LEADERSHIP

See the experience and creative vision that steer our team.

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DANCERS

Meet the talented people who are the fabric of our organization.

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ABOUT
BALLET RI

Learn about the mission, history, and future of our company.

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Performing a wide-ranging repertoire of dance, from groundbreaking contemporary movement to beloved classical masterworks, Ballet RI is a group of professional artists whose talent and artistry stands unmatched anywhere in our region. As Rhode Island’s resident ballet company, Ballet RI aims to bring world class dance to audiences of all ages and backgrounds, from seasoned patrons of the arts to those experiencing dance for the first time.

Ballet RI is a 501.3.C. organization — 05-0377245

leadership

KATHLEEN BREEN COMBES

ARTISTIC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hailed by The New York Times as a “ballerina of colossal scale and boldness,” Kathleen Breen Combes enjoyed an illustrious career as Principal Dancer with Boston Ballet before taking the helm of Ballet RI. She has performed on the world’s most prestigious stages, and originated roles with choreographers such as William Forsythe and Jorma Elo. A Benois de la Danse nominee and Dance Magazine cover artist, her repertoire spans the classical and neoclassical canon and groundbreaking contemporary works. With degrees in Communications, Management, and Nonprofit Leadership, Breen Combes now blends artistic mastery with visionary leadership, building an innovative, inclusive, and world-class ballet company for Rhode Island and beyond.

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YURY YANOWSKY

ARTISTIC CURATOR & RESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHER

Internationally renowned dancer and award-winning choreographer Yury Yanowsky spent over 20 years as a Principal Dancer with Boston Ballet, earning acclaim for his bravura technique, stage presence, and versatility across classical and contemporary works. Winner of the Prix de Lausanne and silver medals at the Varna and U.S. International Ballet Competitions, he has performed as a guest artist with The Royal Ballet, National Ballet of Prague, National Ballet of China, and Pennsylvania Ballet.

As a choreographer, Yanowsky has created acclaimed works for companies worldwide, including Boston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, Richmond Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, and Bundes Jugend Ballet. He is the recipient of the Choreographic Prize at the prestigious Erik Bruhn Competition and his Smoke and Mirrors was named “Best in Dance” by The Arts Fuse. In 2021 his full-length Nutcracker for Ballet RI was hailed by The Boston Globe as “awe-inspiring.”

Currently Artistic Curator and Resident Choreographer at Ballet RI, Yanowsky is known for bold, collaborative works that resonate with today’s audiences.

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ARTISTIC staff

Principal Core Program
Artistic Coach, Competition Ensemble Lead

COMPANY DANCERS

Company Dancer
Company Dancer
COMPANY DANCER
Company Dancer
Company Dancer
Company Dancer
Company Dancer
COMPANY DANCER
Company Dancer
Company Dancer
Company Dancer
Company Dancer
Company Dancer
Company Dancer

apprentices

Apprentice
Apprentice
Apprentice
Junior Apprentice
Junior Apprentice

trainees

Jordyn Chepolis, Edie Clarke, Alexis Dawson, Gina Deroma, Hayley Donahue, Parker Edmonson, Grace Ellis, Abigail Forbes, Emma Halter, Elizabeth Jacobson, Leah Jenkins, Anneka Jones, Olivia Keith, Emma LeBlanc, Helen Rawls, Kian Reagan-Caer, Cameron Sedlack, Sophia Sparrow, Saba Tebutt

 

ABOUT BALLET RI

Ballet RI is Rhode Island’s premier professional ballet company, captivating audiences with a diverse repertoire of classical, neo-classical, and contemporary dance in various venues across Rhode Island.

Formerly known as Festival Ballet Rhode Island, Ballet RI was founded in1978 by Christine Hennessy and Winthrop Corey, both former principal dancers with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet. In 1988, Mihailo Djuric was appointed Artistic Director. During his 22-year tenure, Mr. Djuric expanded the company’s repertoire, developing a strong resident company with a growing national and international reputation.

Over the past five years, Ballet Rhode Island has undergone a remarkable transformation, one defined by growth, innovation, and a renewed commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.

In 2019, Kathleen Breen Combes, a former principal dancer with Boston Ballet, was hired as Executive Director.  Her unique combination of artistic experience and strategic leadership brought new energy to the organization. in 2020, Breen Combes was named Director, leading Ballet RI through one of the most challenging periods in recent history. Under her guidance, the company returned to the stage stronger than ever, navigating the pandemic with creativity and resilience.

