Cardim a celebrated name.

Over the course of her career, Cardim has choreographed works for a myriad of internationally recognized ballet companies, including Ballet of Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo Dance Company (Brazil), Dutch National Ballet Junior Company - Junior and Main Companies (Netherlands), West Australian Ballet, Poznan Opera Ballet (Poland), Birmingham Royal Ballet, New English Ballet Theatre, English National Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School (United Kingdom). Ballet Arizona is thrilled to bring this caliber of talent to its stages.

Additionally, Cardim has worked as a ballet teacher and mentor for student dancers, including mentoring young choreographers at The Royal Ballet School and creating works for their Summer Intensive programs. She also taught students at Studio Eliana Karin and open classes at Central School of Ballet and English National Ballet. Cardim served as a guest ballet teacher at Studio Wayne McGregor, Rambert Dance Company, Akram Khan Company and Swedish Ballet School in Gothenburg.

After retiring as a dancer in 2010, Cardim completed an honors bachelor’s in arts management at London South Bank University graduating with a first-class degree. Since 2013, Cardim has served in a variety of leadership roles at the New English Ballet Theatre in London starting as a project manager, followed by a promotion to company and general manager in 2014, and to assistant director in 2022.

Get to Know...

Daniela Cardim

Artistic Director

Cardim began her celebrated career as a dancer at Ballet of Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro in 1994, becoming a soloist in 1995 and performing lead roles in ballets such as Giselle, L'après-midi d'un Faune (Nijinsky) and Suite en Blanc (Lifar). She then joined the Dutch National Ballet in 1999, rising to distinction in the company, and subsequently performing a vast repertoire including key roles in Choreatium (Massine), Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet. Her professional dance training includes the Studio Eliana Karin in Rio de Janeiro, the Académie De Danse Classique Princesse Grace in Monaco, and contemporary dance training at Ballet Cristina Helena in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

While still a student, Cardim began choreographing and soon proved herself to be an exceptional talent and visionary. Her first works for the Dutch National Ballet, including 3 Movements for Cello & Piano (2006), Zaahir (2007), In Space (2008) and Two Octaves Below Middle C (2009), garnered her swift recognition in the dance world. She was also one of six choreographers selected to attend the prestigious New York Choreographic Institute in 2008, where she worked with composer Jude Vaclavik. By 2015, Dance Europe Magazine lauded Cardim as a “New Name to Watch.” Her recent works, such as Reset, Stabat Mater and Baroque Encounters, have now made Cardim a celebrated name.

Over the course of her career, Cardim has choreographed works for a myriad of internationally recognized ballet companies, including Ballet of Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo Dance Company (Brazil), Dutch National Ballet Junior Company - Junior and Main Companies (Netherlands), West Australian Ballet, Poznan Opera Ballet (Poland), Birmingham Royal Ballet, New English Ballet Theatre, English National Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School (United Kingdom). Ballet Arizona is thrilled to bring this caliber of talent to its stages.

Additionally, Cardim has worked as a ballet teacher and mentor for student dancers, including mentoring young choreographers at The Royal Ballet School and creating works for their Summer Intensive programs. She also taught students at Studio Eliana Karin and open classes at Central School of Ballet and English National Ballet. Cardim served as a guest ballet teacher at Studio Wayne McGregor, Rambert Dance Company, Akram Khan Company and Swedish Ballet School in Gothenburg.

After retiring as a dancer in 2010, Cardim completed an honors bachelor’s in arts management at London South Bank University graduating with a first-class degree. Since 2013, Cardim has served in a variety of leadership roles at the New English Ballet Theatre in London starting as a project manager, followed by a promotion to company and general manager in 2014, and to assistant director in 2022.

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Jami Kozemczak

Executive Director

Jami Kozemczak was appointed Executive Director for Ballet Arizona in May 2022, after having served as the Director of Development since 2015. Kozemczak works to advance the organization through a people-centered leadership model that focuses on building culture, expanding programs, and increasing revenue generation. During her tenure, the organization has successfully implemented a culture of philanthropy that permeates throughout the organization. She has secured more than $44 million in contributed revenue during her time at Ballet Arizona, and increased earned revenue by 29% in her first year as Executive Director.

