LAST YEAR'S FACULTY:

5-WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM FACULTY
CHAIRMAN OF THE FACULTY

Edward Villella – Director, Miami City Ballet – America’s most celebrated male dancer was born in Bayside, New York and entered the School of American Ballet at age 10 but interrupted his dance training to complete academic studies. A graduate of the New York Maritime Academy, he obtained a B.S. in marine transportation, lettered in baseball, and was a championship boxer. As a principal dancer for New York City Ballet, he originated many roles in the company repertoire, among them Tarantella, the Rubies section of Jewels and the role of Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Mr. Villella was the only American ever to be asked to dance an encore at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. He danced for President Kennedy’s inaugural and for Presidents Johnson, Nixon and Ford. His outstanding contributions to the arts and young people have earned him numerous awards and honorary degrees all over the country, including the National Medal of Arts and Kennedy Center Honors. Under his leadership, Founding Artistic Director of Miami City Ballet, the Company has received worldwide acclaim.

SCHOOL ADVISOR

Roma Sosenko – Principal Ballet Mistress, Miami City Ballet - a former soloist with New York City Ballet, Ms. Sosenko is responsible for rehearsing the many ballets Miami City Ballet dancers perform during the season. Ms. Sosenko taught for Miami City Ballet School in both the winter and summer programs. During her career as a dancer Ms. Sosenko danced many lead roles for Jerome Robbins and George Balanchine.

FACULTY - BALLET

Carter Alexander - began his ballet training with his mother Amanda Stone in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He continued at Arts Magnet and Dallas Ballet Academy before joining the Hartford Ballet, where he studied with his mentor, Truman Finney. He danced principal and soloist roles with the Kansas City Ballet, and also danced with Pennsylvania Ballet (where he taught on the faculty of the Rock School). Mr. Alexander received an offer to become the principal teacher at the Ballet Workshop New England in Boston, where he taught for five years. He also became the artistic associate of the Massachusetts Youth Ballet. He then joined Truman Finney at The School of Ballet Arizona as Assistant Director of the school. He is a principal teacher on the Miami City Ballet School faculty.

Mary Carmen Catoya - a Venezuelan, began her training at the age of six in Caracas, and began her professional career at the age or 13.  She danced with the Youth Ballet of Venezuela, the Contemporary Ballet of Caracas, the Cleveland Ballet, and as a principal with the National Ballet of Caracas, before joining Miami City Ballet as a principal dancer in 1999.  Between 1988 and 1998, Ms. Catoya danced extensively abroad at many festivals and galas, including an international gala before the King and Queen of Spain, the inauguration of the Theater Simon Bolivar in Brazil, Dance Aspen, and the Gala of Stars at the Festival International Santander.  She received the award "Premio Casa del Artista" as Classical Dancer of the Year in 1999.  

Geta Constantinescu - was born in Romania. She performed numerous principal and soloist roles at The Company of State Opera and Ballet. In 1970, while touring in Italy, she defected to the West and guest appeared all over Europe and America. She was Ballet Mistress with the Arizona Ballet and Manhattan Ballet of New York, the Universal Ballet in Seoul, Korea, and the Hong Kong Ballet. She moved back to the United States in January 2002. Ms. Constantinescu is also a master teacher in the GYROTONICS® Technique by Julio Horvath.

Linda Gelinas - was received her training at the Joffrey Ballet and Boston Ballet.  She has danced with many companies including Joffrey Ballet, Eglevsky Ballet, the New Jersey Ballet, Boston Repertory and Nureyev on Broadway.  She has also performed extensively on television (Live from Lincoln Center as well as several shows for PBS) and theater.  Linda has taught ballet at the Chautauqua Institute and is on the staff of Studio Maestro in New York.  She is currently performing with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet.

Carlos Guerra - a native of Cuba, began his training at the age of 10.  In 1996 he was principal dancer of the Professional Ballet Company of Camaguey.  He then became principal dancer at the Ballet Company of Santiago in Chile.  He joined Miami City Ballet as a soloist and now is a Principal Dancer with the Company.  

