Angel joined American Ballet Theatre in 1995 and quickly rose to the rank of principal dancer. Throughout his 17-year career with them, he excelled in a wide range of repertory, performing such iconic roles as Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, and the Nutcracker Prince in The Nutcracker. He has also appeared as a guest artist with the Royal Ballet in London, the Kirov Ballet in Russia, and New York City Ballet. As well, Angel has received numerous awards, including 1st prize in the National Ballet Competition in Spain (1991), the Prix Benois de la Danse (2000), and the National Award of Spain (2003). He has danced for Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Sophia of Spain, and for Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

Angel’s onstage passion and talents have translated to his behind-the-scenes career as well. From 2008 to 2014, he served as director for his own company, the Barcelona Ballet (formerly the Corella Ballet), in his native Spain, where he is regarded as a national treasure. His was the first classical ballet company established in the country in 20 years. And while Angel retired from American Ballet Theater in June 2012, he continued to dance with his own company.

A passionate teacher and mentor to young professional dancers, Angel has taught at various summer programs as well as leading dance schools, including the Royal Ballet School in London. He now applies that same passion, verve, and balletic insight to the dancers of Philadelphia Ballet.

Born in Yerevan, Armenia, Karapetyan received his training at the Armenian School of Ballet and the Schweizerische Ballettberufsschule in Zurich, Switzerland. His extensive experience includes 12 years as a principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, and six as a soloist with the Zurich Ballet. Karapetyan served on the jury for Prix de Lausanne in 2018, and has been a guest teacher with San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet and more.

Davit has performed principal roles in Helgi Tomasson’s 2004 Nutcracker (Nutcracker Prince and King of Snow), Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella (Prince Gillaume), John Cranko’s Onegin (Onegin), among others, and created principal roles in Helgi Tomasson’s On a Theme of Paganini, Caprice, and On Common Ground.

“Throughout his career, Davit has continually distinguished himself both as a performer and a teacher of ballet’s next generation. His wide range of experience, depth of knowledge, and passion for ballet education make him the ideal candidate to lead the School boldly into the future.” – Philadelphia Ballet Artistic Director Angel Corella.

Born in Yerevan, Armenia, Karapetyan received his training at the Armenian School of Ballet and the Schweizerische Ballettberufsschule in Zurich, Switzerland. His extensive experience includes 12 years as a principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, and six as a soloist with the Zurich Ballet. Karapetyan served on the jury for Prix de Lausanne in 2018, and has been a guest teacher with San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, Philadelphia Ballet and more.

Davit has performed principal roles in Helgi Tomasson’s 2004 Nutcracker (Nutcracker Prince and King of Snow), Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella (Prince Gillaume), John Cranko’s Onegin (Onegin), among others, and created principal roles in Helgi Tomasson’s On a Theme of Paganini, Caprice, and On Common Ground.

“Throughout his career, Davit has continually distinguished himself both as a performer and a teacher of ballet’s next generation. His wide range of experience, depth of knowledge, and passion for ballet education make him the ideal candidate to lead the School boldly into the future.” – Philadelphia Ballet Artistic Director Angel Corella.

As a 17-year old, Kristy competed as one of two Americans in the prestigious Varna International Ballet Competition. She danced professionally with The Washington Ballet, Cleveland/San Jose Ballet, San Francisco Opera Ballet, and Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet. Kristy completed her Master of Fine Arts degree in Dance at George Mason University and taught dancers at GMU for 18 years, helping students navigate the benefits of dance in university settings. As a division head in The Washington School of Ballet, Kristy was part of a team that focused on nurturing students and helping to grow the school’s student body threefold.

In her research, Kristy explores interdisciplinary and innovative dance training strategies that primarily focus on neuromuscular performance and execution. Her studies as a somatic practitioner influence her ballet curricula, helping students recruit dynamic alignment and safe movement practices. She is a sought-after mentor to ballet students who aspire to professional careers and non-traditional paths. She is most interested in experiences that promote diversity in ballet so this training can be practiced and shared widely and equitably.

Magge has been a dance educator and arts administrator in the Philadelphia area since 2015. Most recently she served as the Artistic Manager and Performance Company Coordinator at The Rock School for Dance – West. While at Rock West, Magge staged several ballets including The Nutcracker, Paquita and Coppelia as well as choreographed and produced two original ballets – Rhodophis: A Tale from Ancient Egypt and Night at the Opera. Her students have won top prizes at competitions like Youth America Grand Prix, Odessa Ballet Competition, and Universal Ballet Competition and been accepted into prestigious schools and companies. Magge joined the School of Philadelphia Ballet as the Artistic Coordinator and PBII Company Manager in 2023.

