Juan Rafael Castellanos began his dance training in Dublin, Ireland, where he was born and continued in the U.S. at Metropolitan Ballet Academy in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, under the Direction of Lisa Collins Vidnovic. As a member of their nationally acclaimed Boys’ scholarship Program, Juan’s 11 years of study there included access to many world-class teachers and the opportunity to perform a variety of principal roles in both classical ballet and contemporary dance working with choreographers including Jessica Lang, Sarah Mettin, Kanji Segawa and Ashley Pabst. After graduation in 2019, Juan then joined the Charlotte Ballet Pre-Professional program under the Direction of Laszlo Berdo, Kati Mayo and Patricia McBride. Over the span of four years with Charlotte Ballet, Juan went through the ranks of the company through Charlotte Ballet II and finishing with the main company. With Charlotte Ballet he had the opportunity to perform pieces from many renowned choreographers including Christopher Stuart, Helen Pickett, Jennifer Archibald, and many others. This is Juan’s second season with Alabama Ballet, and he can't wait for all the new works coming to Birmingham for this upcoming season.

Sponsored by: Ballet Guild of Birmingham