Alexandra Koltun - graduated in 1989 from the eight-year program at the Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia, studying under such noble mentors as Natalia Dudinskaya and Ludmila Morkovina. Upon graduation, Ms. Koltun joined the legendary Kirov Ballet, dancing many lead roles. Ms. Koltun performed in major productions in Russia and also toured throughout Europe, Japan, Korea and the United States. After defecting from the Kirov Ballet in 1991, she joined Boston Ballet as a soloist and then a principal dancer. In 1995-1996, she performed as a principal dancer with Deutshe Opera am Rhein. In 1999 Ms. Koltun toured Russia, Lithuania and the Ukraine with the San Francisco Ballet. Over the course of the last decade, Ms. Koltun has proceeded with her passion for teaching in many schools throughout the US and abroad. www.alexandrasballetstretch.com

Jennifer Kronenberg - was born in Queens, New York, where she trained with Teresa Aubel, Nicholas Orloff, Norman Walker, and Barbara Walczack.  She continued her studies on scholarship at the School of American Ballet before joining Miami City Ballet as an apprentice in 1994 at the age of 17.  She has moved up through the Company and was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2001.  She danced at the Kennedy Center Honors in 1997, and at the Jacob's Pillow, Aspen Festivals, Torino Danza Festival in Italy, and the Kennedy Center's International Ballet Festival.

Alex Lapshin - graduated from the eight-year program at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow in 1986. He joined Bolshoi Ballet that same year and toured throughout Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the United States. After four seasons with the Bolshoi, where he was under the supervision of Boris Akimov, Mr. Lapshin relocated to the US, where he obtained his citizenship. In New York he took classes with Stanley Williams at the School of American Ballet. In 1991, Mr. Lapshin was invited to the Vienna State Opera Ballet as a principal dancer. Upon his return to New York City in 1995, Mr. Lapshin danced many roles as a guest artist with various companies throughout North America. In 1999, Boston Ballet offered him a position as a principal. He participated in many gala performances, such as the Vienna International Gala, Stars of American Ballet in Milan and the International Ballet Stars throughout the Netherlands and Belgium.

Renato Penteado - was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he began his dance training at age seven.  In 1997 he participated in a program called "Special Group of Classic Dances of Sao Paulo."  Through a course titled "Cuballet" under the direction of Laura Alonso, he danced as a soloist in Giselle.  At "Cuballet" in 1998, he danced Siegfried in Swan Lake.  Also in 1998, he was a semifinalist at the international competition in Jackson, Mississippi and Varna, Bulgaria.  Mr. Penteado joined Miami City Ballet in 1999 as a member of the corps and was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2004.

Roberto Rodriguez - began his dance training with Ballets de San Juan in Puerto Rico and also studied at the School of American Ballet in New York.  He worked for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, returning to Ballets de San Juan, where he performed many classical lead male roles specializing in George Balanchine's choreographies.  Mr. Rodriguez holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and another one in Theater and Dance Education from the University of Puerto Rico.  For the past 23 years he has been teaching ballet, theater, pantomime and creative movement.  He is currently a Florida State Department of Education certified teacher, Dance Consultant for the MDCPS, and also an adjunct teacher for the New World School of the Arts.  

Yuriy Vodolada - studied ballet at the Academy of Classical Ballet in Kiev, Ukraine and went on to get his master diploma in Teaching and Choreography at the Rimsky-Korsakov Coservatory in St. Petersberg, Russia.  He was a principal dancer Belgium, Kiev, Ballet Trocodero de Monte Carlo in New York, as well as many other companies in this country.  He has taught all over New York as well as Russia.

Faculty -- Jazz

Rafi Maldonado-López - is a faculty member of New World School of the Arts, where he teaches ballet and advanced Jazz for Music Theatre, and Movement in the Drama track. He has worked as a guest teacher across the Midwest as well as St. Petersburg, Russia, for the resident dance company of the famed Music Hall. He began his dance training in San Juan, Puerto Rico with Ballet Concierto and Ballet de San Juan, and later continued his studies under scholarship at Joffrey Ballet School and the Boston Conservatory. He performed contemporary works with Boston Dance Company, Minnesota Dance Theater, Ballet of the Dolls, Ballet Arts of Minnesota, as well as various commercial video works. Most recently he has choreographed for Anything Goes, Carousel, and Guys and Dolls, and has just been awarded a choreography commission for a new original Broadway musical: Palladium. Mr. Maldonado-Lopez is head of the Jazz department of MCB School since 2004.

Sandra Portal-Andreu - is a Miami native who received her AA from New World School of the Arts, a BFA in Dance from Florida State University, and a M.S. in Movement Sciences from Barry University.  She participated in summer intensives such as: Florida Dance Festival, American College Dance Festival, and the Limon Summer Intensivein Saratoga Springs, New York.  She has trained with Fernando Bujones, Suzanne Farrell, Michael Foley, Gerri Houlihan, and Ronald K. Brown.  She is a faculty member of the musical theater department at the New World School of the Arts, as well as a professor of beginner and intermediate levels of dance. Her dancing experience includes Momentum Dance Company, Ballet Theater of Miami, South Florida Ballet, Next Step Dance Company and Florida Grand Opera's "AIDA". In addition, she has appeared in local and regional commercials and has done voice-overs for TV.  She is certified in GYROTONIC® and GYROKENESIS®. Ms. Portal-Andreu teaches ballet technique in the Children's Division.

