Professional Artists
Edmarylis Alverio - Professional Artist
Edmarilys started dance when she was 3. She joined Brandon Ballet in 2016, and in 2020 did YAGP and became a pre-professional at 16. This is her seventh season with us. She has done productions like Giselle, Paquita, La Bayadare, and Nutcracker.
Anna Smith - Professional Artist
Anna has a BA in dance from Mercyhurst University. She has danced professionally with Lake Erie Ballet, Charlottesville Ballet, and Tampa Ballet Theatre. This is her third season with Brandon Ballet. Anna also coaches competition ballet teams.
Pre-Professional Artists
Lauren DePaola
Lauren is in her 7th year with Brandon Ballet and her first year as a Pre-Professional. She is the Corps Commander of Bloomingdale High School’s AFJROTC and also plays piano and participates in Girl Scouts. Lauren plans to pursue higher education to become a research astrophysicist.
Diamond
Mehar Chhabra
Mehar is an IB student aspiring to become a Cardiologist. She has been dancing for 7 years and recently, won Samsung's "Solve for Tomorrow" competition, by creating an app that alerts coaches to potential heat strokes in athletes.
Katie Gordon
Katie’s love for dance started about 12 years ago. She enjoys science, as her favorite subject is chemistry. She does not miss her chance to be a part of any extracurricular activities such as Relay for Life. Katie aspires be a Nurse Practitioner.
Madeline Gordon
Madeline has been dancing for 13 years. Not just a dancer but also a track star! Her favorite school subject is Psychology, and she aspires to become a Psychologist. When not dancing, find her volunteering at the Humane Society, showcasing her love for animals.
Maya Kalinowski
Maya has been dancing for 12 years. Her preferred school subjects are Psychology and Biology, and she aims to pursue neuroscience or psychology in higher education.
Sapphire
Koko Browne
Koko has been dancing for a total of 8 years. Her favorite subject in school is math. She enjoys being a part of school activities such as the reading club and paws club. Her goal is to become a family lawyer in the future.
Emily Gordon
Emily has been dancing for 9 years. She has a love for fine arts as not only does she dance but she also plays the piano! Her favorite subject in school is math and she hopes to become a doctor in the future.
Arabella Karnes
Arabella has been dancing for 12 years. She currently dances Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, and Pointe. Currently, her favorite subject in school is history. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Emerald
Tamar Hinds
Tamar joined Brandon Ballet in 2022. She has trained in Contemporary, Jazz, Tap and Modern. She sings and acts but has a deep passion for dance. She wants to continue her growth and looks forward to a successful career as a professional dancer.
Ruby
Avery Fike
This is Avery's first year at Brandon Ballet. When she is not dancing, you can catch her horseback riding or cheerleading. Her favorite subjects in school are reading and journalism. Avery aspires to be a professional dancer in NYC and a Veterinarian.
Samantha Higginbottom
Samantha is a retired extra and has entered her first year as a company dancer with Brandon Ballet. She trains in Ballet, Jazz, and Contemporary. She enjoys reading and math. Samantha inspires to be an Aerospace engineer.
Cecilia Lasher
CeCe, with 9 years of dance experience, joins Brandon Ballet for her inaugural year. She specializes in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Contemporary dance. Outside of dancing, she indulges in skincare and beauty.
Isabella Lasher
Isabella, a member of the performance dance team, has 11 years of dance experience and is in her first year with Brandon Ballet. She specializes in Jazz, Modern, Ballet, and contemporary dance. Outside of dancing, she finds joy in drawing and painting.
Allison Rabe
Allison is in her debut year at Brandon Ballet, and we're thrilled to welcome her. With 7 years of dance experience, she also finds joy in reading, playing softball, and mastering the violin. Her future aspiration is to become an airplane pilot.
Our Nutcracker Extras!
We’re so thankful for the young extras dancers and guest artists who performed in this year’s Nutcracker production! Read more about each group below!
Elise Dorsey, Tamar Hinds, Grace Malik, Nyla Wilson
Nelson Howard, Lara Labastie, Isaiah Nieves, Melanie Brockmeier-Jordy, Leinorys Crespo, Missi Gauthier, Lucille Hanson, Etienne Labastie, Naomi Riley
Harper Davis, Emi Jackson, Adelyn Karnes, Ellie Lasher, Sylvia Maloney
Mackenzie Bird, Emmy Hoyos, Grace Malik, Rylee McGuire, Cattleya Moss, Nyla Wilson
Mackenzie Bird, Harper Davis, Emmy Hoyos, Emi Jackson, Grace Malik, Ellie Lasher, Rylee McGuire, Cattleya Moss
Elise Dorsey, Adelyn Karnes, Sylvia Maloney, Nyla Wilson
Herr Drosselmeyer & Russian Dance: Andres Gomez (dances with kind permission of Emerge 125)
Nutcracker Prince & Russian Dance: Etienne Labastie
Soldier Doll & Rat Queen: Katherine Dial
Waltz of the Flowers & Snowflakes: Jaiden Alberti, Ellis Gatz
Russian Dance: Isaiah Nieves
