Meet PNB’s 2025 Summer Course Counselors

Each summer at PNB School, hundreds of joyful ballet students take the halls of the Phelps Center for five weeks of top-tier ballet training, growing friendships, and the beauty of Seattle summer. Our team of Summer Course counselors cares for these talented students and ensures they have tons of fun amidst their technique classes. Dave Jensen, who joins us for his 31st year, leads that dedicated team. Today on the PNB Blog, meet the rest of PNB’s 2025 Summer Course Counselors!

Patrick Cho (he/him) – 20th Summer with PNB

What’s your favorite Summer Course memory?

I remember one summer we had a real knock ‘em down, drag ‘em out Spades battle between counselors, with the stakes being that the losers had to dress like Dave Jensen. After a hard-fought contest, my partner and I managed to come out on top, and the next day our two female opponents transformed themselves into the Lady Daves (or the Davettes, if you prefer). It was amazing.

What are you reading/watching/listening to this summer?
I’m reading Journey Home After School, a manga about two high schoolers that form the Hyper Going Home Club, whose purpose is just like it sounds: to go home after school each day. Along the way they have little adventures like petting the neighborhood boss cat, stopping at the convenience store, and collecting treasures like a bunch of sticks. I know that sounds incredibly boring, but it’s actually equal parts wholesome, sweet, and hilarious.

What’s a favorite piece of advice you’ve received?
Former president Jimmy Carter delivered our college commencement speech, and I remember him telling us that the most important things in life, the ones that last long after we’re gone, are the things you cannot see. Justice. Peace. Service. Compassion. Love. His message to us that it was okay, in our positions of privilege, to go out and give back to the world instead of just giving in to the pressure of trying to make the most money possible really resonated with me, and helped lead me to the path of becoming a teacher.

Patrick Cho returns as PNB School’s Assistant Residence Director. He was raised in Federal Way, Washington, after his parents emigrated from Myanmar. Patrick earned his B.A. in Developmental Psychology from Duke University and his M.A. in Teaching from the University of Washington. After taking the 2022-23 school year off to live abroad in Asia, he has now resumed teaching in the Tacoma public school district.

Nicole Brown (she/her)

What’s your favorite Summer Course memory?

My favorite summer course memory can’t be pinpointed to one moment, but the smaller things that encapsulate the big picture stand out! Some of them include evening walks along the water, buying produce and art at the markets, taking class at PNB, and of course watching the students in the program thrive each week.

What are you reading/watching/listening to this summer?

I’m currently reading The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Naylor. It’s a dystopian future novel about the discovery of an intelligent species of octopus. As for what I’m watching, I hope to find a screening of Jaws because it’s the 50th anniversary of the film being released, and it happens to be my favorite movie! I am listening to anything and everything, I’m a pro playlist creator.

What’s a favorite piece of advice you’ve received?

My mom always stored leftover birthday cake in our freezer and pulled it out when life felt hard, or really whenever it sounded good. So, store cake in your freezer.

Nicole Brown received formal training at Ballet Royale Minnesota under Denise and Rick Vogt. She has danced in various professional companies in the Twin Cities, including St. Paul Ballet, Ballet Co.Laboratory, Hatch Dance, and Honeyworks. Since relocating to the West Coast she has completed two seasons with Ballet Fantastique, and most recently performed with Eugene Ballet as a guest artist. Beyond performing, Nicole enjoys teaching and choreographing for local dance schools in the Eugene area.

Sky Byrd (she/her) – First Summer with PNB

What are you most excited about this Summer Course?

I’m looking forward to being back in Seattle and meeting everyone!

What are you reading/watching/listening to this summer?
I’m currently reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. I had a goal to read ten books in 2025, and in April, I completed it! Next goal is 15! I’ve also been listening to a lot of djo since his latest album came out and I listened to all three audiobooks of The Summer I Turned Pretty series in a row to prepare for the last season to come out this summer!

What’s a favorite piece of advice you’ve received?
Everyone is on their own journeys through life, never compare your timing to someone else’s.

