Originally from Sarasota, Florida, Ms. von Wood began her earliest classical ballet training under the direction of Wilmian Hernandez. At age fourteen, she joined the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School Conservatory under the direction of Ariel Serrano. Having participated in Summer Intensives with The Ailey School, Joffrey Ballet School, Sarasota Ballet School and The Carreno Dance Festival, she later graduated from The Ailey School Certificate Program in New York. While touring with the Ailey Student Performance Group, she performed works by Ray Mercer, Carlos Dos Santos, Jr. and Earl Mosley. Upon graduation, Topaz joined Cleo II and after one season as an apprentice, is now in her first season as an Ensemble member.