Faculty and Staff

“I am thrilled to be joining TWSB as its new Director and eager to bring my vast  professional experience to lead the faculty and students through this exciting time of change. As both a director and teacher, my goal has always been to offer the highest …

Pamela Booth Bjerknes, a former member of American Ballet Theatre (ABT), brings extensive teaching, directing, and performing experience to The Washington School of Ballet. Performing classical and contemporary ballets throughout …

Tammy Hurt, a native Washingtonian, started her dance training at the Jones-Haywood School of Ballet and later became a member of the Capitol Ballet Company under the direction of Doris …

With 40 years of experience as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, founding artistic/executive director, and urban planner, Miya’s life has spanned two continents with a commitment to diversity and excellence in …

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

Rena Bernardini is originally from Somers, New York. She began her training at the Westchester Ballet Center, studying everything from Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Jazz to Flamenco, Hawaiian, and Bharatanatyam. She then …

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valentina Palladino is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator from Sardinia, Italy. Ms. Palladino began her dancing career in 2003 at the School Ballet Arabesque, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, under the …

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

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

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

Margaret Giragosian Williamson received her early training at The Washington Ballet, the Maryland Youth Ballet, and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. During this time, she was also privileged to spend …

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

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

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

Pamela Booth Bjerknes, a former member of American Ballet Theatre (ABT), brings extensive teaching, directing, and performing experience to The Washington School of Ballet. Performing classical and contemporary ballets throughout …

Rena Bernardini is originally from Somers, New York. She began her training at the Westchester Ballet Center, studying everything from Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Jazz to Flamenco, Hawaiian, and Bharatanatyam. She then …

Chanel R. Dews is a native of Prince George’s County Maryland. She is an alum of Suitland High School where she majored in Dance in the Visual and Performing Arts …

Deborah Chen is originally from Arlington, VA, and grew up in St. Petersburg, FL. She began her ballet training with Elena Martinson at the age of 6. From there, she …

Valentina Palladino is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator from Sardinia, Italy. Ms. Palladino began her dancing career in 2003 at the School Ballet Arabesque, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, under the …

Photo by XMB Photography.

A Wisconsin native, Cacciotti began her early training under the guidance of Marc Darling and Linda Bennett. She went on to study as a trainee at Joffrey Ballet School studying …

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

Margaret Giragosian Williamson received her early training at The Washington Ballet, the Maryland Youth Ballet, and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. During this time, she was also privileged to spend …

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

Pamela Booth Bjerknes, a former member of American Ballet Theatre (ABT), brings extensive teaching, directing, and performing experience to The Washington School of Ballet. Performing classical and contemporary ballets throughout …

Rafael Bejarano Vidal, from Guadalajara, Mexico, began his dance training at age 11 at the Royal Dance Academy of Mexico with Ana Torquemada. He has studied intensively around the world …

Rena Bernardini is originally from Somers, New York. She began her training at the Westchester Ballet Center, studying everything from Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Jazz to Flamenco, Hawaiian, and Bharatanatyam. She then …

Deborah Chen is originally from Arlington, VA, and grew up in St. Petersburg, FL. She began her ballet training with Elena Martinson at the age of 6. From there, she …

Chanel R. Dews is a native of Prince George’s County Maryland. She is an alum of Suitland High School where she majored in Dance in the Visual and Performing Arts …

Tammy Hurt, a native Washingtonian, started her dance training at the Jones-Haywood School of Ballet and later became a member of the Capitol Ballet Company under the direction of Doris …

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

Dr. Elena Ovchinnikova graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy obtained her PhD in Pedagogic Science (Theory and Methodology of Professional Education in Choreography) and Master Degree in Ballet Pedagogy. Additionally, …

Valentina Palladino is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator from Sardinia, Italy. Ms. Palladino began her dancing career in 2003 at the School Ballet Arabesque, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, under the …

A Wisconsin native, Cacciotti began her early training under the guidance of Marc Darling and Linda Bennett. She went on to study as a trainee at Joffrey Ballet School studying …

Margaret Giragosian Williamson received her early training at The Washington Ballet, the Maryland Youth Ballet, and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. During this time, she was also privileged to spend …

Irina Wunder received her classical training in Turkmenistan, then a republic of the former Soviet Union. She performed with the Republic’s Theater of Opera and Ballet and toured with the …

Keith Lamelle Thomas, is a graduate of the Baltimore School for the Arts.  Upon graduating, Mr. Thomas received a full scholarship to Dance Theater of Harlem.  He worked his way up …

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

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

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

Zoica Tovar began her training at the age of nine at the Cuban Ballet School of Havana. Upon graduation she was accepted at Classical Ballet of Havana under the direction of Laura Alonso.  Ms. Tovar danced as a principal dancer in Orlando Ballet from 1998 to 2009…

Edwin Aparicio is considered to be one of the most sought-after flamenco performers, teachers and choreographers in the United States. He has been described by critics as “the most amazing …

Rafael Bejarano Vidal, from Guadalajara, Mexico, began his dance training at age 11 at the Royal Dance Academy of Mexico with Ana Torquemada. He has studied intensively around the world …