Sky Byrd is a graduate of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s Professional Division program. Sky has attended summer intensives at Charlotte Ballet, CPYB, PNB, Ballet Academy East, Arts Umbrella, and the Rockettes. She grew up in western North Carolina but now resides in Tucson, Arizona, dancing as a corps de ballet member at Ballet Tucson. While in Tucson, Sky has had the honor of performing works by Justin Peck, Andrea Schermoly, George Balanchine, Margaret Mullin, and Cheiko Imada, and is looking forward to her fourth season in the company. As well as dancing professionally, she is also a teacher to kids ages 3-18 in all different styles of dance.

Katie Connell (she/her) – Third Summer at PNB

What’s your favorite Summer Course memory?
My favorite Summer Course memory would have to be last year’s door decorating contest! I loved how some doors were a summer-long project and the progression of the students’ creativity and time commitment was really impressive and inspiring!

What are you reading/watching/listening to this summer?
This summer I’m reading a lot of light beach reads and thrillers, watching the NEW season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, and listening to a lot of Role Model, Maggie Rogers, really anything upbeat.

What’s a favorite piece of advice you’ve received?
One of my favorite things that has stuck with me recently is “the answer is always no until you ask.” I think that this can take shape in a lot of different ways, but overall, never be afraid to be curious and just ask! You never know what could happen.

Katie Connell began her dance training in her hometown of Dayton, Ohio with the Dayton Ballet School, where she was able to dance alongside Dayton Ballet’s professional company. She attended various summer intensives such as Louisville Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet, CPYB, Orlando Ballet School, and Ballet Tucson. In addition to PNB, she has also had the opportunity to serve as a resident assistant at both CPYB’s and Orlando Ballet School’s summer programs. She graduated from the University of South Carolina’s dance program in 2022 and has danced professionally with Central Illinois Ballet, and most recently joined Greensboro Ballet, where she also teaches.

Rebecca “Reba” Cornett (she/her) – Fourth Summer at PNB

What’s your favorite Summer Course memory?

My favorite memory from the summer course is going on the Lake Union tour. We were lucky enough last year to cruise past an otter hanging out on a buoy, and the views of the PNW while on the boat are amazing.

What are you reading/watching/listening to this summer?

I’m listening to Gnx by Kendrick Lamar and The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift. Honorable mention to I Forgive You by Cynthia Erivo.

What’s a favorite piece of advice you’ve received?

95% of success is simply showing up. You can’t be successful if you’re not there to do the work.

Rebecca Cornett grew up in Coral Springs, Florida. She began her ballet training with Magda Auñón at Ft. Lauderdale Ballet Classique and Miguel Campanería at the Hartt School in Hartford, Connecticut, before accepting the opportunity to train at Boston Ballet School and Pacific Northwest Ballet as a Professional Division student. She is currently a dancer with the St. Louis Ballet and has completed eleven seasons with the company, including five years as a teacher and a coach at St. Louis Ballet School. In St. Louis, she has had the opportunity to perform the title roles in Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, and Cinderella, as well as other principal roles and ballets.

Ruthie Dalby (she/her) – First Summer at PNB

What are you most excited about this Summer Course?

I’m excited to be an RA at a new place and meet the kids!

What are you reading/watching/listening to this summer?

I’m rewatching Breaking Bad, and reading The Wedding People by Alison Espach.

What’s a favorite piece of advice you’ve received?

My favorite piece of advice I’ve received is that it is what it is, so just control what you can.

Ruthie Dalby is originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts for their preparatory dance program, and continued training under their direction through high school. Ruthie went on to college at the University of Utah where she graduated in 2023 and then enjoyed the 23/24 season with the Louisville Ballet. She recently finished this past season with Grand Rapids Ballet and is looking forward to the coming season as a dancer with American Contemporary Ballet.

Ezra Dickinson (he/him) – 18th Summer at PNB

What’s your favorite Summer Course memory?

My favorite summer course memory is the look on Dave’s face when he realizes there’s broccoli in his iced tea.

What are you reading/watching/listening to this summer?

I’m listening to all sorts of music this summer and all the time. New Little Simz, old Bogdan Raczynski, and newish Alt-J.

What’s a favorite piece of advice you’ve received?

“When in doubt blame Dave.”

