About PNB School

Claudia Araston (she/her) J.D. and B.A., born in Cali, Colombia, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2017. Trained at Institute Colombiano de Ballet (INCOLBALLET), she holds a Juris Doctorate and Political Science degree, along with certifications in Progressing Ballet Technique, Pilates Mat, and Royal Ballet. Her sixteen-year career included soloist roles with Ballet Santiago de Cali, Florida Dance Theater, and Brandon Ballet. She has performed extensively in classical repertoire, including The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Giselle. A bilingual instructor, she contributes to I.D.E.A. initiatives and specializes in teaching children of all abilities.

Kirsten Cooper (she/her), born in Portland, OR, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2002. After training at Edge Performing Arts Center and Tremaine Dance Studios in Los Angeles, she launched a five-year professional career as a freelance dancer in Los Angeles, performing in film, TV, live productions, and with Costa Cruise Lines. She worked with notable choreographer Liz Imperio and holds certification as a Barre Fitness instructor with Barre Eclipse. Teaching since 1994, including experience at Westlake Dance Center Seattle, she serves on PNB School’s faculty, encouraging students to explore movement beyond classical ballet while emphasizing musicality and performance quality.

Nancy Crowley (she/her) grew up in Marshfield, MA where she received her early ballet training. She joined the faculty of PNB School in 2013 after a distinguished performing and teaching career in the USA and Canada. Ms. Crowley is a former Principal dancer with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and the avant-garde Montréal company, La La La Human Steps. She formerly was the School Director for Ballet Arizona where her students received critical acclaim from Alistair Macaulay writing for the New York Times. In 2024, Ms. Crowley was appointed the PNB’s Lead Rehearsal Director for the Family Matinée Series.

Carol Elsner (she/her) M.P.T., B.A., born in Seattle, WA, joined PNBConditioning faculty in 2005. She holds a B.A. in Physical Education from the University of Washington and a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of Puget Sound. Trained at the University of Washington Dance Program, Graham School, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, she danced with Thomas Holt Modern Company in New York City. A certified Pilates instructor and former competitive gymnast, she teaches conditioning classes for community clients, PNB School students, and PNB Company dancers, focusing on healthy movement and functional mobility for dancers.

Olivia Evans (she/her), born in Little Falls, NY and raised on Cape Cod, MA, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty and community education staff in 2024. She trained at Boston Ballet School, Integrarte Pre-Professional Program, and graduated from Alonzo King LINES Ballet Training Program in 2023. Evans has worked with choreographers including Kayla Farrish, Jay Carlon, and Keelan Whitmore. Her choreography has been featured in dance films and festivals. Teaching since 2022, she previously taught at Alonzo King LINES Ballet Community Programs and SF Arts Education Project. At PNB School, Evans serves as Community Education Programs Coordinator, bringing a unique perspective on the intersections of classical ballet, contemporary dance, and composition.

Rachel Foster (she/her), born in Greensburg, PA, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2022. Trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and summer courses at School of American Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, Foster had a distinguished 22-year professional career. She danced with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and as a Principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, performing lead roles in Giselle, Don Quixote, and The Sleeping Beauty. Foster worked with renowned choreographers like Crystal Pite and was featured on the cover of Dance Magazine in 2009. Teaching since 2019, she currently serves on the faculty and contributes to PNB’s DanceChance program, sharing her extensive experience with aspiring dancers.

Kurt Froman (he/him), born in Fort Worth, TX, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2024. After training at Fort Worth Ballet and School of American Ballet, as the first recipient of the Rudolf Nureyev Scholarship, he performed with New York City Ballet for 22 years. Career highlights include the leading role of James in Twyla Tharp’s Movin’ Out and working with Suzanne Farrell on George Balanchine’s Slaughter on 10th Ave and Mozartiana. Froman later trained Hollywood actors for Black Swan and Black Sparrow. Teaching since 2009, he serves as Head Faculty of the Men’s Division, bringing his extensive Balanchine background and resourceful teaching approach to PNB School.