Rena Bernardini is originally from Somers, New York. She began her training at the Westchester Ballet Center, studying everything from Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Jazz to Flamenco, Hawaiian, and Bharatanatyam. She then …

CECE FARHA began teaching on the faculty of The Washington School of Ballet in 1999 under the direction of Mary Day. She works within multiple levels of the school as …

Tammy Hurt, a native Washingtonian, started her dance training at the Jones-Haywood School of Ballet and later became a member of the Capitol Ballet Company under the direction of Doris …

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

Amanda received her formal ballet training on scholarship at The Washington School of Ballet with Septime Webre, Rebecca Wright, and Victoria Leigh, and at Miami City Ballet with Edward Villella, …

Mimmo Miccolis, born in Italy, is a freelance neoclassical and contemporary choreographer, primarily active as a teacher and choreographer at The Washington Ballet and the Akhmedova Academy. In 2019, he …

Kurumi Miwa from Tokyo, Japan.

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

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

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

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

Dr. Elena Ovchinnikova graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy obtained her PhD in Pedagogic Science (Theory and Methodology of Professional Education in Choreography) and Master Degree in Ballet Pedagogy. Additionally, …

Valentina Palladino is a professional dancer, choreographer, and educator from Sardinia, Italy. Ms. Palladino began her dancing career in 2003 at the School Ballet Arabesque, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, under the …

Da’Shown Rawl studied Ballet and Modern at the Baltimore School of the Arts in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from the prestigious Dance Department of George Mason University (GMU). While at …

Arron Scott was raised in State College, Pennsylvania, and started his training at the Ballet Theatre of Central Pennsylvania at age nine. He has danced on full scholarships at American …

Katherine Smith a native Washingtonian, is a graduate from The Duke Ellington School of the Arts and received her B.F.A. from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts [currently University of …

Keith Lamelle Thomas, is a graduate of the Baltimore School for the Arts.  Upon graduating, Mr. Thomas received a full scholarship to Dance Theater of Harlem.  He worked his way up …

Adrian Vincent James is a native of Washington, DC, who began his artistic guidance under director Mike Malone in 1970. This led him to win scholarships giving him the opportunity to study …

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

Vincent Williams is an accomplished performing artist; he sings, acts, drums, choreographs, and dances in addition to being a celebrated dance educator. He has worked with renowned artists such as …

Zoica Tovar began her training at the age of nine at the Cuban Ballet School of Havana. Upon graduation she was accepted at Classical Ballet of Havana under the direction of Laura Alonso.  Ms. Tovar danced as a principal dancer in Orlando Ballet from 1998 to 2009…

Irina Wunder received her classical training in Turkmenistan, then a republic of the former Soviet Union. She performed with the Republic’s Theater of Opera and Ballet and toured with the …

Margaret Giragosian Williamson received her early training at The Washington Ballet, the Maryland Youth Ballet, and the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. During this time, she was also privileged to spend …

Parren Ballard, a graduate of the Alabama School of Fine Arts, was trained by Dame Sonia Arova and Thor Sutowski. He began his professional career at the age of seventeen with the Cincinnati Ballet. From there he went on to enjoy an internationally successful career of over twenty years as a Soloist Dancer…

“I am thrilled to be joining TWSB as its new Director and eager to bring my vast  professional experience to lead the faculty and students through this exciting time of change. As both a director and teacher, my goal has always been to offer the highest …

Parren Ballard, a graduate of the Alabama School of Fine Arts, was trained by Dame Sonia Arova and Thor Sutowski. He began his professional career at the age of seventeen with the Cincinnati Ballet. From there he went on to enjoy an internationally successful career of over twenty years as a Soloist Dancer…

Zoica Tovar began her training at the age of nine at the Cuban Ballet School of Havana. Upon graduation she was accepted at Classical Ballet of Havana under the direction of Laura Alonso.  Ms. Tovar danced as a principal dancer in Orlando Ballet from 1998 to 2009…

Lisae Jordan is originally from upstate New York, where many small towns have ballet schools as a result of the Ford Foundation’s support for George Balanchine and his efforts to …

Mimmo Miccolis, born in Italy, is a freelance neoclassical and contemporary choreographer, primarily active as a teacher and choreographer at The Washington Ballet and the Akhmedova Academy. In 2019, he …

Arron Scott was raised in State College, Pennsylvania, and started his training at the Ballet Theatre of Central Pennsylvania at age nine. He has danced on full scholarships at American …

Françoise Thouveny-Doyle is a native of France. She started her classical ballet training in her hometown of Orléans and in Paris at le Centre de Danse de Paris training with …

Irina Wunder received her classical training in Turkmenistan, then a republic of the former Soviet Union. She performed with the Republic’s Theater of Opera and Ballet and toured with the …

With 40 years of experience as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, founding artistic/executive director, and urban planner, Miya’s life has spanned two continents with a commitment to diversity and excellence in …