Ezra Dickinson is an accomplished artist and dancer from Washington state. He trained at Pacific Northwest Ballet for twelve years on a full scholarship including two years in the Professional Division, and at Cornish College of the Arts, where he earned his B.F.A. in Dance with an emphasis in choreography. Beyond his work in the arts, Ezra is deeply committed to social justice and community engagement. Currently, Ezra’s visual artwork is on display in a large solo show entitled “Who’s Offended.” Located at Base Camp 2 in downtown Seattle, the gallery show is on view July 11-August 22. Ezra has created original works in choreography, film, sculpture, ceramics, activism, murals, paintings, and movement installations that have been shown around the world. For more information, visit ezradickinson.com.

Madeline Diehl (she/her) – First Summer at PNB

What are you most excited about this Summer Course?

Getting to know these dancers and helping them make lifelong memories that I made before during my time as a Summer Course student!

What are you reading/watching/listening to this summer?

Something I am reading is the Throne of Glass series, something I am watching is Love Island (season seven) and rewatching Stranger Things!

What’s a favorite piece of advice you’ve received?

Always make the most of every opportunity, and that everyone has something to teach you!

Madeline Diehl is from State College, Pennsylvania. From 2019 to 2022, she attended Miami City Ballet School’s pre-professional program, and she was a trainee at Nashville Ballet for one season before being hired as an apprentice at Nevada Ballet Theatre in 2023. She has been promoted to company artist for the 2025-26 season. Madeline has attended summer intensives at Pacific Northwest Ballet, School of American Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and Art Of – Zurich. Most recently she attended the 2024 Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary Ballet program. Madeline teaches ballet at Synergy Dance in Las Vegas and has been a guest teacher at ballet studios across the country. She attends Penn State World Campus as a Digital Journalism and Media major.

Maddy Harpole (she/her) – First Summer at PNB

What are you most excited about this Summer Course? OR What’s your favorite Summer Course memory?

I am super excited to visit Seattle for the very first time, and make some new memories with everyone! My favorite Summer Course memory is learning the Diamonds Scherzo from George Balanchine’s Jewels with Paul Boos.

What are you reading/watching/listening to this summer?

I just finished reading Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, and I will rewatching all of the How to Train Your Dragon movies this summer!

What’s a favorite piece of advice you’ve received?

My favorite piece of advice that I’ve received is to keep my perspective open. It’s great to try new things and remind myself that I shouldn’t be too focused on the things that scare me!

Maddy Harpole began her dance journey in Newburgh, Indiana and later trained at The Rock School for Dance Education in Philadelphia. Her professional path has included trainee positions with Cincinnati Ballet and New Orleans Ballet Theater, where she performed in classical and contemporary works by choreographers such as George Balanchine and Septime Webre. Now an Aspirant with Eugene Ballet, Madelyn continues to grow as both an artist and a mentor. Outside of dancing, she teaches ballet, fits pointe shoes, and creates social media content for ballet companies. She is currently studying Accounting at Ivy Tech College.

JonMarie Rose Johnson (she/her) – Fourth Summer at PNB

What are you most excited about this Summer Course?

I am most excited to soak up all of the activities outside of the studio and get to meet all of the lovely new faces! We have several new counselors this year, and I so look forward to making new friends. The Bite of Seattle is top of my list in addition to being a tourist at Pike Place.

What are you reading/watching/listening to this summer?

My music taste varies, but most recently I was introduced to Sierra Ferrell. Counselor Gabby and I attended Railbird music festival in Lexington KY a few weeks ago and loved seeing her own the stage!! I am proud to be a Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and Chapell Roan girlie. I wrapped up TV Show Hacks, and am currently watching Severance with my boyfriend, which I really enjoy.

What’s a favorite piece of advice you’ve received?

“You can always quit.” It may seem silly or discouraging at first, but this really has a deeper meaning. You never have to be tied down to one thing, and you most certainly don’t need to allow any one person to control you. You are your own person, and you get to make your own decisions that ultimately support and care for the best version of yourself. You can always quit or step away from something that no longer serves you, and there is not just one path in life. Every morning my phone screen reminds me to live by these words and pivot when necessary to spark joy in my life and feel fulfilled.