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Headshot of Jami Kozemczak

Jami Kozemczak

Executive Director

Jami Kozemczak was appointed Executive Director for Ballet Arizona in May 2022, after having served as the Director of Development since 2015. Kozemczak works to advance the organization through a people-centered leadership model that focuses on building culture, expanding programs, and increasing revenue generation. During her tenure, the organization has successfully implemented a culture of philanthropy that permeates throughout the organization. She has secured more than $44 million in contributed revenue during her time at Ballet Arizona, and increased earned revenue by 29% in her first year as Executive Director.

Get to Know...
Headshot of Jami Kozemczak

Jami Kozemczak

Executive Director

Jami Kozemczak was appointed Executive Director for Ballet Arizona in May 2022, after having served as the Director of Development since 2015. Kozemczak works to advance the organization through a people-centered leadership model that focuses on building culture, expanding programs, and increasing revenue generation. During her tenure, the organization has successfully implemented a culture of philanthropy that permeates throughout the organization. She has secured more than $44 million in contributed revenue during her time at Ballet Arizona, and increased earned revenue by 29% in her first year as Executive Director.

Administrative

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Alexandra Sarver

Director of Operations

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Alexandra Sarver

Director of Operations

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Alexandra Sarver

Director of Operations

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Ellen Bialek

Executive Assistant

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Ellen Bialek

Executive Assistant

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Ellen Bialek

Executive Assistant

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Alejandra Cavazos

Human Resources Assistant

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Alejandra Cavazos

Human Resources Assistant

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Alejandra Cavazos

Human Resources Assistant

Artistic

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Daniela Cardim

Artistic Director

Cardim began her celebrated career as a dancer at Ballet of Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro in 1994, becoming a soloist in 1995 and performing lead roles in ballets such as Giselle, L'après-midi d'un Faune (Nijinsky) and Suite en Blanc (Lifar). She then joined the Dutch National Ballet in 1999, rising to distinction in the company, and subsequently performing a vast repertoire including key roles in Choreatium (Massine), Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet. Her professional dance training includes the Studio Eliana Karin in Rio de Janeiro, the Académie De Danse Classique Princesse Grace in Monaco, and contemporary dance training at Ballet Cristina Helena in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

While still a student, Cardim began choreographing and soon proved herself to be an exceptional talent and visionary. Her first works for the Dutch National Ballet, including 3 Movements for Cello & Piano (2006), Zaahir (2007), In Space (2008) and Two Octaves Below Middle C (2009), garnered her swift recognition in the dance world. She was also one of six choreographers selected to attend the prestigious New York Choreographic Institute in 2008, where she worked with composer Jude Vaclavik. By 2015, Dance Europe Magazine lauded Cardim as a “New Name to Watch.” Her recent works, such as Reset, Stabat Mater and Baroque Encounters, have now made Cardim a celebrated name.

Over the course of her career, Cardim has choreographed works for a myriad of internationally recognized ballet companies, including Ballet of Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo Dance Company (Brazil), Dutch National Ballet Junior Company - Junior and Main Companies (Netherlands), West Australian Ballet, Poznan Opera Ballet (Poland), Birmingham Royal Ballet, New English Ballet Theatre, English National Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School (United Kingdom). Ballet Arizona is thrilled to bring this caliber of talent to its stages.

Additionally, Cardim has worked as a ballet teacher and mentor for student dancers, including mentoring young choreographers at The Royal Ballet School and creating works for their Summer Intensive programs. She also taught students at Studio Eliana Karin and open classes at Central School of Ballet and English National Ballet. Cardim served as a guest ballet teacher at Studio Wayne McGregor, Rambert Dance Company, Akram Khan Company and Swedish Ballet School in Gothenburg.

After retiring as a dancer in 2010, Cardim completed an honors bachelor’s in arts management at London South Bank University graduating with a first-class degree. Since 2013, Cardim has served in a variety of leadership roles at the New English Ballet Theatre in London starting as a project manager, followed by a promotion to company and general manager in 2014, and to assistant director in 2022.

Get to Know...