Linda Baranovics began her ballet career as a young adult while attending Georgetown University in 1977. After graduating in 1978, she continued her training at The Washington School of Ballet. …

Rafael Bejarano Vidal, from Guadalajara, Mexico, began his dance training at age 11 at the Royal Dance Academy of Mexico with Ana Torquemada. He has studied intensively around the world …

Rena Bernardini is originally from Somers, New York. She began her training at the Westchester Ballet Center, studying everything from Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Jazz to Flamenco, Hawaiian, and Bharatanatyam. She then …

Deborah Chen is originally from Arlington, VA, and grew up in St. Petersburg, FL. She began her ballet training with Elena Martinson at the age of 6. From there, she …

Shu-Chen Cuff was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan where she established a well-rounded background in dance with training in Ballet, Modern, Chinese Opera movements, and various Chinese folk dances.  She immigrated to …

Sona Kharatian is a seasoned professional in the world of ballet, bringing over two decades of experience as a professional ballet dancer, instructor, and rehearsal director. Most recently, she held …

Tamás Krizsa, of Hungary, is in his 13th season with The Washington Ballet. Krizsa graduated from the Hungarian Dance Academy with honors in 2002. During his school years, he was …

Kevin Thomas Malone, a native of Washington, DC,Founding Artistic Director / Artist Development Coach for ktm eXtremes dance project as well as is currently Artistic Advisor/Resident Choreographer at the Dance …

Dr. Elena Ovchinnikova graduated from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy obtained her PhD in Pedagogic Science (Theory and Methodology of Professional Education in Choreography) and Master Degree in Ballet Pedagogy. Additionally, …

Natalie is a native Washingtonian. She trained at the Washington School of Ballet under the direction of Mary Day and Choo San Goh. Her training also included Joffrey Ballet, Pennsylvania …

Born in Kanagawa, Japan, Maki enters her 20th season with The Washington Ballet after one season with The Studio Company. Before joining TWB, she danced and studied with Goh Ballet …

Gabriel Mata (pronounced: gah-bryehl mah-tah) is a Mexican American dance choreographer, educator, and performer based in Washington DC. He received his Masters in Fine Arts – dance from the University …

From Cali Colombia, An accomplished ballet dancer and teacher. Danced with The Washington Ballet for 13 years as a principal dancer, National Ballet of Venezuela for two years and the …

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

Maya Harr-Siebenlist grew up in Alexandria, Virginia where she studied ballet at The Washington School of Ballet under the tutelage of Kee Juan Han, former LINES Ballet company dancer, Kristina Windom and award-winning choreographer Mimmo Miccolis. As a student, Maya was the recipient of the Mary Day Scholarship. Maya spent her summers with San Francisco Ballet, PNB, Ballet West, ABT and the Kirov Academy. 

After graduating from high school in 2016, Maya was invited to join Alonzo King LINES Ballet after completing their summer program. Maya danced with Alonzo King LINES Ballet from 2016-2024, bringing King’s work to internationally renowned stages such as Chaillot, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Mariinsky Theatre, and many more. As a dancer with LINES Maya performed many pieces from King’s historical repertoire as well as premiered multiple new works over the years. 

While touring as a performing artist, Maya also taught masterclasses for LINES Ballet internationally and began teaching for the LINES Training Program in 2024. Maya is currently an adjunct professor of dance at George Mason University. 

Originally from Asuncion, Paraguay, Marcela began her training at age six at Studio Nilsa Abraham and Ballet Academic Patricia Manavella. She has attended summer intensives and competitions in Brazil, Chile, …

Bahareh Sardari graduated from the London Royal Ballet School and the Royal Academy of Dance. She was a soloist with the Iranian National Ballet Company, and has worked and performed …

Arron Scott was raised in State College, Pennsylvania, and started his training at the Ballet Theatre of Central Pennsylvania at age nine. He has danced on full scholarships at American …

Katherine Smith a native Washingtonian, is a graduate from The Duke Ellington School of the Arts and received her B.F.A. from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts [currently University of …

Keith Lamelle Thomas, is a graduate of the Baltimore School for the Arts.  Upon graduating, Mr. Thomas received a full scholarship to Dance Theater of Harlem.  He worked his way up …

Royce Zackery received a Master of Arts in Dance Education from N.Y.U. Steinhardt/American Ballet Theatre and is certified in the ABT National Teaching Curriculum with a concentrated degree in Ballet Pedagogy. He …

Glenn Sales, Pianist, has been well-known to Washington, DC audiences since his National Symphony Orchestra debut at age 14 and his subsequent invitations as soloist with NSO. Sales attended the …

Grigori Hovhannisyan has received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with concentration in Sound Engineering, and a Master’s Degree in Music with concentration in Flute, Saxophone and Piano from the Armenian …

Irina Rutkaitiene got her Master’s degree from the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre and has nearly three decades of experience as a piano teacher and collaborative accompanist. Originally from …

Leeza Wildgen (pianist) is native of St. Petersburg, Russia. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Rimsky-Korsakov Music College and University of Culture, both in St. Petersburg. She …