Bethany Goodwin (she/her) joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2024. Her performing career includes serving as both an aerialist and Dance Captain with Royal Caribbean International. Career highlights include performing in Invitation to Dance, choreographed by Louis van Amstel and Cheryl Burke, and dancing at Bally’s Jubilee in Las Vegas. Bethany is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher, qualified to teach Pre-Primary through Level 3.

Ikolo Griffin (he/him), born in San Francisco, CA, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2020. Trained at San Francisco Ballet School, he had a 20-year performing career as Principal dancer with Dance Theater of Harlem and San Francisco Ballet. Career highlights include principal roles in St. Louis Woman: A Blues Ballet, George Balanchine’s Prodigal Son, and Jerome Robbins’ Fancy Free. He received the Princess Grace Award in 1994. He is the Founder and Professional Pirouette Coach of Just Turns Workshop. At PNB School, he teaches DanceChance Level 1 and serves on the DISCOVER DANCE faculty.

Mark Haim (he/him/they) M.F.A., B.F.A., born in New York City, NY, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2024. Trained at The Juilliard School, Haim holds a B.F.A. from The Juilliard School and an M.F.A. from American Dance Festival and Hollins University. With a 40-year career, he has choreographed for renowned companies worldwide, including Nederlands Dans Theater and Joffrey Ballet. Haim has been Artistic Director of Mark Haim & Dancers and Companhia de Dance de Lisboa. Teaching since 1984, he has held positions at NYU Tisch, American Dance Festival, and was Senior Artist in Residence at the University of Washington.

Teresa Hanawalt (she/her) B.F.A., born in Port Angeles, WA, joined PNBConditioning staff in 2008. She received her dance training at Cornish College of the Arts, earning a B.F.A. in Dance in 2003. Hanawalt is a Certified STOTT Pilates and Pilates Total Barre instructor, completing her certifications in 2008. With 16 years of experience teaching Pilates, she previously taught at Bodycenter Studios. Hanawalt co-founded modern dance company NorthWest Dance Syndrome, and performed, choreographed, and taught around the Pacific Northwest. At PNB School, Hanawalt is dedicated to building relationships with her clients and helping them find a deeper connection with their bodies. She also teaches dance at Marysville Performing Arts Centre.

Dana Hanson (she/her), born in Carson City, NV, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2006. Trained at School of American Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet School, she had a 16-year performing career with New York City Ballet. Career highlights include performing in George Balanchine’s Agon, Concerto Barocco, and Symphony in C, and originating a role in Jerome Robbins’ final ballet, Brandenburg. She studied at Fordham University and previously taught at School of American Ballet as Guest Faculty. Hanson brings extensive knowledge of Balanchine technique and style to her teaching.

Akoiya Harris (she/her), born in Seattle, WA, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2021. She trained at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Dance Theater of Harlem, completing the Ailey Certificate Program. She had a five-year performing career, including roles as Company Artist with Spectrum Dance Theater, founding member of Black Collectivity, and Performing Artist with The Congregation. Harris has choreographed for On The Boards’ To Gather and created a dance oral histories film exhibited at Wa Na Wari. She was the 2024 Base Art Space Artist Resident. Harris brings expertise in Lester Horton technique and knowledge of Katherine Dunham and Martha Graham lineages to her teaching.

Eric Hipolito Jr (he/him) B.A., born in Seattle, WA, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2021. Training at PNB School, San Francisco Ballet School, and School of American Ballet, his 10-year professional career included principal roles with Pacific Northwest Ballet and Ballet Arizona, performing Romeo in Ib Andersen’s Romeo and Juliet, Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, and the Prince in Kent Stowell’s Nutcracker. His diverse repertoire includes works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, William Forsythe, Jiri Kylián, Crystal Pite, Alexei Ratmansky, Twyla Tharp, Mark Morris, and Christopher Wheeldon. He is a 2010 Princess Grace Award nominee and Jerome Robbins Scholarship recipient. He holds a B.A. in Business from Arizona State University. Hipolito made history as the first PNB DanceChance student to join the company and currently serves as ballet and DanceChance faculty.