In 1994, Ms. Eagens became a trainee with Hartford Ballet, where she danced in ballets such as Western Symphony, Coppélia, and Kirk Peterson’s The Nutcracker, which she also had the opportunity to tour throughout the New York region. In 1996, she returned to Pennsylvania Ballet under the direction of Roy Kaiser and was promoted to the corps de ballet in 1998. In addition to performing most of the company’s repertoire, Ms. Eagens also danced leading roles in ballets such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Sleeping Beauty, The Four Temperaments, Raymonda Variations, Agon, Swan Lake, Company B, Great Galloping Gottschalk, and Romeo and Juliet, among many others. Additionally, Ms. Eagens had the honor of performing alongside such notables as Susan Jaffe, Jose Carreno, Nicole Hlinka, and Damian Woetzel in a Rock School benefit for Milton Rock in 1996. And in 1998, she had the privilege of performing in the Balanchine Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Ms. Eagens retired from Philadelphia Ballet, formerly Pennsylvania Ballet, in 2005 to start a family, and has since begun a teaching career. She has taught for numerous schools in the Greater Philadelphia area, including Muhlenberg College (Allentown, PA), Delaware Valley Dance Academy (Colmar, PA), Lionville School of Dance (Exton, PA), and the Radomile Academy of Dance (Havertown, PA), among others. In the fall of 2015, Ms. Eagens attended a teacher’s workshop at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, where she observed classes led by Marcia Dale Weary of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.

Ms. Eagens has appeared as Queen in Philadelphia Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty, as well as Angel Corella’s, Swan Lake, and the role of Step Mother in PBII’s Prince Charming. She currently resides in Worcester, PA and is the proud mother of three daughters.

Ms. Bowman joined Pennsylvania Ballet (now Philadelphia Ballet) in August of 2001, where she danced for fifteen seasons before retiring in June of 2016. Her versatility afforded her opportunities to perform featured roles in both classical and contemporary works; including Angel Corella’s Don Quixote, George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Four Temperaments, William Forsythe’s Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude and In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo, Jerome Robbins’ N.Y. Export: Opus Jazz, Christopher Wheeldon’s Swan Lake, Paul Taylor’s Company B, Peter Martins’ Barber Violin Concerto, Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs, and Matthew Neenan’s Penumbra, among others. In addition to her work with Pennsylvania Ballet, Ms. Bowman performed with Carolina Ballet and BalletX, and, in 2010, was cast in the Academy Award-nominated film Black Swan. She has performed in the International Ballet Festival of Miami, the Edinburgh Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, and the Vail International Dance Festival.

Ms. Bowman fell in love with teaching early in her professional career; sharing her knowledge and passion with students and schools along the east coast since 2003. In 2012, she was selected as an inaugural instructor with the re-established School of Pennsylvania Ballet, now known as School of Philadelphia Ballet. In addition to her years of dedication to the School, Ms. Bowman has also held the position of Senior Lecturer with the School of Dance at the University of the Arts. Ms. Bowman resides in Philadelphia with her husband and two beautiful sons.

A highly sought-after guest artist, Alexei has made numerous appearances internationally and throughout Russia. In 1997, he toured China with The Stars of the American Ballet. From 1992-2006, Alexei was a Principal Dancer with the Pennsylvania Ballet. His extensive repertoire includes principal roles in Giselle, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, The Sleeping Beauty, Coppélia, Don Quixote, and The Nutcracker, among others. Along with leading roles in the classical repertoire, he has taken up additional assignments in the ballets of George Balanchine, including Apollo, Rubies, The Four Temperaments, Tarantella, Serenade, Theme and Variations, and Stars and Stripes. Alexei has also danced in such diverse pieces as Hans van Manen’s Grosse Fuge, Paul Taylor’s Arden Court, Lynne Taylor Corbett’s Great Galloping Gottschalk, and has created roles in many new ballets. In June 1997, Alexei had the prestigious honor of being invited to return to his homeland of Russia to appear as Principal Guest Artist in The Perm Ballet Theatre’s productions of Don Quixote and Giselle in celebration of their 125th Jubilee.

On October 13, 2006, Alexei retired from the Pennsylvania Ballet with a Gala Performance of Balanchine’s Apollo. He gave his last performance with Perm Ballet in Russia in November 2006. Alexei has worked with Jeanne Ruddy Dance since January 2007, teaching ballet classes and expanding his career as a modern dancer. He is on the faculty as a ballet teacher with School of Philadelphia Ballet.

