Adult Program Faculty
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 the position of Rehearsal Director / Ballet Master at The Washington Ballet, where she was instrumental in coordinating rehearsals, teaching and coaching dancers, and maintaining the artistic integrity of performances.
Sona’s journey in ballet began with her training at the Choreographic Institute in Yerevan, Armenia, followed by studies at the prestigious Kirov Academy of Ballet and The Washington School of Ballet. Her extensive training and dedication to the art form have led to a successful career marked by performances in principal and featured roles in a diverse range of ballet works by renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine, Mark Morris, Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor, Choo San Goh, Antony Tudor, Nacho Duato, Christopher Wheeldon, Trey McIntyre, Alexei Ratmansky, Jerome Robbins, William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Hans van Manen, Frederick Asthon, Septime Weber, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and more. Notable roles in her repertoire include Juliet in Romeo & Juliet, Giselle and Myrtha in Giselle, Carmen in Carmen, and The Siren from Prodigal Son, among others.
In addition to her work on stage, Sona is deeply committed to sharing her knowledge and passion for ballet through teaching and coaching. Her strong teaching expertise, pedagogical knowledge, and leadership abilities have made her a valuable asset in nurturing the next generation of dancers and fostering a lifelong appreciation for dance. Sona is fluent in English, Russian, and Armenian, allowing her to communicate effectively with diverse teams and audiences. She is a two-time recipient of the Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award, recognizing her contributions to the arts and her dedication to artistic excellence.