Kimberly Holloway (she/her), born in Durham, NC, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2022. After training at Raleigh School of Ballet and earning her BFA in Dance from Belhaven University, she performed professionally with Kinesis Project Dance Theater, Storling Dance Theater, and as a company member with Catapult Dance under Michele Miller. A recipient of SeattleDances’ 2018 DanceCrush “Reader’s Choice” award for Performance, she brings extensive teaching experience to PNB School, having taught since 2008 at institutions including Bainbridge Dance Center and Dance Fremont. As faculty and Dance For All Faculty, she believes in movement’s power to bring healing and change, fostering creativity, strength, and expressivity in her students.

Yuka Iino (she/her), born in Gumma, Japan, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2022. She trained at Reiko Yamamoto Ballet Studio and is certified at Yoga Alliance RYT 200. Iino had a distinguished 17-year career as a Principal dancer with Oregon Ballet Theatre and Reiko Yamamoto Ballet Company. Her performances include lead roles in Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and William Forsythe. Iino’s accolades include gold medal at the 1998 Varna International Ballet Competition, along with other international competition medals. Teaching since 2000, she previously taught for Oregon Ballet Theatre company and school, as well as the National Ballet of Japan. Iino brings strong classical technique and positivity to her classes at PNB School.

Carrie Imler (she/her), born in Carlisle, PA, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2017. Trained at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet, she had a 22-year performing career with PNB as a Principal dancer. Career highlights include dancing Kitri in Alexei Ratmansky’s Don Quixote and working with renowned choreographers William Forsythe, David Dawson, and Twyla Tharp. She holds an Associate of Arts and Science from Bellevue College and previously taught at Central Pennsylvania Ballet’s Summer Course. Imler specializes in mentoring students transitioning from student to professional dancer.

Isadora Kolmorgan (she/her), based in Gold Beach, Oregon, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2024. After training at the National Ballet Academy of Denver, Rocky Mountain Ballet Academy, and Ballet Fantastique, she performed with Fermata Ballet Company and Echo Dance Collective. She later co-founded a dance studio on the Oregon Coast focused on community youth programs. Throughout her career, Kolmorgan has held both teaching and administrative positions at the Alonzo King LINES Ballet and served as an instructor at The Joffrey Ballet. Currently at Pacific Northwest Ballet, she serves as Community Education Engagement Coordinator and Teaching Artist while also holding a faculty position at the school. She brings extensive experience in various dance genres, including ballet, musical theatre, lyrical, jazz, contemporary, and modern, and is dedicated to fostering joy through movement in her teaching.

Miriam Landis (she/her) B.A., from Salt Lake City, UT, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2012. She trained at School of American Ballet and Ballet West. Landis danced professionally for Miami City Ballet under Edward Villella, dancing principal roles in George Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, and Bournonville’s Flower Festival Pas de Deux. She has taught since 1999 at institutions including Ballet West Academy and Stanford University. Landis holds a B.A. in English Literature from Stanford University and was a book editor in New York and at Amazon.com. She published three ballet-themed novels: Lauren in the Limelight, Girl in Motion, and Girl on Pointe. www.miriamlandis.com

Dina McDermott (she/her) M.F.A., B.F.A., from New Jersey, joined the Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty and PNBConditioning staff in 2001. She received her earliest ballet training with Irine Fokine. She earned her B.F.A. at The Juilliard School, and subsequently danced professionally in New York City for five years. After earning her M.F.A. from Arizona State University, Dina taught at various universities/colleges, community centers, public school residencies, and detention centers. After moving to Seattle, she received a Giraffe Award for founding a summer arts program for underserved youth. Dina is also the author of three books, most recently a children’s book Tammy the Troll, A Dance in the Forest, which was named a Recommended Read by Dance Teacher magazine and was a Mom’s Choice Gold Level Awardee.

Laurie McKarns Perrault (she/her) M.A., B.S., born in Canton, OH, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2017. After training at San Francisco Ballet School and Pacific Northwest Ballet School, she performed as a Principal with San Gorgonio Ballet. She holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from California State University San Bernardino, an M.A. in Dance Education from New York University, and is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher, from Pre-Primary through Level 7. Teaching since 1995, with experience at San Gorgonio Ballet School and as a teaching artist in New York and Uganda, she brings her expertise in ballet pedagogy to PNB School’s faculty.