Since 2020, Ballet RI has significantly expanded its reach and impact. The company has deepened its commitment to presenting a wide-ranging repertoire, balancing groundbreaking contemporary works with timeless classical masterworks and has prioritized accessibility, diversity, and education in meaningful new ways. With performances now staged across the region including at The Veterans Memorial Auditorium, The Woodman Performing Arts Center, the University of Rhode Island, the Margaret L. Jackson Arts Center in Fall River, MA, and as the resident dance company at the United Theater in Westerly, Ballet RI has firmly established itself as a leading cultural force in Southern New England.

In May 2023, the organization took a major step forward by rebranding as Ballet Rhode Island. This change marked more than a new name, it signaled a renewed mission: to reimagine classical ballet as a modern, inclusive art form that reflects the rich diversity of Rhode Island’s communities.  In 2025 Breen Combes was named Artistic Executive Director.

Ballet RI continues to operate from its East Side Providence home at 825 Hope Street, where its Black Box Theater and state-of-the-art studios host its acclaimed Up Close on Hope and chatterBOXtheatre series. As it moves boldly into the future, Ballet RI remains rooted in a legacy that began in 1978 with founders Christine Hennessy and Winthrop Corey, while building a company that reflects the possibilities of ballet today.

SCHOOL FACULTY

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

Ashley Griffin

Anjali Hern

Audrey Lukacz

Dušica Marčetić

Katey Tidwell

CORE BALLET PROGRAM 

Christopher Anderson

Kathleen Breen Combes

Leticia Guerrero

Ashley Griffin

Chu Ling

Audrey Lukacz

Dušica Marčetić

AJ Maio

Tara McCally

Garret McNally

Nita Trivedi

Yury Yanowsky

OPEN & ADULT PROGRAMS

Katherine Bickford Vigly

Athena Flournoy

Kathleen Nasti

Nita Trivedi

ADAPTIVE PROGRAM

Gina DeRoma

Katey Tidwell

Dušica Marčetić

Shannon McGuirk (Musician)

Administrative Staff

School

Lisa McGuirk
Registrar – School of Ballet RI
[email protected]
401.353.2252

Christopher Anderson
Principal Core Program – School of Ballet RI
401.383.1272
[email protected]

Office

Office Manager
[email protected]

Alexandra Cook
Operations Director
401.270.9366
[email protected]

Ailey Costantino
Development Associate & Administrative Assistant
[email protected]

Kyriana Smith
Executive Assistant
[email protected]

Joelle Bellmund
Marketing Manager
[email protected]

Rebecca Rosenberg
Box Office Manager
[email protected]

Nicole Laliberte
Community Engagement Manager
[email protected]
401.490.5631

 

Official Healthcare Provider – University Orthopedics

Orthopedist – Paul Fadale, M.D.
Physical Therapist – Jennifer Davis

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

BALLET RI serves diverse communities in Rhode Island by uplifting the spirit of underserved populations and amplifying the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. 

  • We use the power of art and its impact on culture and community to impact positive change.
  • We uphold equity and recognize that our work begins with accountability.
  • Our school and community engagement programs embrace differences and impart the transformative power of dance in a manner that encourages a safe and creative space for all.
  • We embrace cultural, social, economic and religious differences enriching the dance experience while providing guidance to our artistic output, education, dress codes and staff etiquette.
  • We present a diverse repertoire on stage and engage the unique voices of tomorrow to continue the reimagination of our art form.
  • We are committed to diversifying our employees, artists, board, students, and audience to better reflect the communities we serve.

Employment opportunities

Ballet RI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Ballet RI values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages Black/Brown, Indigenous, and other People of Color to apply.

COMPANY AUDITIONS

Thank you for your interest in Ballet RI!

Ballet Rhode Island (formerly Festival Ballet Providence) is a professional performing arts organization located on the East Side of Providence, RI. The company performs a wide range of classical, neoclassical, and contemporary work. Additionally the School of Ballet RI provides the highest quality dance education in the region and the Company’s robust outreach programming reaches into schools and public spaces across the region with a mission to bring the transformative power of dance to the widest possible audience.

Ballet Rhode Island is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Ballet Rhode Island values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages Black/Brown, Indigenous, and other People of Color to apply.