Alexei is very pleased to have the opportunity to work with all levels of students and is committed to providing the highest-quality ballet training in a fun and supportive environment.

She began her training at the Academy of Ballet NJ in South Jersey under David Gallagher and was taught by Valerie Amiss, Gabriella Yudenich, Jennifer Tedesco and William DeGregory. She performed in many full-length productions with lead roles such as Snow Queen and Dew Drop in The Nutcracker, Cygnet and Peasant pas de trois in Swan Lake, Stepsister in Cinderella, and Swanhilda in Coppelia. She has attended summer intensives at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Paradosi, Princeton Ballet School, Paul Taylor and Mark Morris Dance Group.

Gabrielle attended Adelphi University in Long Island, New York and received a BFA in Dance and with a minor in Art and Design Education. At Adelphi, she worked with choreographers Frank Augustyn, Orion Duckstein, Tamara Babic, Jennifer Kreichman, and Fernando Carrillo. While at Adelphi she interned at Long Island High School of the Arts and the Waldorf School of Garden City, teaching her choreography to students.

Gabrielle is delighted to continue her passion for teaching children dance where she began her career.

She and her mother founded the renowned school “Danzas Españolas Elba Cena” over 30 years ago, teaching Flamenco and Spanish Dance where their technique has been recognized at the National Center for the Arts in Mexico City.

She has studied with many renowned artists, including Cristobal Reyes (her primary Flamenco teacher), Olga Marcioni “La China”, Manuel Reyes, Merche Esmeralda, José Molina and Manuel Linan, Ana López (teacher of the Conservatorio real de Madrid Mariemma), Elba Hevia y Vaca, among others.

Elba has been recognized numerous times for her artistic direction, her solo dancing, and her dance company and school´s productions over the past 17 years. She has made several appearances with renowned symphony and philharmonic orchestras in Mexico and taking flamenco, to important stages within large productions such as the show Esencia y Consecuencia for 15 years, and the staging of Viva Lara accompanying great artists of international stature.

A recent twist in Elba’s career saw her collaborate with the British Junior Ice Skating Champions Phebe Bekker and James Hernandez. She choreographed flamenco elements into their program, where they won a silver medal at the Junior Prix in Ostrava 2022, first place at the British Championships and recently, third place at World Junior Championship in Calgary with their Flamenco program.

Elba is passionate about connecting and sharing dance with all of her students, regardless of where they are in their careers.

Mr. Charov started his professional career at the age of seventeen at the Donetsk Opera and Ballet House in Ukraine. He began touring nationally and abroad and enjoyed great success, quickly building a rich classical repertoire. In 1991, he moved to the United States and continued his performing career with the Indianapolis Ballet (Cavalier in Nutcracker, Hilarion in Giselle, Pas d’ Esclave, Zuniga in Carmen). In 1996 he was invited to perform for Her Majesty, The Queen Anne of Romania and Her Royal Highness, The Princess Sophie of Romania. In the same year he joined Philadelphia Ballet, formerly Pennsylvania Ballet, and started adding a wide collection of Balanchine works to his range. Mr. Charov has also performed in original works by many internationally acclaimed choreographers such as Jerome Robbins, Ben Stevenson, Margo Sappington, Kirk Peterson, John Cranko, James Kudelka, L. Taylor-Corbett, Alvin Ailey, Dwight Rhoden, Christopher Wheeldon, Paul Mejia, Alberto Alonso, Matthew Neenan, and others. His performances were highlighted and reviewed by the press in Europe and Asia, as well as in the United States.

Mr. Charov served as a Ballet Master for Koresh Dance Company and helped to develop the Children’s Ballet Program for the school. Currently, Mr. Charov works for Philadelphia Performing Art String Theory Schools as a coordinator of curriculum for classical ballet programs for beginner levels. He is also serving as a faculty member of the School of Philadelphia Ballet. Mr. Charov teaches master classes and stages classical performances and original works around the country and internationally.

In 2016, Mr. Charov received a Bachelor’s Degree in Choreography, Directing, and Teaching. In January of 2018, he completed his Masters in Fine Arts and Pedagogy. He is also official judge for W.B.A.C. Grand Prix.

Beginning in school and throughout her career, Ms. Charova has had esteemed teachers who helped her to achieve her goals. These teachers include Elena Riabinkina, and the great teachers of the Mariinsky Ballet, Sergei Vikharev, Vladlen Semenov and Irina Kolpakova.

