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info@textureballet.org
Resident Dancers
Kelsey Bartman
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Kelsey Bartman, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began formal training with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School (PBTS) and Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA). Summers were spent studying at American Ballet Theatre, New York, Jacob's Pillow Jazz Program for two years and PBTS for several years. Kelsey then continued as a trainee with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT). During that time she choreographed works for PBT’s School and Company. She then joined Nashville Ballet 2 in 2007 and was hired as a Nashville Ballet Apprentice. She is a co-creator of Works in Progress (WIP) Choreography Project, and has choreographed for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Nashville Ballet, Nashville Ballet 2, Arova Contemporary Ballet, Columbus Modern Dance, and Texture Contemporary Ballet. Kelsey's works, Stills From Italy and Old Skin, have been performed at White Wave DUMBO Dance Festival, and The Rose was showcased at Dance Canvas in Atlanta. She had the great pleasure of choreographing for Resonance Works’ production of Amahl and the Night Visitors. She has had the honor of dancing in Balanchine's Four Temperaments, Theme and Variations, and Serenade, Sarah Slipper's Postcards From the Boys, as well as Paul Vasterling's Adjustable Wrench and Carmina Burana, as well as multiple works by Alan Obuzor and Gabriel Gaffney Smith. Ms. Bartman has taught for the School of Nashville Ballet, Evolve Productions, Alloy School, Laurel Youth Ballet, Xtreme Tumbling and Dance and is currently teaching for Millenium Dance Complex. She has recently had the privilege of teaching a workshop for the group Yaledancers at Yale University. Kelsey is now Associate Artistic Director, Resident Choreographer, and Dancer for Texture Contemporary Ballet.
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Aaron Bellofatto
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Aaron, a Tennessee native, began his training with local studios and the School of Nashville Ballet. After graduating from high school, he continued his training at the University of the Arts, under the direction of Donna Faye Burchfield with a Promising Artist Scholarship. He received a Bachelors of Fine arts in Dance in 2016. It was there that he had to pleasure of performing original works by Tommie Waheed-Evans, Roni Koresh, Meredith Rainey, Sidra Bell, and Douglas Becker. After graduation, Aaron joined Arova Contemporary Ballet for their 2017-2018 season, performing works by Kristopher Estes-Brown, Amy Morrow, Kelsey Bartman, Meredith Cabaness, Kavin Grant, and Jamorris Rivers. Aaron joined Texture Contemporary Ballet in 2019.
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Hannah Buggy
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Hannah Buggy, originally from Marysville, MI began her early training in the styles of ballet, contemporary and jazz at the Dance Company Conservatory of Port Huron. She continued her classical training at the age of 12 with Denise Paavola at the Paavola School of Dance in Flint, MI. Later in her training, Hannah was accepted into the National Ballet of Canada's summer intensive program. She studied with the Graduate Program of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre from 2016 -2018 where she performed with the company in the productions of Giselle, The Nutcracker, and Dracula. Hannah has acted as assistant artistic director of The Nutcracker at the Ballet Company of Port Huron and has led the summer intensive at the Paavola School of Dance alongside Kalle Paavola.
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Rachel Harman
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Rachel Harman, originally from Leesburg, VA, recently graduated from Point Park University in April of 2017 with a B.A in Dance. While studying at Point Park, Rachel had the pleasure of performing works by Nicolas Petrov and Ernest Tolentino as well as performing Giselle choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. Rachel has previously trained at summer intensives such as Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Alonzo King's LINES Ballet, Ballet Austin, and Indiana University. She is very excited to be working with Texture Contemporary Ballet.
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Madeline Kendall
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Madeline Kendall was raised in Sacramento, California where she trained from the age of eight at Capitol Ballet Center under the direction of Stuart Carroll and Sharron Newton. In 2014, Madeline moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to dance with Ballet West, where she had the opportunity to perform in productions of Giselle, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, George Balanchine’s Symphony in C, and John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet. Over the past two years, Madeline toured the state of Utah as a part of an educational outreach called Ballet West for Children. She also performed as a guest artist in a production of The Nutcracker in Fairbanks, Alaska. More recently, Madeline travelled to Germany where she participated in a Cultural Dance Exchange Program with The Staatliche Ballettschule Berlin.