Kaori Nakamura (she/her), born in Gunma, Japan, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2014. Training at Reiko Yamamoto Ballet School and School of American Ballet, she achieved a distinguished 26-year career as Principal dancer with Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Career highlights include leading roles such as Juliet in Maillot’s Romeo et Juliette. Her accolades include First Prize at the 14th Prix de Lausanne (1986) and Bronze Medal at Varna International Ballet Competition (1988). She brings technical expertise, professionalism, and patience to her teaching.

Liz Pless (she/her), born in Hot Springs, AR, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2023. After training at Texas Ballet Theater School, she performed as a Soloist with Austin Dance Company and Metamorphosis Ballet. Career highlights include dancing in Mark Bush’s Swan Lake alongside Patricia Barker and performing Ben Stevenson’s works. A licensed aesthetician and Certified Meditation Instructor, she owns Earth Glow Wellness studio in downtown Seattle. Teaching since 2010 at institutions including Balance Dance Studio, she serves as faculty and Dance For All teacher’s assistant at PNB School, where she emphasizes mindful movement and natural creativity.

Abbie Siegel (she/her) joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 1991, where she now serves as the PNBS Principal. She began her training in Los Angeles, CA at Stanley Holden Dance Center before embarking on a four-year career with Connecticut Ballet. In 1978, she transitioned to teaching, holding faculty positions at Harkness Ballet and Ballet Tech in New York City. During her tenure at PNBS, Siegel has served as Director of DanceChance and Principal of the Francia Russell Center. With extensive experience in dance education, she guides students through their training journey by meeting them where they are and providing the support they need to reach their goals with confidence.

Suzanne Singla (she/her) A.A.S., born in Vancouver, WA, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty, community education, and PNBConditioning staff in 2004. She trained with Columbia Dance Ensemble and The Ailey School, earning comprehensive credentials including Royal Academy of Dance Intermediate & Advanced Exams, Certificate of Dance from Alvin Ailey American Dance School, Associates of Arts & Science from Clark College, and full certification in STOTT Pilates (2008). Singla’s diverse career includes performances with Jennifer Muller Dance, Metropolitan Ballet, and in musical theater productions internationally. Teaching since 1998, she previously taught at Ballet Hispanico and Steps on Broadway. At PNBS, Singla is part of the Dance For All Faculty, dedicated to bringing joy and imparting knowledge to students of all ages and abilities. In 2023, she received additional certification in Dance for PD®, further expanding her expertise in inclusive dance education.

Tara Stepenberg (she/her) M.Ed., B.S., CMA, RMT, from Rochester, NY, joined PNBConditioning program in 2002. After graduating from Juilliard School in 1963, she earned a Master’s in Education from UMass Amherst, and was also certified as a Labanotation Teacher and Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analyst. Tara’s extensive background includes dancing with Anna Sokolow Dance Company, teaching at multiple universities, and directing the Laban Movement Analysis Certificate Program in New York City. As a Certified Laban Movement Analyst and Method Pilates instructor, she is a distinguished movement specialist with a multifaceted career spanning dance, education, and somatic practices, teaching dance since 1965 and Pilates since 1995. A lifelong learner, Tara continues to integrate innovative movement knowledge into her teaching, dedicated to helping others discover ease of motion and wisdom within their bodies and viewing dance as an embodied journey of life.

Eva Stone (she/her) M.A., B.F.A., joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2007. She holds a B.F.A. in Dance from Arizona State University and an M.A. in Choreography from Trinity Laban, UK. Eva formed The Stone Dance Collective in 1993 and continues to choreograph and lecture extensively throughout the US. In 2019, she was commissioned for PNB’s main stage. For fourteen years, Eva produced the acclaimed CHOP SHOP Contemporary Dance Festival and currently produces WANDER/WONDER, an annual site-specific dance event on Whidbey Island. At PNBS she teaches Modern Technique, leads the New Voices program, and coordinates NEXT STEP, focusing on authentic movement engagement and artistic excellence.