JonMarie Rose Johnson is currently working full time as an assistant store manager of events for Kendra Scott in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is also the Marketing Coordinator for Gwydion Theatre Company in Chicago. She is a photographer, choreographer, and advocate for performing artists. She was a Company Dancer with De La Dance Company for the 23/24 season. In 2018 she was accepted into The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and has graduated with her B.F.A. in Dance, Summa Cum Laude. She trained with Nashville Ballet in their Professional Training Division and has graduated from the Louisville Ballet Studio Company 2023. She began her dance training at The Louisville Ballet School, and has attended summer intensives with Louisville Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and Nashville Ballet. JonMarie is also a 2017 alumna of The Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts and was a member of Regional Dance America Southeast for five years. The last three summers she had the opportunity to work for Pacific Northwest Ballet on Residential Staff and was the Head RA for Brenau University the summer prior. Instagram: @jmrjhuman

Sam Neale (he/him) – First Summer at PNB

What are you most excited about this Summer Course?

I am excited to explore Seattle, a new city for me.

What are you reading/watching/listening to this summer?

I am currently watching Andor and The Righteous Gemstones.

What’s a favorite piece of advice you’ve received?

You can never go wrong if you are authentically yourself.

Sam Neale is Australian-born and raised. Sam began his career in the USA after attending the Milwaukee Ballet Summer Intensive in 2009 and 2010. He was accepted into Milwaukee Ballet II, where he danced from 2010 to 2012. In 2012, Sam joined Minnesota Ballet, where he danced for eight seasons. He then briefly joined Minnesota Dance Theatre for one season before starting with Eugene Ballet in 2022. Since then, he has performed notable roles such as Sugar Plum Cavalier, Hans, Chocolate, and Marzipan in Toni Pimble’s The Nutcracker, appeared in Nicolo Fonte’s Choros, Merman in Pimble’s The Little Mermaid and Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sam has also been a guest artist with St. Lucie Ballet, the Miami International Ballet Competition, Ballet Co.Laboratory, Twin Cities Ballet, and Minnesota Dance Theatre.

Gabrielle Savka (she/her) – Third Summer at PNB

What are you most excited about this Summer Course?

In addition to getting to know the students this summer, I am also looking forward to exploring more of Seattle. This will be my third year as a Residence Counselor with PNB, and even though I’ve already done a lot of exploring the past two summers, I’ve found there’s always something new and exciting to discover!

What are you reading/watching/listening to this summer?

I am currently reading Emily Henry’s new book Great Big Beautiful Life. I really enjoy how she blends heartfelt storytelling with humor and complex characters. It’s the perfect summer read!

What’s a favorite piece of advice you’ve received?

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is, “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” It’s so easy to get caught up in trying to be perfect that we end up holding ourselves back and stalling our progress. This advice reminds me to keep moving forward with something solid (even if it’s not flawless) instead of waiting indefinitely for perfection.

Gabrielle Savka grew up in Mansfield, Ohio and began her dance training in Ashland, Ohio. She has attended summer intensives at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, BalletMet, and Louisville Ballet. In December 2022 she graduated from The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Summa Cum Laude with her BFA in Ballet. Upon graduation she danced for two seasons with Louisville Ballet in their studio company. She spent the 2024-2025 season dancing as a company dancer with Lexington Ballet under the direction of Eric Trope.

Nadine Barton (she/her) – Second Summer with PNB

Nadine Barton, born in California, raised in Miami, Florida; began her classical ballet training with Orlando Ballet and went on to study at Artistic Dance Center of Doral (Miami), Miami City Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, and Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami as a guest soloist. In 2018, she was one of 60 dancers chosen worldwide to study with Nederlands Dans Theater. She then danced professionally with the Alabama Ballet for five years, and another five with the Charlotte Ballet. She has choreographed for Charlotte Ballet I, II & their Academy, Milwaukee Ballet, Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre, Arova Contemporary Ballet, Alabama Ballet, and Alabama School of Fine Arts. In 2020, Barton ventured into dance film in collaboration with local cinematographer James Wiley, creating Face It with dancers of the Charlotte Ballet. She now lives in Portugal and has been collaborating with local artists in multidisciplinary performance art. She recently premiered her first choreography Fragmentos in the Encontro de Culturas Festival this June.

Photos courtesy of interviewees.