Daniela Cardim

Artistic Director

Cardim began her celebrated career as a dancer at Ballet of Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro in 1994, becoming a soloist in 1995 and performing lead roles in ballets such as Giselle, L'après-midi d'un Faune (Nijinsky) and Suite en Blanc (Lifar). She then joined the Dutch National Ballet in 1999, rising to distinction in the company, and subsequently performing a vast repertoire including key roles in Choreatium (Massine), Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet. Her professional dance training includes the Studio Eliana Karin in Rio de Janeiro, the Académie De Danse Classique Princesse Grace in Monaco, and contemporary dance training at Ballet Cristina Helena in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

While still a student, Cardim began choreographing and soon proved herself to be an exceptional talent and visionary. Her first works for the Dutch National Ballet, including 3 Movements for Cello & Piano (2006), Zaahir (2007), In Space (2008) and Two Octaves Below Middle C (2009), garnered her swift recognition in the dance world. She was also one of six choreographers selected to attend the prestigious New York Choreographic Institute in 2008, where she worked with composer Jude Vaclavik. By 2015, Dance Europe Magazine lauded Cardim as a “New Name to Watch.” Her recent works, such as Reset, Stabat Mater and Baroque Encounters, have now made Cardim a celebrated name.

Over the course of her career, Cardim has choreographed works for a myriad of internationally recognized ballet companies, including Ballet of Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo Dance Company (Brazil), Dutch National Ballet Junior Company - Junior and Main Companies (Netherlands), West Australian Ballet, Poznan Opera Ballet (Poland), Birmingham Royal Ballet, New English Ballet Theatre, English National Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School (United Kingdom). Ballet Arizona is thrilled to bring this caliber of talent to its stages.

Additionally, Cardim has worked as a ballet teacher and mentor for student dancers, including mentoring young choreographers at The Royal Ballet School and creating works for their Summer Intensive programs. She also taught students at Studio Eliana Karin and open classes at Central School of Ballet and English National Ballet. Cardim served as a guest ballet teacher at Studio Wayne McGregor, Rambert Dance Company, Akram Khan Company and Swedish Ballet School in Gothenburg.

After retiring as a dancer in 2010, Cardim completed an honors bachelor’s in arts management at London South Bank University graduating with a first-class degree. Since 2013, Cardim has served in a variety of leadership roles at the New English Ballet Theatre in London starting as a project manager, followed by a promotion to company and general manager in 2014, and to assistant director in 2022.

Get to Know...

Daniela Cardim

Artistic Director

Cardim began her celebrated career as a dancer at Ballet of Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro in 1994, becoming a soloist in 1995 and performing lead roles in ballets such as Giselle, L'après-midi d'un Faune (Nijinsky) and Suite en Blanc (Lifar). She then joined the Dutch National Ballet in 1999, rising to distinction in the company, and subsequently performing a vast repertoire including key roles in Choreatium (Massine), Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet. Her professional dance training includes the Studio Eliana Karin in Rio de Janeiro, the Académie De Danse Classique Princesse Grace in Monaco, and contemporary dance training at Ballet Cristina Helena in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

While still a student, Cardim began choreographing and soon proved herself to be an exceptional talent and visionary. Her first works for the Dutch National Ballet, including 3 Movements for Cello & Piano (2006), Zaahir (2007), In Space (2008) and Two Octaves Below Middle C (2009), garnered her swift recognition in the dance world. She was also one of six choreographers selected to attend the prestigious New York Choreographic Institute in 2008, where she worked with composer Jude Vaclavik. By 2015, Dance Europe Magazine lauded Cardim as a “New Name to Watch.” Her recent works, such as Reset, Stabat Mater and Baroque Encounters, have now made Cardim a celebrated name.

Over the course of her career, Cardim has choreographed works for a myriad of internationally recognized ballet companies, including Ballet of Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo Dance Company (Brazil), Dutch National Ballet Junior Company - Junior and Main Companies (Netherlands), West Australian Ballet, Poznan Opera Ballet (Poland), Birmingham Royal Ballet, New English Ballet Theatre, English National Ballet School and Elmhurst Ballet School (United Kingdom). Ballet Arizona is thrilled to bring this caliber of talent to its stages.

Additionally, Cardim has worked as a ballet teacher and mentor for student dancers, including mentoring young choreographers at The Royal Ballet School and creating works for their Summer Intensive programs. She also taught students at Studio Eliana Karin and open classes at Central School of Ballet and English National Ballet. Cardim served as a guest ballet teacher at Studio Wayne McGregor, Rambert Dance Company, Akram Khan Company and Swedish Ballet School in Gothenburg.