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Katie Miller
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Katie received her early ballet training at Paavola School of Dance in Flint, MI. After graduating high school, she continued her training with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Graduate Program. In 2010, Katie joined the Sacramento Ballet, under the direction of Ron Cunningham and Carinne Binda, and danced with the company for six seasons. Katie joined Texture as a guest dancer in 2012, and joined as a resident dancer in 2016. She has toured with Texture to NYC for the DUMBO Dance Festival and to Massachusetts for the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Katie was also honored to have the opportunity to dance with The Suzanne Farrell Ballet for its farewell tour in December 2017.
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Alan Obuzor
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Alan Obuzor was honored in 2013 by Dance Magazine by being named one of the "Top 25 to Watch". Originally from Pittsburgh, Alan began dancing at the age of nine. Two years later he attended Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School(PBTS), where in 1998 he was a recipient of the prestigious Princess Grace Foundation Dance Honorarium. Alan received a contract to join Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's(PBT's)professional company at the age of 17. During his seven years in PBT's Company, he danced a wide array of ballets ranging from classical to neoclassical to contemporary, which included principal and soloist roles in ballets such as The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Symphony in C, Carmina Burana and Divertimento 15. In that time he also worked with many world renowned figures in dance, and was selected to originate soloist roles in new works by choreographers Dwight Rhoden, Derek Dean, Matjash Mrozewski and Jiabin Pan. Alan began teaching in 2002; from 2007-2012 Alan was on the faculty of PBTS as one of the primary Pre-Professional Division teachers and choreographers. In the fall of 2012, Alan joined the teaching faculty of Pittsburgh Youth Ballet. Alan choreographed his first work in 2002 on himself and a fellow dancer. Since that time he has choreographed over 55 new works for Texture Contemporary Ballet, PBT, PBTS, Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company, New Ballet Ensemble, Harvard Ballet Company, Point Park University, Dancers' Trust, Canton Ballet, Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts and various independent projects. In 2011, Alan won first place in the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters Dance/Choreography competition. He is also the founder and Artistic Director of Texture Contemporary Ballet in 2011.
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Erin Patterson
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Erin Patterson was born and raised in Golden, Colorado. Erin’s earlier training began at The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities under the direction of Christina Noel-Adcock and continued at Boulder Ballet under the direction of Ana Claire. Erin moved to Pittsburgh to attend Point Park University. There she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a concentration in Ballet. While in school, Erin had the pleasure of performing Mathew Powell’s “L’espace que Vous Voyez”, Nicholas Petrov’s “Romeo and Juliet” and Susan Stowe’s rendition of “Giselle” among other various works. Erin is so excited to be working with Texture Contemporary Ballet amongst such talented and inspiring artists!
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Nicole Rizzitano
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Nicole Rizzitano, a Pittsburgh native, received her early training at Pittsburgh Ballet House. Before graduating online from North Hills High School, Nicole continued her training with the Pacific Northwest Ballet School at seventeen and then on exchange with the Royal Danish Ballet School. In 2014, she joined the Pacific Northwest Ballet and continued dancing with the company for four seasons. While at PNB, Nicole had the pleasure of performing in works by George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Justin Peck, Crystal Pite, and Twyla Tharp. She is very to be back in Pittsburgh and dancing with Texture this season!
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Alexandra Tiso
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Alexandra Tiso began her dance training in jazz, tap, and contemporary styles at various schools in Tampa, Florida. At twelve years old, she changed her focus to classical ballet and modern with teachers Amanda Keeney and Mitsie Kraack. She was accepted into the dance program at Blake High School of the Arts where she studied under Albena Arnaudova and Kelly Rayl. Alexandra also attended training intensives at Orlando Ballet, the ROCK School, Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet and Nashville Ballet. After graduation, Alexandra joined the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Graduate program, where she danced as a trainee for two years. She is currently a company member and artistic administrator for Texture Contemporary Ballet in Pittsburgh, PA. Alexandra also holds an Associate Degree in Business from the Community College of Allegheny County.
Alexandra has performed works by George Balanchine, Robert Moses, Gabriel Ash and Annalee Traylor. She has performed on tour in New York, Chicago, Florida and at the prestigious Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in Massachusetts. Her choreography has been set on Texture Contemporary Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and Blake High School of the Arts. Alexandra joined the staff at Dancexplosion Arts Center in 2012 and now holds the title of Assistant Director and Youth Director. She is also on staff at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School. |
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Brynn Vogel
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Brynn Vogel, originally from Sacramento, California, began her training at Capitol Ballet Center unde the direction of Stuart Carroll and Sharon Newton. At the age of 17, Brynn moved to Pittsburgh to study dance at Point Park University. While in school, she had the opportunity to perform in works such as Gerald Arpino’s Light Rain and George Balanchine’s Valse-Fantaisie. Brynn graduated with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Dance in 2011, and joined Texture the following year.