 

Company class auditions are by invitation only. Please email [email protected] with your resume, photos, and dance videos.

COMPANY REP WORKSHOP

COMPANY REP WORKSHOP 2025

July 7-11, 2025
Ages 16-22 

The one-week Company Rep Workshop (CRW) will give young professionals the opportunity to experience Ballet RI repertoire in a workshop setting. Classes will be taught by Ballet RI Artistic Staff and Faculty. Participants will work with Artistic Curator and Resident Choreographer Yury Yanowsky on choreography, receive coaching on classical repertoire, and experience the process of a new creation with a leading guest choreographer. 

2025-2026 Ballet RI Trainees will be selected exclusively from the workshop.

Professional Trainee Division

Ballet RI’s trainee program offers an encouraging, supportive environment that will develop young artists into the professional dancers of tomorrow. Aspiring dancers who are at or almost at professional level are accepted into the Trainee Program through an audition process offered during our Company Rep Workshop (CRW). The program offers devoted technique and extra curricular classes to bridge the gap between student and professional, offering real world professional experience working along side Ballet RI’s resident company when repertoire opportunities arise. Additionally, Trainees will have the opportunity to explore other arts management and administrative roles within the organization to develop future career paths and experience beyond their dancing. Audition preparation classes and mentorship is also provided for the trainees, helping them move into the professional world at the end of the trainee program, whether that be with Ballet RI or another organization. The program is designed to be a guiding hand into the professional world. Trainees will share many of the same responsibilities as company dancers, and will be held to the same level of professionalism, while being supported and encouraged through additional dedicated training and development. The program will be capped at 20 dancers to maintain the intensity and focus of training, and will be highly selective to ensure the continuation of high-level individualized growth. Housing will not be provided, and pointe shoes will not be supplied through the company. 

 

SCHEDULE

Trainees will be required to take the noted trainee technique class every day. Professionalism within the classes, including timeliness, preparation, and focus is expected of all trainees within the program. Additional required classes will be offered after the technique class, including but not limited to pointe, variations, conditioning, contemporary. Additional professional development classes will include, mental strength training, wellness workshops, and living seminars that will touch on topics from taxes to the importance of reading and understanding contracts. Mentoring utilizing the experience of Ballet RI’s resident company dancers will also be offered to trainees. All classes are required unless trainees are requested for company rehearsals. There is no guarantee trainees will be cast in company rehearsals, and it will be repertoire dependent throughout the course of the season. 

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Multiple performance opportunities will be available to the trainees throughout the course of the year. Performance opportunities with the company will depend on repertoire, and trainees are not guaranteed performance opportunities alongside the company. There will be performance opportunities available to the trainees through our community engagement programs and School of Ballet RI Culmination which will serve as the completion of the trainee program for the Academic Year. 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Trainees will have a multitude of responsibilities within the organization to help prepare them for professional life. Beyond being present and engaged in all rehearsals they are called to, and learning all parts and roles assigned to them whether or not they are cast to perform the role, trainees are expected to explore opportunities within the administrative and education sides of the organization. Trainees will connect with staff early to determine areas of interest, and where specific skills could be best utilized within the organization. Having an understanding of the functionality of an arts organization, through the lens of an administrator or an instructor can open doors to other interests and possible career paths so that dance may remain a part of each young artists life beyond their performance career. Additionally, trainees not performing in repertoire shows will be required to assist the Box Office Manager as ushers and production staff. Trainees on full scholarship will be required to fulfill volunteer hours through social media, administrative, event, health and development, and performance support. 

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

While some of these responsibilities will fall under volunteer hours required of all trainees, there are opportunities for paid positions. Instructor and monitor positions within our community engagement programs are paid per hour. Additional teaching and administrative opportunities may become available. 

TUITION

Tuition for Ballet RI’s Trainee Program is $7,200.00 for the year. Merit scholarships are offered at the discretion of the Director.

Front Desk Administrator

Administrator is responsible for greeting visitors at the front desk of Ballet RI.  Duties include answering the telephone, data entry, reading and replying to emails, maintaining the cleanliness of the facilities.  Admin will serve as the initial contact with visitors, students, and staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: High School Diploma Required

EXPERIENCE:   1+ year reception or general office experience, preferred.  OR

                           2+ years customer service experience

SKILLS: Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills necessary

Admin must be able to work assigned hours and possess stamina to work for full shifts.