After retiring as a dancer in 2010, Cardim completed an honors bachelor’s in arts management at London South Bank University graduating with a first-class degree. Since 2013, Cardim has served in a variety of leadership roles at the New English Ballet Theatre in London starting as a project manager, followed by a promotion to company and general manager in 2014, and to assistant director in 2022.

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María Simonetti

Rehearsal Director, School Director

From: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Joined Ballet Arizona: 1997
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María Simonetti

Rehearsal Director, School Director

From: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Joined Ballet Arizona: 1997
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María Simonetti

Rehearsal Director, School Director

From: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Joined Ballet Arizona: 1997
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Lisbet Companioni

Ballet Mistress

From: Camagüey, Cuba

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2008
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lisbet-companioni

Lisbet Companioni

Ballet Mistress

From: Camagüey, Cuba

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2008
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lisbet-companioni

Lisbet Companioni

Ballet Mistress

From: Camagüey, Cuba

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2008
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David Krensing

Ballet Master, Summer Intensive Coordinator

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2012
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David Krensing

Ballet Master, Summer Intensive Coordinator

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2012
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David Kremsing headshot

David Krensing

Ballet Master, Summer Intensive Coordinator

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2012
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Nayon Iovino

Resident Choreographer

From: Goiania, Brazil

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2012
Training: Houston Ballet, The Washington School of Ballet, Studio Dancarte Brazil
Other Companies: The Washington Ballet, Houston Ballet
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Nayon Iovino

Resident Choreographer

From: Goiania, Brazil

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2012
Training: Houston Ballet, The Washington School of Ballet, Studio Dancarte Brazil
Other Companies: The Washington Ballet, Houston Ballet
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Nayon Iovino

Resident Choreographer

From: Goiania, Brazil

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2012
Training: Houston Ballet, The Washington School of Ballet, Studio Dancarte Brazil
Other Companies: The Washington Ballet, Houston Ballet
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Matthew Kasper

Principal Conductor

From: Ballet Arizona

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Matthew Kasper

Principal Conductor

From: Ballet Arizona

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Matthew Kasper

Principal Conductor

From: Ballet Arizona

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Michael Korsch

Resident Lighting Designer

From: Ballet Arizona

Michael Korsch is a lighting, projection, and scenic designer based in Philadelphia, PA, where he earned his BA in theatre from Temple University. He has worked with numerous directors and choreographers, creating hundreds of visual designs for dance, theatre, and other live performances throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Michael has been the resident lighting designer for Complexions Contemporary Ballet since 1998, and Ballet Arizona since 2001. In addition, Michael has created designs for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Backhausdance, BalletMet, Ballet Nice Méditerranée, Ballet West, BalletX, Carolina Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Cleveland Play House, Czech National Ballet, DanceBrazil, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Disney Creative Entertainment, English National Ballet, FELA! The Concert, Houston Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, MOMIX, Oakland Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Royal Danish Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Staatsballett Berlin, and Washington Ballet, among others.

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Michael Korsch

Resident Lighting Designer

From: Ballet Arizona

Michael Korsch is a lighting, projection, and scenic designer based in Philadelphia, PA, where he earned his BA in theatre from Temple University. He has worked with numerous directors and choreographers, creating hundreds of visual designs for dance, theatre, and other live performances throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Michael has been the resident lighting designer for Complexions Contemporary Ballet since 1998, and Ballet Arizona since 2001. In addition, Michael has created designs for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Backhausdance, BalletMet, Ballet Nice Méditerranée, Ballet West, BalletX, Carolina Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Cleveland Play House, Czech National Ballet, DanceBrazil, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Disney Creative Entertainment, English National Ballet, FELA! The Concert, Houston Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, MOMIX, Oakland Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Royal Danish Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Staatsballett Berlin, and Washington Ballet, among others.

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Michael Korsch

Resident Lighting Designer

From: Ballet Arizona

Michael Korsch is a lighting, projection, and scenic designer based in Philadelphia, PA, where he earned his BA in theatre from Temple University. He has worked with numerous directors and choreographers, creating hundreds of visual designs for dance, theatre, and other live performances throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Michael has been the resident lighting designer for Complexions Contemporary Ballet since 1998, and Ballet Arizona since 2001. In addition, Michael has created designs for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Backhausdance, BalletMet, Ballet Nice Méditerranée, Ballet West, BalletX, Carolina Ballet, Charlotte Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Cleveland Play House, Czech National Ballet, DanceBrazil, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Disney Creative Entertainment, English National Ballet, FELA! The Concert, Houston Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, MOMIX, Oakland Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Royal Danish Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Staatsballett Berlin, and Washington Ballet, among others.