Liz Malm - is a Miami native who graduated from New World School of the Arts.  Ms. Malm has worked in the music video industry, where she has choreographed, danced and toured with artists such as Lenny Kravitz, Ricky Martin, Jay-Z, P-Diddy, Beastie Boys, Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction, Lil' Romeo, Baha Men, Carlos Ponce, Jaime Camil, Tito Puente and Iron and Wine.  She has choreographed many commercials and television shows such as Virgin Mobile featuring Missy Elliot, Samsung, Bud Light featuring Cedric the Entertainer, Super Bowl, Lays Potato Chips, Telefonica, Herbal Essence, Pollo Tropical, "Truth" Anti-smoking campaign, MTV, BET, CBS, Telemundo and Univision.  She has also choreographed half-time shows for the Miami Heat. 

Richard Amaro - has danced in film, television, commercials, and numerous Broadway shows -- including West Side Story, Jerome Robbins Broadway, and Kiss of the Spider Woman -- and music videos with Prince, Tina Turner, Vanessa Williams and Michael Bolton.  He has choreographed Chita Rivera and All that Jazz, Dreamgirls National Tour, and the music video "Diamonds and Pearls" for Prince.  He has been a master teacher in Vienna, Venice, Amsterdam, Boston, London, Japan, Los Angeles and New York.  He was also s National Judo Champion.  Mr. Amaro has just finished a two year Broadway and international tour as a lead dancer for Chita Rivera in her Broadway show Chita Rivera: the Dancer's Life. 

Faculty -- Stretch

Yelena Doroshenko - was born in Moscow, Russia. She is a master of sport in the international class in acrobatics. In Acrobatics she was a silver medalist and bronze medalist in the Open Cup of Moscow, the Open Championship of Russia, the World Championships, and the Open Championship of the Ukraine.  She has performed in Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus all over the United States and internatioally.  

2-WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM FACULTY
CHAIRMAN OF THE FACULTY

Edward Villella – Director, Miami City Ballet – America’s most celebrated male dancer was born in Bayside, New York and entered the School of American Ballet at age 10 but interrupted his dance training to complete academic studies. A graduate of the New York Maritime Academy, he obtained a B.S. in marine transportation, lettered in baseball, and was a championship boxer. As a principal dancer for New York City Ballet, he originated many roles in the company repertoire, among them Tarantella, the Rubies section of Jewels and the role of Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Mr. Villella was the only American ever to be asked to dance an encore at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. He danced for President Kennedy’s inaugural and for Presidents Johnson, Nixon and Ford. His outstanding contributions to the arts and young people have earned him numerous awards and honorary degrees all over the country, including the National Medal of Arts and Kennedy Center Honors. Under his leadership, Founding Artistic Director of Miami City Ballet, the Company has received worldwide acclaim.

SCHOOL ADVISOR

Roma Sosenko – Principal Ballet Mistress, Miami City Ballet - a former soloist with New York City Ballet, Ms. Sosenko is responsible for rehearsing the many ballets Miami City Ballet dancers perform during the season. Ms. Sosenko taught for Miami City Ballet School in both the winter and summer programs. During her career as a dancer Ms. Sosenko danced many lead roles for Jerome Robbins and George Balanchine.

FACULTY - BALLET

Yuriy Vodolaga - studied ballet at the Academy of Classical Ballet in Kiev, Ukraine, and went on to get his Master Diploma in Teaching and Choreography at the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory in St. Petersberg, Russia.  He was a principal dancer in Belgium, Kiev, Ballet Trocodero de Monte Carlo, and many other companies in the US.  He has taught all over New York and Russia.

JAZZ/MUSICAL THEATER

Rafi Maldonado-López - is a faculty member of New World School of the Arts, where he teaches ballet and advanced Jazz for Music Theatre, and Movement in the Drama track. He has worked as a guest teacher across the Midwest as well as St. Petersburg, Russia for the resident dance company of the famed Music Hall. He began his dance training in San Juan, Puerto Rico with Ballet Concierto and Ballet de San Juan, and later continued his studies under scholarship at Joffrey Ballet School and the Boston Conservatory. He performed contemporary works nationally with various companies, as well as various commercial video works. Most recently he has choreographed for Anything Goes, Carousel, and Guys and Dolls. He was awarded a choreography commission for a new original Broadway musical: Palladium. He recently became the choreographer for a new Broadway show based on Celia Cruz called Celia--A Musical Journey.  Mr. Maldonado-Lopez is head of the Jazz department of MCB School since 2004.