To All Academy Parents and Students,
As we prepare to begin BalletMet’s 48th season, I want to take a moment to celebrate the remarkable journey we’ve shared and the exciting road ahead.
The 2024–25 season was a testament to the dedication, creativity, and passion that defines our Academy community. From captivating performances in The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty, to the daily commitment of our students and faculty, we saw growth not only in technique and artistry but in confidence, collaboration, and resilience. I’m deeply proud of the progress our dancers have made and the spirit they bring into the studio each day.
One of the greatest privileges of our program is the opportunity for Academy students to observe and even perform alongside the Professional Company. This unique connection fosters inspiration and mentorship that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere. The proximity to excellence helps shape not only stronger dancers, but more thoughtful artists and individuals.
As we step into the 2025–26 season, our vision remains clear: to nurture a learning environment that celebrates discipline, joy, and creativity. We are committed to providing our students with the highest level of training, while supporting their personal development and artistic voice.
We hope this spring performance reflects the extraordinary progress your dancers have made and the potential that lies ahead. Let’s continue to dream big, support one another, and embrace the challenges and triumphs that come with growth.
Thank you for being part of our BalletMet family. We look forward to welcoming you back next year, and to another season filled with inspiration, opportunity, and the transformative power of dance.
With appreciation and excitement,
Maria Torija
BalletMet Dance Academy Director
Thank You BALLETMET Parent Association!
Every BalletMet Academy parent is a member of the Parent Association. This talented and dedicated group supports the Academy, along with the Company, in a shared mission to provide quality performances, instruction and new work. The Association is led by a Steering Committee that oversees the many valuable contributions made by this group.
Activities include: Company merchandising; Academy merchandising; chaperoning; and endless opportunities to raise money to support the Academy and its students.
Our sincere thanks to all our hard working parent volunteers and cheers to another successful year! 🤍
Academy Director Maria Torija
Academy Manager Kathleen Wilson
Academy Assistant Gina Smeragliuolo
Academy Coordinator Eva House
Academy Rehearsal Directors Darielle Eberhard, Ben Kubie, Traci Gilchrest Kubie, Carrie West Suslov, Dmitri Suslov
Academy Co-Founder & Children's Division Coordinator Daryl Kamer
Associate Director, Performance Ensemble Dmitri Suslov
Associate Director, Trainee Program Carrie West-Suslov
Receptionists Patti Ardit, Juliann Ferguson, Charelle Jones, Lily Sayre
Faculty Kelly Skidmore Black, Jessica Brown, Scott Brown, Iris Dávila, Sarah Dove, Laura Dustman, Darielle Eberhard, Sara Flannery, Jessica Gould, Daryl Kamer, Ben Kubie, Traci Gilchrest Kubie, Olivia Mian, Brooke Moore, Angel Oliver, Jenna Papai, Alex Phillips, Brianna Rhodes, Gabriel Roush, Annika Russo, Dmitri Suslov, Caitlin Valentine, Carrie West-Suslov, Dionysia Williams
Accompanists Cathi Aldrich, Susan Dowdy, Phil Dupont, Doug Hare, Ben Harris, Chris Hokanson, Jae Hui Kim, Irina Keller, Joowon Kim, Helen Kushnir, Avery Liffick, Nyla Phillips, Lisa Powell, Kathy Thomsen, Ruby Ti
Find answers to all of your questions and get a first look at upcoming classes and programs when you visit our BalletMet Academy webpage!
Big Lots Foundation
Cardinal Health
Greater Columbus Community
Helping Hands, Inc.
Huntington Bank
Ingram-White Castle Foundation
Martha Holden Jennings Foundation
The Harry C. Moores Foundation
Ohio Children’s Foundation
Park National Bank
State Auto Insurance Companies
We would like to say a special thank you to the BalletMet Production team for their invaluable support and assistance on the Spring Performance. We are absolutely better because of you!
And a special thank you to Isabelle Ayers and Karson Stubbs for their work as Teaching Assistants for the Thursday evening Children’s Division Classes.
We appreciate you!