Transportation is a must.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Answer all incoming calls to the front desk.  Make transfers and take messages effectively. Be able to communicate needs of callers if you cannot assist effectively.
  • Greet students when they arrive for class.  Answer questions from students and parents.  Direct new students to appropriate studios and facilities.
  • Accept payments for registration, tuition, and merchandise in accordance with the school’s procedures. Effectively use Dance Manager to accept payments.
  • Maintains the reception area, changing rooms, studios, and lobby.  Keeps the bathrooms fully stocked with soap, paper towels, toilet paper, and keeps debris off the floor. When required, removes trash from all bathrooms, studios, and dressing rooms.
  • Ensure each studio is fully stocked with sanitizing wipes or cleaning spray with paper towels, hand sanitizer, gloves, thermometer, first aid supplies, and gloves.
  • Data entry as needed.
  • Assist with basic office tasks including copying, faxing, and mail distribution.
  • Understands the policies and regulations of Ballet RI to assist staff and students to maintain protocols.
  • Communicates effectively with the administrative staff and team members to keep all shifts aware of any issues that required continued attention.
  • Presents a friendly and welcoming first impression for all visitors, students, and parents to Ballet RI.
  • Sell tickets to our Black Box and Culmination performances and be proficient in Box Office system and protocols.
  • Be knowledgeable and up to date on the specific classes and performances that are currently available or are upcoming and be able to answer basic questions about them upon inquiry.
  • Be able to cover other shifts if needed.

Please send resumes to [email protected]

ProviDANCE Teacher

ProviDANCE after-school program for second graders is focused around beginning ballet technique, storytelling through dance and dance improvisation. Through these content areas, students will build a wide range of physical, mental, social and emotional skills over an entire school year. Students will increase their movement awareness, developing greater strengths, flexibility, coordination and expression. The program involves 2 after school classes per week, plus an additional class at either Ballet RI or Jacqueline Walsh HS for the Arts for select students inclusive of transportation and ballet uniforms. The ProviDANCE program provides a graduated pathway to the profession of dance for marginalized populations.

Position: ProviDANCE Teacher(s)

Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30 – 5:30 pm October – June; additionally assist Academy class Monday or Wednesdays after school.

Pay rate: $20 – $40/hour

Locations: Providence and Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Skills/Experience Required

  • Dance teaching experience working with elementary age students.
  • Understanding of beginning ballet pedagogy.
  • Experience working in diverse communities and/or public school settings.
  • Experience with restorative practices preferred.
  • Spanish proficiency a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Support the program in creating a safe learning environment that fosters positive social and emotional development and model professionalism as a mentor and educator.
  • Report any incidents that are in conflict with Ballet RI code of conduct or impedes a safe and supportive learning environment.
  • Facilitate after-school transition with tasks such as dance space set up; possibly including sound equipment, moving small chairs or desks, taking attendance.
  • Teach 2 after school classes per week (Tuesdays) and (Thursdays) arriving at the school at 3:30 to gather students for a 4:00 – 5:00 class.
  • Oversee and coordinate work with teaching assistant for the Tuesday/Thursday classes.
  • Evaluate student performance in class making recommendations for the ProviDANCE Academy program.
  • Choreograph and coordinate the end of school year performance with the Pawtucket ProviDANCE after-school Tuesday/Thursday classes at each school.
  • Contribute to a strong productive working relationship with elementary school community including teachers, staff and parents.
  • Contribute to the Ballet Rhode Island team by maintaining communication with other departments and supporting the needs of the Pawtucket ProviDANCE program.
  • Work with the Director of Community Engagement to meet the program curriculum and enrollment goals, reporting areas of need or program challenges as they arise.
  • Mentor students providing social, emotional, and academic support as needed.
  • Maintain a high level of professionalism and flexibility.
  • Follow all COVID protocols for public schools and Ballet Rhode Island.
  • Assistant the Academy class on Wednesdays (4-5pm) or Mondays (4:30-5:30PM) starting in January.
  • Assist coordinating uniform and costume sizing for Academy students and distributing t-shirts, socks and water bottles to Tues/Thursday ProviDANCE students.

