by Chantelle Pianetta as told to Avichai Scher | Sep 23, 2026 | Career, Pointe+, Profiles
After performing Sugar Plum last year, I listened as my director at Golden State Ballet, Raul Salamanca, came onstage to praise a dancer in the company—something he’d never done before. I wondered who he was talking about. Eventually, I realized it was me. I couldn’t...
by Nancy Wozny | Sep 1, 2026 | Digital Cover Star, Pointe+
During the debut of Stereo is King at Houston Ballet last March, you could almost hear the banter between choreographer Stanton Welch, AM (Member of the Order of Australia), and newly appointed principal Tyler Donatelli. With her swinging blond ponytail, Donatelli...
by Catie Robinson | Jun 23, 2026 | Career, Pointe+, Profiles
Dutch National Ballet principal Riho Sakamoto’s dancing is precise, clean, and engaging, and almost as eclectic as her personal style. Her repertoire ranges from contemporary works like David Dawson’s Empire Noir to her upcoming debut as Nikiya in La Bayadère....
by Catie Robinson | Feb 17, 2026 | Career, Pointe+, Profiles
When Royal Winnipeg Ballet principal Stephan Azulay was a child, his parents brought him into two of the family businesses: flamenco and food. His father was a flamenco dancer who also owned several restaurants. “Food is more integrated into flamenco culture than...
by Amy Brandt | Jan 22, 2026 | Career, Pointe+, Profiles
Known for her powerhouse dancing, Tyler Donatelli has been a fixture at Houston Ballet since joining its second company in 2013. Originally from Huntington Beach, California, Donatelli has steadily risen through Houston Ballet’s ranks, with a promotion to principal in...
by Lilliana Miller | Dec 19, 2025 | Career, Pointe+, Profiles
Whenever she’s performing, American Ballet Theatre principal Isabella Boylston lights up the stage with a vibrant passion. Offstage, she’s a digital-media creative, brand influencer, mental health advocate, and fashion icon. Below, she shares her self-care routine and...
by Kyra Laubacher | Nov 3, 2025 | Digital Cover Star, Pointe+
In rehearsals, Tommie Lin Kesten is in it. Even when she’s not dancing, the principal dancer’s eyes are trained on her fellow Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre artists. She asks questions, solves problems, and clocks minutiae. And from the get-go, she’s weaving her character...
by Amy Brandt | Oct 17, 2025 | Career, Pointe+, Profiles
Jennifer Hackbarth’s diverse career has come full circle. The Wisconsin native trained at the Milwaukee Ballet School before finishing her studies at the John Cranko School and School of American Ballet. She first danced with New York City Ballet before joining...