Joy Womack Ballet Foundation
Artistic Advisory Board
Joy Womack
Joy Womack is a trailblazing American dancer whose illustrious career has left an indelible mark on the world of ballet. At just 17, while studying at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow, she made history as the first American female to dance the lead role in Yuri Grigorovich’s “La Fille Mal Gardee.” Joy's groundbreaking achievements continued as she became the first American to graduate with a Red Diploma from the Russian Program, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication.
In 2012, Joy broke barriers once again by becoming the first American woman to be invited to dance with the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Theater, where she signed a soloist contract. Her journey reached new heights in January 2014 when she joined the Kremlin Ballet as Principal Dancer at the remarkable age of 19.
Throughout her career, Joy has graced stages around the world, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing performances. In 2018, she joined the Universal Ballet as a Principal Dancer, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in the ballet world. Her talents have also been showcased with renowned companies such as the Sofia National Opera and Ballet, Kracow Opera and Ballet, The Russian State Ballet, and the Paris Opera Ballet.
In addition to her accomplishments on stage, Joy's artistic vision extends to the silver screen. In 2021, she choreographed the film "JOIKA," based on her own remarkable life, and was the subject of the documentary "The White Swan," offering insight into her experiences in Russia.
In 2023, Joy expanded her influence by founding the Joy Womack Ballet Foundation and establishing the Joy Womack Ballet Academy and Company. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers is matched only by her passion for the art form itself.
In 2024, Joy's journey took a new turn as she joined the cast of "Etoile," a scripted series for Amazon Prime directed by Amy and Dan Sherman-Palladino, further cementing her legacy as a true icon of the ballet world.
Website: www.joywomack.com
Aaron Orza
Aaron Orza, born in November 1981, comes from a prestigious dancing family, with all six siblings pursuing professional ballet careers at some of the top companies in the world, including New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and Zürich Ballet. Both his parents were professional dancers with Oakland Ballet, so Aaron grew up surrounded by the highest standards of the art form from an early age. Aaron began his ballet training at age 8 with Damara Bennett at City Ballet of San Francisco, then continued at Marin Ballet under Margret Swarthout. At age 11, he earned a full scholarship to San Francisco Ballet School, directed by Lola De Avila. During his time there, he trained under renowned teachers, including Irina Jacobson, Ricardo Bustamante, Antonio Casalinho, Mikko Nissinen, Jorge Esquivel, Parrish Maynard, Johan Renval, and Eddie Ellison. He also attended four summers at the School of American Ballet in New York, receiving a full scholarship to its year-round program, studying under the legendary Stanley Williams along with such teachers as:
Svetlana Zaharova
Jacques Soto
Damian Wetzel
Peter Boal
Andrei Kramarevsky
At 17, Aaron was awarded an apprenticeship with San Francisco Ballet by one of the great directors in ballet history, Helgi Tomasson. Within three months, he was promoted to the main company, where he danced for 13 seasons, performing in prestigious venues around the world. During his tenure, he worked with top choreographers and danced a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary ballets.
Following his successful career with San Francisco Ballet, Aaron pursued guest performances with numerous ballet companies and schools across the country. He then transitioned into leadership roles, teaching nationwide and serving as Ballet Master at The Rock School for Dance Education. At Rock School, Aaron coached talented students for national and international competitions. Many of his students placed at high levels, receiving contracts with companies both internationally and stateside.
In 2018, Aaron founded Nashville Classical Ballet Academy (NCBA), which continues to grow under his leadership. Known for his ability to connect with dancers from diverse backgrounds, Aaron brings a deep understanding of different ballet techniques and cultural perspectives. He excels at curating full-length ballets and mixed bills, creating a positive yet productive environment that inspires growth and artistry.
Most recently, Aaron was invited to teach the company at San Francisco Ballet under the direction of Tamara Rojo, further solidifying his influence and reputation within the ballet community. Aaron is excited to continue passing on all he was lucky enough to have experienced.