The ProviDANCE Teacher will be paid at a rate of $40/hr for the class time per class per day. Hours that are beyond the amount needed for generating class content, and result from administrative duties such as meetings, uniform coordination and communications are paid at an administrative rate of $20/hr but not to exceed 2 hours per week. Additionally, the Academy Assistant rate of $20/hr will be allocated to the time supporting the Academy classes on Mondays or Wednesdays.  Classes are subject to cancellation due to school closings including weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

E-Mail Application

BUS DRIVER

Ballet RI’s ProviDANCE program increases access to dance education for Providence Public School System’s elementary students. Ballet RI is seeking a part-time on-call driver who will be an integral part of the overall ProviDANCE program and mission.

As part of our mission to make dance accessible to the communities this program serves, the driver’s role is to safely deliver students both to our Providence studios for dance class and back to their schools at the end of the day. The small 14 passenger bus will live at our Hope St. studios, where the driver will take the bus to both elementary schools in Olneyville to pick up the students and bring them back to take class. At the end of class, driver will return the students to their schools to be picked up by their parents. A bus monitor/dance teacher will be there to assist with this process.

Requirements:

–Immediate availability (after-school hours 3:15pm-7:15pm) 
– Chauffeur’s license, or ability to obtain one – NO CDL REQUIRED
– Possess a clean driving record
– Can pass a Federal background check

E-Mail Application

DANCE ACCOMPANIST

Ballet RI is seeking part-time musicians with advanced level piano skills who are prompt, responsible, and interested in collaborating with teachers and students to accompany classical ballet classes. Applicants should be strongly committed to excellence.

Ballet RI values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages Black/Brown, Indigenous, and other People of Color to apply.

Skills/Requirements

– Advanced level piano skills, with preference given to classical training.
– Previous experience playing for ballet technique/pointe classes is recommended.
– Knowledge of ballet terms/repertoire is preferred and ability to improvise is required.
– Experience providing and maintaining a professional studio and performance atmosphere within the classroom.
– Ability to provide inspirational accompaniment for dance classes.
– Ability to work with teachers in a wide variety of styles and rhythms.
– Prior experience or a wide range of repertoire necessary.
– Willing to work with others, flexible, and creatives.
– Having a book and/or repertoire already compiled strongly recommended.

Academic Credentials: We will evaluate your level of experience and education. An audition is required. Some training provided. Benefits include free tickets to Ballet RI performances.

ADMINISTRATIVE INTERN

SUMMARY: Interns gain valuable administrative experience, working within an active and vibrant nonprofit setting, assisting staff and interacting with clients and customers. Interns are an important part of the organization, working closely with staff in the following departments: Administration (Database and file organization) Development (Donor engagement and management, fundraising projects) Marketing and Box Office, (Ticketing and subscriber management), School of Ballet RI (Client file management, scheduling and communication), Production Tasks (Backstage and front of house production duties).

HOURS: Interns typically work 15-20 hours per week and are eligible to receive college credit.

SESSIONS: Currently recruiting for all terms (Fall, Spring, Summer)

Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected].

E-Mail Application

OUTREACH INTERN

SUMMARY: Ballet RI is offering learning opportunities to eligible college students. This internship provides an opportunity for students to shadow Ballet RI Outreach Educators for 9 weeks. This will provide the dance education interns additional experience teaching dance in a public-school setting, and prepare the interns for hiring and placement in future classes.

The intention of the program is to build skills students interested in teaching dance in a public-school setting through shadowing an Ballet RI Outreach Educator. The internship is not a paid position but can be applied for credit (student is responsible for organizing required enrollments, paperwork, etc. in order to receive credit). Students who successfully complete the internship program will be eligible to apply for a paid teaching position in Ballet RI’s Outreach Education program during the following session.

REQUIREMENTS
• Letter of Recommendation
• Interview by Nicole Laliberte, Director of Community Engagement for Ballet RI
• Transportation to and from outreach school locations
• Participation in no less than one hour a week for 9 weeks at a Ballet RI outreach education program
• Students 18 years or older will be required to complete a BCI through the Attorney General’s Office

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Laurine Ryan Perry
Co-Chair

Eve Rounds
Co-Chair

Ana Coronel
Vice Chair

Richard Saltzman
Treasurer

Maria Montanaro
Secretary

Bianca Bator
Councilman John Goncalves
Janet Goff
Betsy Keady
Philip Kydd

Joe Nauman
Dana Alexander Nolfe
Stefan Petrella
Randy Rosenbaum
Don Wineberg
Eric Rietveld