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Guest Dancers
These are artists who have worked with us on recent projects.
Malik Berry
Mailk Berry started his formal dance training at the age of 15 at Fort Hayes Metropolitan High School in Columbus, OH. After graduating high school he joined Columbus Dance Theatre as a company member. Malik went to Columbia College for a semester before deferring and pursuing a professional dance career in New York City. Malik has been awarded full scholarships to study at the American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and the Dance Theatre of Harlem summer intensives. Mailk spent a year at the Ailey School and had the opportunity to perform with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre during their City Center season and as a scholarship student. Shortly after he transferred to change his focus to classical ballet trainin with the Dance Theatre of Harlem professional training program. He is now an apprentice with Complexions Contemporary Ballet.
Mailk Berry started his formal dance training at the age of 15 at Fort Hayes Metropolitan High School in Columbus, OH. After graduating high school he joined Columbus Dance Theatre as a company member. Malik went to Columbia College for a semester before deferring and pursuing a professional dance career in New York City. Malik has been awarded full scholarships to study at the American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and the Dance Theatre of Harlem summer intensives. Mailk spent a year at the Ailey School and had the opportunity to perform with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre during their City Center season and as a scholarship student. Shortly after he transferred to change his focus to classical ballet trainin with the Dance Theatre of Harlem professional training program. He is now an apprentice with Complexions Contemporary Ballet.
Corey Bourbonniere
Corey Bourbonniere is a native of Woonsocket, RI. Corey received his training with the State Ballet of Rhode Island, Heritage Ballet and most recently, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School. He also spent a summer training with Texas Ballet Theatre. He currently dances with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre as a corps de ballet member. His favorite roles include dancing as a "Stomper" in Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room, the "Waltz Boy" in George Balanchine's Serenade and "Drosselmeyer" in Terrence Orr's The Nutcracker.
Corey Bourbonniere is a native of Woonsocket, RI. Corey received his training with the State Ballet of Rhode Island, Heritage Ballet and most recently, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School. He also spent a summer training with Texas Ballet Theatre. He currently dances with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre as a corps de ballet member. His favorite roles include dancing as a "Stomper" in Twyla Tharp's In the Upper Room, the "Waltz Boy" in George Balanchine's Serenade and "Drosselmeyer" in Terrence Orr's The Nutcracker.
James Gilmer
James Gilmer, a native of Pittsburgh and recent graduate of Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts school, began his dance training at age five. He has trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School for four years and attended summer programs including Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Point Park University, the Chautauqua Institution, and American Ballet Theatre. In September 2009, James had the privilege to meet and perform for the First Lady Michelle Obama at the G20 Summit Spousal Program in Pittsburgh. In July 2011, James joined the Cincinnati Ballet. He is extremely delighted to dance with such wonderful artists as a part of Texture Contemporary Ballet.
James Gilmer, a native of Pittsburgh and recent graduate of Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts school, began his dance training at age five. He has trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School for four years and attended summer programs including Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Point Park University, the Chautauqua Institution, and American Ballet Theatre. In September 2009, James had the privilege to meet and perform for the First Lady Michelle Obama at the G20 Summit Spousal Program in Pittsburgh. In July 2011, James joined the Cincinnati Ballet. He is extremely delighted to dance with such wonderful artists as a part of Texture Contemporary Ballet.
Temple Kemezis
Temple Kemezis began her classical ballet training at age 15 with the School of Nashville Ballet. In 2003 she was
asked to continue her training with teachers Dennis Marshall and Marjorie Grundvig in Seattle, Washington. Summer educational programs attended include Boston Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, New York. She has performed with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Connecticut Ballet, Ballet Neo/Kate Thomas, Eidolon Ballet, BalletNY, DancesPatrelle and has also toured Peru with
SENSEDANCE. Some influential workshops that Temple has attended are the Northwest Professional Dance Project and Alonzo King’s LINES. Her favorite roles performed include Amaranthine Road by Henning Rubsam and “Dawn” in Coppelia.
She worked briefly as a Pointe Magazine contributor, and is presently the event manager for celebrity chef Chef Julian Medina of Toloache and Yerba Buena restaurants in New York City.