Natalia started her professional career at the age of eighteen at the Donetsk Opera and Ballet House in Ukraine. She began touring nationally and abroad and enjoyed great success, quickly building a rich classical repertoire. Some of her favorite roles include Odette, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Maria Taglioni from Pas de Quatre. In 1991 she moved to the United States and continued her performing career with the Indianapolis Ballet and later the Pennsylvania Ballet, adding a wide collection of Balanchine works to her repertoire. Natalia has also performed in works including the world premieres by many internationally acclaimed choreographers such as Jerome Robbins, Ben Stevenson, Margo Sappington, Kirk Peterson, John Cranco, James Kudelka, L. Taylor-Corbett, Alvin Ailey, Dwight Rhoden, Christopher Wheeldon, Paul Mejia, Alberto Alonso, Matthew Neenan and others. Her performances were highlighted and reviewed by the press in Europe and Asia, as well as in the United States including Dance magazine, Pointe magazine and Philadelphia Inquirer.

In 2016 Ms. Charova received a bachelor’s degree in choreography, directing and stage management. In January of 2018 she completed her master’s in fine arts and Pedagogy.

Ms. Charova teaches Master classes and stages classical performances and original works around the country and internationally. She is also a judge with the WBAC Grand Prix. For over 12 years and currently Ms. Charova has been directing the Classical Ballet program and coordinates curriculum at Philadelphia Performing Arts a String Theory School. The curriculum includes all levels of ballet students, beginner through advanced. Ms. Charova is also a dedicated faculty member at the School of Philadelphia Ballet.

In 2014, she had the opportunity to participate in the “DanceAbility” (dance for able and disabled bodies) teacher certification course in Vienna, Austria under the direction of Alito Alessi. Upon graduating, Courtney performed in Opera Philadelphia’s production of “Turandot,” choreographed by Renaud Doucet.

As Courtney has been dancing from a young age, she found Pilates to be a reliable form of cross-training and injury prevention. She began seriously training in Pilates under the instruction of Sabrina Collins in 2012. Later, Courtney progressed through the Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training under the direction of Ellie Herman through the internationally recognized Pilates certification program. This program consisted of ten intensive modules covering Mat, Barre, Springboard, Reformer, Cadillac, Pilates Arc, and Wunda Chair. Courtney hopes to share her love for movement as well as provide her students with the necessary tools to ensure their bodies remain strong and aligned throughout their career.

At 16, Lucia moved to Philadelphia and began training at the School of Philadelphia Ballet. After two years in the school, Lucia joined Philadelphia Ballet II for the 2018/2019 Season, and was promoted straight to the Corps de Ballet for the 2019/2020 Season. She was promoted to Demi Soloist for the 2020/2021 Season.

Mikaela was able to attend University of the Arts in Philadelphia, receiving the “Artistic” Scholarship to study and earn her B.F.A in Dance under the direction of Donna Faye-Burchfield. During these four years she was fortunate enough to work and perform in works choreographed and led by Katie Swords-Thurman, Tommie-Waheed Evans, Jesse Zaritt, Sidra Bell, Milton Myers, Meredith Rainey and Kyle and Dinita Clark. Simultaneous to her schooling Mikaela was also an active company member with Philadanco! D/2 second company under the leadership and direction of Donald T. Lunsford. This then led to apprenticeship opportunities for the First Company PHILADANCO! The Philadelphia Dance Company while finishing up her junior and senior year. After graduating in 2017, Mikaela was able to fully transition as a company member with Philadanco! Led by founder Joan Myers-Brown. Mikaela continues to stay curious and seek out knowledge and new perspectives. She was invited to participate in intensives such as JacobJonas the Company first digital Intensive and workshop and Kyle Abraham A.I.M’s first digital Intensive and workshop. She also attended Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater summer intensive. Parallel to performing, Mikaela finds joy in teaching and pouring her knowledge back into her community. An active dance educator with Core Academy of Dance, Philadelphia School of Dance Arts, Ms. Carols Center for Dance, and the School of Philadelphia Ballet. Mikaela is also one of Philadanco’s Master Class instructors and speakers while traveling.

Gillian graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2012. During her 4-year program, she continued dancing, participating in University dance and theater productions as well as dancing for the Binghamton University Kickline. Following graduation, she moved to Florida to work in an entertainment role at Walt Disney World, an absolute dream come true for a long-time Disney fan. Following her performance career Gillian continued to work as a dance educator and teacher helping to mold the next generation of performers.

