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Katy Gilliam
Company Dancer

Hometown:
Durango, CO

Education & Training:
The Jillana School, Ballet West, Joffrey Ballet NY, and Colorado Ballet, and trained with Valerie Madonia of American Ballet Theatre.

My Friends Call Me:
Katy

What other organizations or dancers have you previously danced with?
I spent one season in Colorado Ballet Second Company before joining Dayton Ballet. I have performed with Dayton Dance Initiative for four seasons.  

What do you want patrons to know about you?
This will be my 11th season with Dayton Ballet and I’m so excited to be back onstage full time after having a baby in November of 2022!

What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t a professional dancer?
At this point, be a full time Mom! I also have my own line of Dancewear and I’d love to have more time for perfecting and producing my pieces.

What are you most looking forward to this season?
I’m very excited to bring Peter Pan back! I love dancing Septime Webre’s choreography and it’s such a fun show for all ages.

What advice would you give to aspiring dancers?
Be diverse! Challenge yourself to move in many different ways – it will open up more opportunities!


Read Full Bio:

Katy Gilliam is from Durango, Colorado. She received her training at Dance in the Rockies in Durango and worked closely with esteemed teacher/Artistic Director Valerie Madonia. Katy spent several summers training at The Jillana School and Ballet West; she also attended summers at The Joffrey Ballet in New York and Colorado Ballet on full scholarship. In 2011, Katy was a finalist in the Denver Ballet Guild competition for her performance of Odile’s variation from Swan Lake. She spent the 2011–2012 season with Colorado Ballet’s Studio Company. With Colorado Ballet she performed in Swan Lake, Michael Pink’s Peter Pan, and community outreach programs. Since joining Dayton Ballet she has most enjoyed performing Penny Saunders’ Berceuse, the Green Girl in Gerald Arpino’s Trinity, and Amy Seiwart’s Chasing Ghosts. Katy is honored to be returning for her eleventh season with Dayton Ballet.