Temple Kemezis began her classical ballet training at age 15 with the School of Nashville Ballet. In 2003 she was
asked to continue her training with teachers Dennis Marshall and Marjorie Grundvig in Seattle, Washington. Summer educational programs attended include Boston Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, New York. She has performed with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Connecticut Ballet, Ballet Neo/Kate Thomas, Eidolon Ballet, BalletNY, DancesPatrelle and has also toured Peru with
SENSEDANCE. Some influential workshops that Temple has attended are the Northwest Professional Dance Project and Alonzo King’s LINES. Her favorite roles performed include Amaranthine Road by Henning Rubsam and “Dawn” in Coppelia.
She worked briefly as a Pointe Magazine contributor, and is presently the event manager for celebrity chef Chef Julian Medina of Toloache and Yerba Buena restaurants in New York City.
Andrea Kozai
Andrea Kozai began her training in Boulder, CO and completed her Bachelor degreed with a double major in Dance and Exercise Science at Skidmore College. While at Skidmore, she performed the works of Jose Limon, Robert Battle, and the classical ballet masters. Upon graduation, she moved to New York City and worked as a freelance dancer. She performed all over New York and toured nationally with companies including Riedel Dance Theater, Ariel Rivka Dance, and Valerie Green/Dance Entropy. In addition, she launched a personal training business, Virtuoso Fitness, and presented several scientific papers at annual meetings of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science. After seven years in New York, Andrea moved to Pittsburgh with her husband. Since arriving in the Steel City, She has completed her Master's degree in Dance Science and performed with Attack Theater and Bricolage.
Andrea Kozai began her training in Boulder, CO and completed her Bachelor degreed with a double major in Dance and Exercise Science at Skidmore College. While at Skidmore, she performed the works of Jose Limon, Robert Battle, and the classical ballet masters. Upon graduation, she moved to New York City and worked as a freelance dancer. She performed all over New York and toured nationally with companies including Riedel Dance Theater, Ariel Rivka Dance, and Valerie Green/Dance Entropy. In addition, she launched a personal training business, Virtuoso Fitness, and presented several scientific papers at annual meetings of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science. After seven years in New York, Andrea moved to Pittsburgh with her husband. Since arriving in the Steel City, She has completed her Master's degree in Dance Science and performed with Attack Theater and Bricolage.
David Martinez Coro
David Martinez Coro began his ballet studies in Matanzas, Cuba at the age of nine. He went on to the study at the National Ballet of Cuba in Havana where he graduated as a professional ballet dancer and instructor. He joined the National Ballet of Cuba Company under the direction of Prima Ballerina Aliia Alonso. As a member of the company, he toured all over the world dancing the classical repertoire and contemporary works. As a principal dancer, he performed many roles in many of the classic ballets. In 2013, he moved to the United States with his family and began dancing for various companies and instructing at various studios. Mr. Coro joined the Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company staff in the summer of 2017.
David Martinez Coro began his ballet studies in Matanzas, Cuba at the age of nine. He went on to the study at the National Ballet of Cuba in Havana where he graduated as a professional ballet dancer and instructor. He joined the National Ballet of Cuba Company under the direction of Prima Ballerina Aliia Alonso. As a member of the company, he toured all over the world dancing the classical repertoire and contemporary works. As a principal dancer, he performed many roles in many of the classic ballets. In 2013, he moved to the United States with his family and began dancing for various companies and instructing at various studios. Mr. Coro joined the Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company staff in the summer of 2017.
Isabella Mascio
Isabella Mascio, grew up in Pittsburgh and attended Peters Township High School. She studied with the Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company for twelve years. She has performed Balanchine’s Snowflakes, Gold Birds, Circus Polka, Waltz of the Hours, Serenade, Western Symphony, Stars and Stripes and Who Cares? with PYBCO. Isabella has attended summer intensives at the Miami City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and the Gelsey Kirkland Academy. She has also performed Circus Polka with the New York City Ballet in Saratoga. She placed in the Top 12 for her classical variation in the Youth American Grande Prix semi-finals in Indianapolis. Isabella is thrilled to be dancing with Texture Contemporary Ballet.
Isabella Mascio, grew up in Pittsburgh and attended Peters Township High School. She studied with the Pittsburgh Youth Ballet Company for twelve years. She has performed Balanchine’s Snowflakes, Gold Birds, Circus Polka, Waltz of the Hours, Serenade, Western Symphony, Stars and Stripes and Who Cares? with PYBCO. Isabella has attended summer intensives at the Miami City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and the Gelsey Kirkland Academy. She has also performed Circus Polka with the New York City Ballet in Saratoga. She placed in the Top 12 for her classical variation in the Youth American Grande Prix semi-finals in Indianapolis. Isabella is thrilled to be dancing with Texture Contemporary Ballet.
