Ballet academy

Savannah dancer receives prestigious Joffrey Ballet Academy scholarship

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Savannah’s first black nutcracker, Andre McGregor, will soon join the ranks of a world-renowned dance center as he leaves to study in the Joffrey Ballet’s trainee program Academy. “I’m so excited to be able to continue what I’ve been doing all this time,” McGregor said. “It’s amazing that I’ve gotten to […]

Ballet dancer

Manassas Ballet dancer to retire after starring in ‘Giselle’ | Lifestyles

Since the age of 5, Julianne Russell dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer. And over the past 20 years, Russell has had a fulfilling career as a professional ballet dancer working for prestigious regional ballet companies, including the Ballet Theater of Maryland in Annapolis and the Manassas Ballet Theatre. But Russell, now 31, said it […]

Ballet dancer

Gabe Stone Shayer on succeeding as a black ballet dancer

Questions and answers The Philadelphia native was recently promoted to soloist with American Ballet Theatre, one of the most distinguished ballet companies in the world. Get wellness tips, workout trends, healthy eating and more straight to your inbox with our Be Well newsletter. Gabe Stone Shayer practicing at the American Ballet Theatre. | Photo courtesy […]

Ballet dancer

Pen pal swap turns into close friendship for up-and-coming ballet dancer

What started as a pen pal exchange has become one of the biggest proponents of Emma Tomlinson’s promising ballet career. It was January when a community pen pal project was launched for residents of The Wexford. What started as a pen pal exchange has become one of the biggest proponents of Emma Tomlinson’s promising ballet […]

Ballet academy

Retired dancers from the Grand Rapids Ballet Company open their own ballet academy in West Michigan

Picture FileAkop and Gaiane Akopian, former professional dancers with the Grand Rapids Ballet Company, opened their own studio, the Michigan Ballet Academy. GRAND RAPIDS – Akop and Gaiane Akopian were stage stars with the Grand Rapids Ballet Company until their retirement. Today, they retire their talents as teachers, choreographers and artistic directors. The married couple […]