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Rosalie O’Connor

Company Photographer

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Rosalie O’Connor

Company Photographer

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Rosalie O’Connor

Company Photographer

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Ib Andersen

Artistic Director Emeritus

From: Copenhagen, Denmark

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Ib Andersen

Artistic Director Emeritus

From: Copenhagen, Denmark

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Ib Andersen

Artistic Director Emeritus

From: Copenhagen, Denmark

Production

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Michael Panvini

Director of Production

From: Ballet Arizona

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Michael Panvini

Director of Production

From: Ballet Arizona

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Michael Panvini

Director of Production

From: Ballet Arizona

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Laura Cadieux

Stage Manager

From: Ballet Arizona

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Laura Cadieux

Stage Manager

From: Ballet Arizona

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Laura Cadieux

Stage Manager

From: Ballet Arizona

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Zachary Cooper

Technical Director

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Zachary Cooper

Technical Director

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Zachary Cooper

Technical Director

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Jessica Muñoz

Head Electrician/Assistant Technical Director

From: Ballet Arizona

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Jessica Muñoz

Head Electrician/Assistant Technical Director

From: Ballet Arizona

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Jessica Muñoz

Head Electrician/Assistant Technical Director

From: Ballet Arizona

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Leonor Texidor

Costume Director

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Leonor Texidor

Costume Director

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Leonor Texidor

Costume Director

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Cecilia Acosta

Costume Shop Staff

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Cecilia Acosta

Costume Shop Staff

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Cecilia Acosta

Costume Shop Staff

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Niurka Ceballos Rodríguez

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Niurka Ceballos Rodríguez

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Niurka Ceballos Rodríguez

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Flor Loya

Costume Shop Staff

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Flor Loya

Costume Shop Staff

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Flor Loya

Costume Shop Staff

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Kaler Pilar Navazo

Wardrobe Supervisor

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Kaler Pilar Navazo

Wardrobe Supervisor

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Kaler Pilar Navazo

Wardrobe Supervisor

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Edna Orlanes

Costume Shop Staff

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Edna Orlanes

Costume Shop Staff

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Edna Orlanes

Costume Shop Staff

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Vera Solodovnikova

Costume Shop Staff

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Vera Solodovnikova

Costume Shop Staff

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Vera Solodovnikova

Costume Shop Staff

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Iris Weng

Costume Shop Staff

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Iris Weng

Costume Shop Staff

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Iris Weng

Costume Shop Staff

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Manuela Zavala

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Manuela Zavala

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Manuela Zavala

Additional Stagehands provided by IATSE Local #336

Philanthropy

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Steven Henderson

Director of Philanthropy

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Steven Henderson

Director of Philanthropy

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Steven Henderson

Director of Philanthropy

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Alana Davis

Philanthropy Events & Volunteer Manager

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Alana Davis

Philanthropy Events & Volunteer Manager

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Alana Davis

Philanthropy Events & Volunteer Manager

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Elyse Salisz

Associate Director of Philanthropy

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Elyse Salisz

Associate Director of Philanthropy

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Elyse Salisz

Associate Director of Philanthropy

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Gabriella Titolo

Annual Fund Coordinator

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Gabriella Titolo

Annual Fund Coordinator

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Gabriella Titolo

Annual Fund Coordinator

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Sasha Vincett

Corporate & Foundations Manager

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Sasha Vincett

Corporate & Foundations Manager

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Sasha Vincett

Corporate & Foundations Manager

Grant Consultant – Good Works Grant Writing

Marketing and Box Office

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Averi Gutierrez

Director of Marketing

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Averi Gutierrez

Director of Marketing

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Averi Gutierrez

Director of Marketing

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Mirranda Eid

Box Office Representative

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Mirranda Eid

Box Office Representative

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Mirranda Eid

Box Office Representative

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Logan Fowler