Darren McArthur
Hailing from Niles, OH, Darren McArthur received his early dance training at The Performing Arts Center under Lisa Friend. Upon graduating high school, Darren attended Point Park University where he pursued at Bachelor of Arts in Dance. While at Point Park he had the privilege of performing works by several choreographers such as Gerald Arpino, Trey McIntyre, Kiesha Lalama, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Alan Obuzor and Ohad Naharin. Throughout the years, Darren has attended several intensive programs as well, such as American Academy of Ballet, Movement Invention Project and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Most recently, Darren has worked with FireWALL Dance Theater and is thrilled to be working with Texture.
Hailing from Niles, OH, Darren McArthur received his early dance training at The Performing Arts Center under Lisa Friend. Upon graduating high school, Darren attended Point Park University where he pursued at Bachelor of Arts in Dance. While at Point Park he had the privilege of performing works by several choreographers such as Gerald Arpino, Trey McIntyre, Kiesha Lalama, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Alan Obuzor and Ohad Naharin. Throughout the years, Darren has attended several intensive programs as well, such as American Academy of Ballet, Movement Invention Project and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Most recently, Darren has worked with FireWALL Dance Theater and is thrilled to be working with Texture.
Victoria McWilliams
Victoria McWilliams is currently woking towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance at Point Park University. Before that, she trained at Tempe Dance Academy in Phoenix, Arizona and studied multiple styles of dance. Since starting her studies at Point Park University, Victoria has had the opportunity to perform in works by Dwight Rhoden, Ronen Koresh and Christopher Huggins. Victoria has trained at summer intensive programs such as Alonzo Kings LINES Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Dance Italia.
Victoria McWilliams is currently woking towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance at Point Park University. Before that, she trained at Tempe Dance Academy in Phoenix, Arizona and studied multiple styles of dance. Since starting her studies at Point Park University, Victoria has had the opportunity to perform in works by Dwight Rhoden, Ronen Koresh and Christopher Huggins. Victoria has trained at summer intensive programs such as Alonzo Kings LINES Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Dance Italia.
Colton Rodgers
Colton Rodgers grew up in Bloomington, MN and is currently working towards a degree in Dance and Arts Administration at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. For two years, he trained at Ballet Royale in Lakeville, MN before moving to Salt Lake City, UT to dance with Ballet West. While in Salt Lake City, Colton had many opportunities to perform in company productions such as Adam Sklute's Giselle, Swan Lake, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, John Cranko's Romeo and Juliet, and multiple regional and national productions of The Nutcracker. He was also fortunate enough to participate in a Cultural Dance Exchange with the Staaliche Ballet in Berlin. During his first year at Butler University, Colton had the chance to learn and perform works set on him by Susan McGuire of the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Martha Graham Dance Company and Deborah Wingert of the George Balanchine Trust. Such works included Largo and The Four Temperaments.
Colton Rodgers grew up in Bloomington, MN and is currently working towards a degree in Dance and Arts Administration at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. For two years, he trained at Ballet Royale in Lakeville, MN before moving to Salt Lake City, UT to dance with Ballet West. While in Salt Lake City, Colton had many opportunities to perform in company productions such as Adam Sklute's Giselle, Swan Lake, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, John Cranko's Romeo and Juliet, and multiple regional and national productions of The Nutcracker. He was also fortunate enough to participate in a Cultural Dance Exchange with the Staaliche Ballet in Berlin. During his first year at Butler University, Colton had the chance to learn and perform works set on him by Susan McGuire of the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Martha Graham Dance Company and Deborah Wingert of the George Balanchine Trust. Such works included Largo and The Four Temperaments.
Sean Sessions
Sean Sessions is from Baltimore, MD where he began his dance training under Dona Pidel. Most recently, he has been seen dancing with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet. Sean has trained with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and at Butler University. He has had the privilege of studying internationally at the Polish National Ballet School under Marek Cholewa and at the acclaimed Jacob's Pillow Ballet program under Anna-Marie Holmes.
Sean Sessions is from Baltimore, MD where he began his dance training under Dona Pidel. Most recently, he has been seen dancing with the Suzanne Farrell Ballet. Sean has trained with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and at Butler University. He has had the privilege of studying internationally at the Polish National Ballet School under Marek Cholewa and at the acclaimed Jacob's Pillow Ballet program under Anna-Marie Holmes.