Marjorie Bresler Thompson (she/her), born in Detroit, MI, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 1996. She has formally held the roles as PNBS Assistant Principal and PNBConditioning Director, a program she created alongside former PNBS director Francia Russell. Trained at the School of American Ballet, she danced with New York City Ballet under George Balanchine for eight seasons (1962-1970), performing memorable works including Stars and Stripes at JFK’s inauguration anniversary as an apprentice, and Brahms Schoenberg Quartet at Gala Opening of Lincoln Center’s State Theatre. Her performance repertoire included significant works by choreographers Anthony Tudor, Jerome Robbins, and John Taras. Thompson began teaching in 1965, conducting company class with New York City Ballet while still performing, and began teaching at the School of American Ballet in 1969. She held director positions at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and Minnesota Dance Theatre School, and later became a Romana Certified Pilates Instructor. Throughout her career, Thompson has brought her unique first-hand experience of working with Balanchine to inspire and train aspiring dancers. She has authored the children’s book A Curious Tale of Magic, Mischief, and Music.

Julie Tobiason (she/her) B.A., born in Lyndhurst, NJ, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2002. After training at School of American Ballet, she was a Principal dancer with both Pacific Northwest Ballet under directors Francia Russell and Kent Stowell, and Chicago City Ballet under Maria Tallchief and Paul Mejia. Her illustrious performing career included works by renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine, Frederick Ashton, Val Caniparoli, Nacho Duato, William Forsythe, and Glen Tetley. At PNB, her career highlights included Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella in Cinderella, and Swanhilda in Coppélia, while also starring in video productions as Hermia in George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and in Kent Stowell’s Nutcracker: The Motion Picture. She later co-founded and directed Seattle Dance Project (2007-2012), commissioning 15 new works and fostering artistic collaborations. As Artistic Director of Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center (2017-2022), she developed curriculum and trained faculty. Currently, Tobiason works in development at Seattle Art Museum and holds a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business.

Heather Toda (she/her) B.A., CPA, is a Seattle native, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2024. She trained at British Dancing Academy through the syllabi of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and the Royal Academy of Dance, the Cornish Preparatory Dance Program and American Ballet Theatre. Heather is an ABT® Certified Teacher, Pre-Primary through Level 3. She holds a B.A. in Accounting from Washington State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Prior to PNB School, she taught for Laura and Jerome Tisserand and other regional dance schools.

Jennifer Turner (she/her) M.A., B.A., born in St. Louis, MO, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2019. She trained at the School of American Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, North Carolina School of the Arts, Miami City Ballet School, and Ballet Academy East. Turner’s professional career included performances with Miami City Ballet and Ballet Austin, notably dancing in Russia and in George Balanchine classics like Serenade and Jewels. She has an M.A. in Anthropology and Education from Columbia University, a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Michigan, and an A.A. in Art History from John Cabot University. Currently serving as I.D.E.A. Committee Liaison at PNB School, Turner creates a supportive classroom environment focusing on intuition, awareness, musicality, and technical efficiency.

Malia Vassar (she/her), born in Fullerton, CA, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2015. After training at Oregon Ballet Theatre and American Ballet Theatre, Vassar earned a degree in Business Administration from Washington State University. Her professional career highlights include performing in James Canfield’s Go Ask Alice and Nutcracker. Teaching since 2015, Vassar has taught and directed educational outreach programs throughout the Northwest region, brings her extensive experience to her role as a faculty member at PNB School.

Le Yin (he/him), born in Nanchang, China, joined Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s faculty in 2009. After training at Beijing Dance Academy, he joined Houston Ballet at the age of 19 and was promoted to the rank of Principal dancer at age 21. In 2002, he joined Pacific Northwest Ballet as a Principal dancer. His distinguished career includes leading roles in La Sylphide, La Bayadère, Giselle, Don Quixote, Études, Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, and The Sleeping Beauty. His numerous accolades include the gold medal in China’s National Ballet Competition, Prix de Lausanne professional prize, Princess Grace Award, and other international competition medals. He brings his exemplary classical expertise to PNB School’s faculty.