School Marketing Manager

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Logan Fowler

School Marketing Manager

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Logan Fowler

School Marketing Manager

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Stephen McDonough

Box Office Manager

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Stephen McDonough

Box Office Manager

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Stephen McDonough

Box Office Manager

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Renée Rodríguez

Digital Marketing Coordinator

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Renée Rodríguez

Digital Marketing Coordinator

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Renée Rodríguez

Digital Marketing Coordinator

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Charlie Webb

Box Office Representative

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Charlie Webb

Box Office Representative

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Charlie Webb

Box Office Representative

Community Engagement

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Claire Schmaltz

Director of Community Engagement

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Claire Schmaltz

Director of Community Engagement

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Claire Schmaltz

Director of Community Engagement

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Eva Bighorse

Teaching Artist, Native American Hoop Dance

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Eva Bighorse

Teaching Artist, Native American Hoop Dance

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Eva Bighorse

Teaching Artist, Native American Hoop Dance

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Debbie Braganza

Teaching Artist, Dance for Parkinson's Disease

From: Phoenix, Arizona

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2015
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Debbie Braganza headshot

Debbie Braganza

Teaching Artist, Dance for Parkinson's Disease

From: Phoenix, Arizona

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2015
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Debbie Braganza headshot

Debbie Braganza

Teaching Artist, Dance for Parkinson's Disease

From: Phoenix, Arizona

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2015
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Haley Cantarella

Community Engagement Coordinator

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Haley Cantarella

Community Engagement Coordinator

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Haley Cantarella

Community Engagement Coordinator

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Michelle-Reissig

Michelle Reissig

Teaching Artist, Adaptive Dance for Down Syndrome & DanceAZ

From: Phoenix, Arizona

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Michelle-Reissig

Michelle Reissig

Teaching Artist, Adaptive Dance for Down Syndrome & DanceAZ

From: Phoenix, Arizona

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Michelle-Reissig

Michelle Reissig

Teaching Artist, Adaptive Dance for Down Syndrome & DanceAZ

From: Phoenix, Arizona

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Andrea Rosas

Community Engagement Assistant

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Andrea Rosas

Community Engagement Assistant

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Andrea Rosas

Community Engagement Assistant

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Keri Sullivan

Teaching Artist, DanceAZ

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Keri Sullivan

Teaching Artist, DanceAZ

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Keri Sullivan

Teaching Artist, DanceAZ

The School of Ballet Arizona

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María Simonetti

Rehearsal Director, School Director

From: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Joined Ballet Arizona: 1997
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María Simonetti

Rehearsal Director, School Director

From: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Joined Ballet Arizona: 1997
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María Simonetti

Rehearsal Director, School Director

From: Buenos Aires, Argentina

Joined Ballet Arizona: 1997
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David Krensing

Ballet Master, Summer Intensive Coordinator

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2012
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David Krensing

Ballet Master, Summer Intensive Coordinator

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2012
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David Krensing

Ballet Master, Summer Intensive Coordinator

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2012
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Gillmer Duran

Upper Division Student Liaison

From: Barquisimeto, Venezuela

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2019

Originally from Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Gillmer Duran began dancing Venezuelan folk dances and continued his formal ballet training at age 21 at the Fundación Arte Nuevo. He danced professionally with Ballet Metropolitano, Ballet Nuevo Mundo, National Ballet of Caracas, Tulsa Ballet Theatre, and eight consecutive seasons with Eugene Ballet Company. He worked with choreographers such as Vicente Nebrada, Nicolo Fonte, Robert Battle, Mauricio Wainrott, Edwaard Liang, Jessica Lang and Toni Pimble, among others.

His versatility and intuition allowed him to perform a variety of classical, neoclassical and contemporary roles. In June of 2010, he began teaching ballet as a way to inspire the new generations of dancers and to share his passion for dance. In October of 2010, he was appointed as Alaska Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer. In 2011, Duran received the Fermin Toro University Award for his career and continued to teach ballet in the east coast. He has taught master classes for several schools and has created choreography for Eugene Ballet, Alaska Dance Theatre, Ballet Des Moines, and Northwest Arkansas Ballet Theatre.

In July of 2023 he obtained his Bachelor in Fine Arts from Saint Mary’s College of California. He is currently a full-time faculty at the School of Ballet Arizona and this is his fifth-year teaching at the Arizona School for the Arts.

