Emma Wood

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 …

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 …

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 …

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

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. 

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

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

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 …

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

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

Joined Trainee Program: 2024

Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa

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

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

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

Joined Trainee Program: 2021
Hometown: Birmingham, Michigan