Henry Steele
Henry began studying dance at the age of 16 in his homeland of Wollongong, NSW, Austrailia . Currently studying at Point Park University, Henry now resides in Pittsburgh, PA. Before dancing, he was a gymnast and developed into an elite Australian Representative and was the national champion on the floor exercise three years in a row. Prior to Point Park, he had the pleasure to perform Jessica Lang’s La Belle Danse. Since he has been at PPU, Henry has studied under Peter Merz, Nicholas Petrov, Kiesha Lalama, Judith Leifer-Bentz, Garfield Lemonious, Ron Tassone and Doug Bentz.
Henry began studying dance at the age of 16 in his homeland of Wollongong, NSW, Austrailia . Currently studying at Point Park University, Henry now resides in Pittsburgh, PA. Before dancing, he was a gymnast and developed into an elite Australian Representative and was the national champion on the floor exercise three years in a row. Prior to Point Park, he had the pleasure to perform Jessica Lang’s La Belle Danse. Since he has been at PPU, Henry has studied under Peter Merz, Nicholas Petrov, Kiesha Lalama, Judith Leifer-Bentz, Garfield Lemonious, Ron Tassone and Doug Bentz.
Lauren Stenroos
Lauren is a founding and current member of Cleveland Ballet. Lauren has danced the role of Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the lead role of Swanilda in Cleveland Ballet’s Coppélia and in Past Present Future. She began her training in Akron with the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet under Nan and Mia Klinger and performed in original ballets by Tom Gold, Francis Patrelle, James Sewell, Michael Vernon, Bill Hastings, John Selya, and Tom Evert. She has danced professionally with Lake Erie Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Ballet Montana, Texture Contemporary Ballet, and James Sewell Ballet. Lauren has danced in works by George Balanchine, Gerald Arpino, Septime Webre, Paul Vasterling, Jon Rodriguez, Stuart Sebastian, James Sewell, Chris Hannon, Amy Seiwert, Gina Patterson, and Lesley Bories-Scalise. She received her B.A. in Dance with a minor in Music Composition from Mercyhurst.
Lauren is a founding and current member of Cleveland Ballet. Lauren has danced the role of Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the lead role of Swanilda in Cleveland Ballet’s Coppélia and in Past Present Future. She began her training in Akron with the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet under Nan and Mia Klinger and performed in original ballets by Tom Gold, Francis Patrelle, James Sewell, Michael Vernon, Bill Hastings, John Selya, and Tom Evert. She has danced professionally with Lake Erie Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Ballet Montana, Texture Contemporary Ballet, and James Sewell Ballet. Lauren has danced in works by George Balanchine, Gerald Arpino, Septime Webre, Paul Vasterling, Jon Rodriguez, Stuart Sebastian, James Sewell, Chris Hannon, Amy Seiwert, Gina Patterson, and Lesley Bories-Scalise. She received her B.A. in Dance with a minor in Music Composition from Mercyhurst.
Amanda Summers
Amanda Summers is originally from Baltimore, Maryland where she trained at the Mid- Atlantic Center for the Performing Arts under the artistic direction of Shannon Torres. She was a consistent Youth America Grand Prix NYC Solo Finalist, placing second in the contemporary category at the regionals in 2009, and receiving a scholarship to Steps on Broadway at the finals in New York. Recently, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Fine Arts from Point Park University’s Conservatory Dance Program. While at Point Park, Amanda had the pleasure of performing in Kiesha Lalama’s The Bench as the lead female, as well as works by Christopher Huggins, George Balanchine, Marius Petipa, Gerald Arpino, Darrell Grand Moultrie, Kristofer Storey, Val Caniparoli, Garfield Lemonius, Patrick Frantz, Nicolas Petrov and Peter Merz. She has attended summer programs at Boston Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Ramblewood Contemporary Dance Intensive and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Amanda has also danced for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
Sasha York
Originally from Chelyabinsk, Russia, Sasha York trained at Paavola School of Dance in Flint, MI. He later returned to Russia, where he trained with Urey Urivich. Sasha was accepted into the Pre-Professional program at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and performed in company productions of Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland. He has worked with many well-known choreographers such as Harrison McEldowney, Viktor Plotnikov and Septime Webre. Currently, Sasha is dancing with Ballet Nebraska.
Originally from Chelyabinsk, Russia, Sasha York trained at Paavola School of Dance in Flint, MI. He later returned to Russia, where he trained with Urey Urivich. Sasha was accepted into the Pre-Professional program at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and performed in company productions of Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland. He has worked with many well-known choreographers such as Harrison McEldowney, Viktor Plotnikov and Septime Webre. Currently, Sasha is dancing with Ballet Nebraska.