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Gillmer Duran

Upper Division Student Liaison

From: Barquisimeto, Venezuela

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2019

Originally from Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Gillmer Duran began dancing Venezuelan folk dances and continued his formal ballet training at age 21 at the Fundación Arte Nuevo. He danced professionally with Ballet Metropolitano, Ballet Nuevo Mundo, National Ballet of Caracas, Tulsa Ballet Theatre, and eight consecutive seasons with Eugene Ballet Company. He worked with choreographers such as Vicente Nebrada, Nicolo Fonte, Robert Battle, Mauricio Wainrott, Edwaard Liang, Jessica Lang and Toni Pimble, among others.

His versatility and intuition allowed him to perform a variety of classical, neoclassical and contemporary roles. In June of 2010, he began teaching ballet as a way to inspire the new generations of dancers and to share his passion for dance. In October of 2010, he was appointed as Alaska Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer. In 2011, Duran received the Fermin Toro University Award for his career and continued to teach ballet in the east coast. He has taught master classes for several schools and has created choreography for Eugene Ballet, Alaska Dance Theatre, Ballet Des Moines, and Northwest Arkansas Ballet Theatre.

In July of 2023 he obtained his Bachelor in Fine Arts from Saint Mary’s College of California. He is currently a full-time faculty at the School of Ballet Arizona and this is his fifth-year teaching at the Arizona School for the Arts.

Get to Know...
Gillmer duran headshot.

Gillmer Duran

Upper Division Student Liaison

From: Barquisimeto, Venezuela

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2019

Originally from Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Gillmer Duran began dancing Venezuelan folk dances and continued his formal ballet training at age 21 at the Fundación Arte Nuevo. He danced professionally with Ballet Metropolitano, Ballet Nuevo Mundo, National Ballet of Caracas, Tulsa Ballet Theatre, and eight consecutive seasons with Eugene Ballet Company. He worked with choreographers such as Vicente Nebrada, Nicolo Fonte, Robert Battle, Mauricio Wainrott, Edwaard Liang, Jessica Lang and Toni Pimble, among others.

His versatility and intuition allowed him to perform a variety of classical, neoclassical and contemporary roles. In June of 2010, he began teaching ballet as a way to inspire the new generations of dancers and to share his passion for dance. In October of 2010, he was appointed as Alaska Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer. In 2011, Duran received the Fermin Toro University Award for his career and continued to teach ballet in the east coast. He has taught master classes for several schools and has created choreography for Eugene Ballet, Alaska Dance Theatre, Ballet Des Moines, and Northwest Arkansas Ballet Theatre.

In July of 2023 he obtained his Bachelor in Fine Arts from Saint Mary’s College of California. He is currently a full-time faculty at the School of Ballet Arizona and this is his fifth-year teaching at the Arizona School for the Arts.

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Gia Firicano

Arizona School for the Arts Program Manager

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2003
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Gia Firicano

Arizona School for the Arts Program Manager

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2003
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Gia Firicano

Arizona School for the Arts Program Manager

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2003
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Alecia Good-Boresow

Upper Division Coordinator and Studio Company Manager

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2022
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Alecia Good-Boresow

Upper Division Coordinator and Studio Company Manager

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2022
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Alecia Good-Boresow

Upper Division Coordinator and Studio Company Manager

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2022
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Tyler Hooten

School Administrator

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Tyler Hooten

School Administrator

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Tyler Hooten

School Administrator

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Tzu-Chia Huang

School Photographer

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Tzu-Chia Huang

School Photographer

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Tzu-Chia Huang

School Photographer

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Michelle Mackle

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Michelle Mackle

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Michelle Mackle

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Jasmine Nunn

School Manager

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Jasmine Nunn

School Manager

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Jasmine Nunn

School Manager

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Fabiana Poulis

Children’s and Lower Division Coordinator

From: Phoenix, Arizona

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2016
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Fabiana Poulis

Children’s and Lower Division Coordinator

From: Phoenix, Arizona

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2016
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Fabiana Poulis

Children’s and Lower Division Coordinator

From: Phoenix, Arizona

Joined Ballet Arizona: 2016

Full list of Faculty, visit here.

Accompanists

  • Cory Burris
  • Larisa Denman
  • Amanda Hidalgo
  • Robert Kaplan
  • Klara Kukumi
  • Jisun Myung
  • Larry Phibbs
  • Natasha Schwimmer
  • Terry Seretis
  • Bill Swayze
Make it a holiday to remember! See Ballet Arizona's The Nutcracker December 6 - 24. 
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