Gillian comes to the School of the Philadelphia Ballet with over 15 years of experience as a dance instructor having worked with aspiring dancers from ages 3 to adult. She has experience with all ages and levels of dance experience and has studied many different dance pedagogy methods over her time as a teacher. Gillian is always ready to adapt and make ballet fun while still focusing on the technique, vocabulary, and musicality that is so important for young developing minds. She works to encourage dancers to do their best and help them feel confident about what they are doing.

Gillian continues to train and coach dancers in the greater Philadelphia area to help them hone their skills, improve technical aspects of their dance, and compete in regional and national dance competitions.

In 2008 Clarissa was admitted to the Cultural Traditions Program at Jacob’s Pillow Dance School, where she studied and performed under the direction of Soledad Barrio and Antonio Rodriguez “El Chupete”. In 2009 she traveled to the Jerez Flamenco Festival to study with flamenco icon Matilde Coral. Clarissa has also studied and performed with Elba Hevia y Vaca, founder of Pasion y Arte Dance Company of Philadelphia, and Liliana Ruiz founder and director of Suspiro Flamenco in Philadelphia. Today Clarissa continues to perform in schools, colleges, restaurants, festivals, and other local events in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

In addition to welcoming students of all levels, ages, and backgrounds into her highly sought after virtual classes, Ms. Novinski opened Amy Novinski Ballet Class in 2020 at the Bok Building where she hosts private students, workshops, and open classes. Ms. Novinski was the premiere ballet instructor for BalletX’s Center for World Premiere Choreography, has taught for the University of Pennsylvania’s dance organizations, held the position of Senior Lecturer within the University of the Arts’ Ira Brind School of Theater Arts, and Adjunct Instructor of Ballet at Temple University’s School of Theater Film Media Arts. Most recently she held the position of Associate Professor in Performance at Swarthmore College. In 2023 Ms. Novinski was delighted to join Kathryn Morgan & Friends as co-teacher for their Philadelphia event.

Ms. Novinski has been featured in publications including Pointe Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

He has guested with companies such as Whim’whim, Ballet Hawai’i-Washington Ballet, Capitol Ballet, The Ballet Guild and has been brought in to teach around the U.S. Jesse is honored to be a part of the School of Philadelphia Ballet’s team!

Madeline also danced with Ballet Pensacola under Darren McIntyre where she originated roles in Dracula and The Wizard of Oz. Throughout her career, she has performed in works such as Flower Festival at Genzano, The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Paquita, La Bayadere, Le Corsaire, Raymonda, and La Sylphide. She moved to Philadelphia to further her teaching and performing career. Madeline is a freelance artist and began working with The School of Philadelphia Ballet in the spring.

Jennifer thoroughly enjoys teaching and takes pride in helping her students overcome technical obstacles. She is a certified Pilates teacher and is certified in Progressive Ballet Technique. Jennifer has been and is a valued teacher in the South New Jersey area, and is very excited to work with students at The School of the Philadelphia Ballet.

Since coming to America in 2000, she has taught at the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, Wissahickon Dance Academy, Gwendolyn Bye Dance Studio, Christina Pulcini Dance Academy, Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet, as well as teaching the “Participate in Dance Program” in several Philadelphia public high schools.

Ali is a former Adjunct Professor of Dance at Temple University and also the former Artistic Director of Philadanco III Juniors at Philadanco, under the direction of Joan Myers-Brown. He was a student at Alvin Ailey and a full scholarship recipient at the Joffrey Ballet in 2008. He also attended the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s summer intensive as a Full Scholarship Recipient in 2011 and 2012, where he was also awarded the Modern Dance Award and was selected as the 1st Student Choreographer for DTH’s Summer Program. Ali was a participant in the International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference’s Liturgical Showcase where he showcased his premier piece, “A Fatherless Testimony” (2010) with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre’s Michael Jackson Jr.

After graduation, Olivia moved to Philadelphia, where she performed with esteemed companies and choreographers such as Anne-Marie Mulgrew, Grounded Aerial, Matter Movement Group, Asya Zlatina, and Anito Gavino. In 2022, Olivia joined Yu.S.Artistry as a company dancer and associate director, where she performed works by Artistic Director Yuki Ishiguro and guest choreographer Yoshito Sakuraba. Olivia has appeared as a guest artist with Aru dell’Arte in Washington D.C. and was one of Ballare Carmel’s inaugural Dance Fellows, where she was delighted to work with Alex Ketley, Nicole Hennington, and Lillian Barbeito. Olivia speaks fluent Spanish, holds a Level 1 Bungee Dance Certification from Grounded Aerial, and is a teaching artist for Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers’ CHI Dance Program. Olivia joined the School of Philadelphia Ballet as a faculty member in 2023.