About Us
The initiative to develop Global Ballet Teachers began, during the COVID pandemic in June 2020, with an Instagram message asking for guidance on training ballet teachers in Nigeria. We immediately began offering ballet classes for the community and engaging in direct conversations with teachers about what educational resources they needed. Ever since, we have been determined to make an impact in the dance education community globally.
Every decision Global Ballet Teachers makes is based on the needs of our teacher community. We are grateful to world-renowned ballet leaders and teachers who have shared their knowledge to inspire and empower fellow ballet teachers around the world.
Our Founders
The team who started Global Ballet Teachers.
Cecilia Iliesiu | USA
Founder/Director
Cecilia is passionate about dance education as a professional ballerina, teacher, mentor, and leader. Born in New York City, she trained in the Balanchine style for a decade at The School of American Ballet and has danced professionally since 2009, as a Soloist with Carolina Ballet and currently as a Soloist with Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB), under the direction of Peter Boal.
In addition to dancing professionally, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media Studies from Fordham University. Cecilia established and currently leads a Mentorship Program for the advanced levels of the PNBSchool from 2020 until present. She has over a decade of teaching experience at The School of American Ballet, PNBSchool, CC&Co Dance Complex, Ballet 5:8, and masterclasses around the world.
Founded Global Ballet Teachers in 2020 with Lauren Kirchner.
Lauren Kirchner | USA
Founder/Course Leader
Lauren has been with Pacific Northwest Ballet since 2008, serving as the DanceChance Coordinator, Student Cast & Parent Volunteer Coordinator, Office Manager/COVID-19 Supervisor, and a Teaching Artist for their Community Education programs. Holds a BA in Sociology-based human relations with a minor in dance from Connecticut College and spent a semester in Sydney, Australia studying dance and sociology at the University of New South Wales.
Lauren has spent more than ten years in dance education, primarily focused on ballet and curriculum-based creative movement. Ongoing professional training in classes and workshops focusing on equity, curriculum building, and educational systems help drive her passion for empowering teachers and students from all backgrounds to explore movement.
Founded Global Ballet Teachers in 2020 with Cecilia Iliesiu.
Our Team
The team who create and develop the programing, courses, and designs.
Leora Amit | Canada
Series Leader of Backstage at the Ballet
Andrew Holdsworth | England
Course Leader for Music
Cinthya Martínez Ramos | Mexico
Course Leader for Pre-Ballet
Stephanie Williams | USA
Host of Teacher Chats
Yuki Takahashi | USA
Graphic Designer
Our Volunteer Teachers
World-renowned ballet teachers and educators who have led inspirational classes for our community.
Alicia Fabry | USA
Ballet Teacher
Angela Agresti | USA
Ballet Teacher
Anne Dabrowski | USA
Ballet Teacher
Brunela Dallape | Argentina
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) Teacher
Cinthya Martínez-Ramos | Mexico
Pre-Ballet Teacher & Course Leader for Pre-Ballet
Craig Hall | USA
Ballet Teacher
Deborah Wingert | USA
Ballet Teacher
Debra Austin | USA
Ballet Teacher
Eric Hipolito | USA
Ballet Teacher
Fiona Lee | Denmark
Ballet Teacher
Fleming Lomax | USA
Ballet Teacher
Francis Lawrence | USA
Ballet Teacher
Jean-Pierre Frolich | USA
Ballet Teacher
Lauren Treat | USA
Ballet Teacher
Marcelo Martinez | Paraguay
Ballet Teacher
Margret Severin-Hansen | USA
Ballet Teacher
Maria Luz Perez | Australia
Stretching Teacher
Marin Boieru | Romania
Ballet Teacher
Regina Arenas | Argentina
Pilates Teacher
Robyn Segel Shifren | USA
Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) Teacher
Samantha Galler | USA
Ballet Teacher
Sebastian Villarini-Velez | USA
Ballet Teacher
Stephanie Rae Williams | USA
Ballet Teacher & Host of Teacher Chats
Tim Lynch | USA
Ballet Teacher
Wendy Whelan | USA
Ballet Teacher