Conservatory of Dance Alumni

Clarissa Callis - University of Cincinnati, Majoring in Business Management

Danced with BTM Conservatory until 2025
Started dancing at age 2
Was a student at BTM for 2.5 years

Isabel Damian-Lopez - University of Maryland, College Park, Majoring in Letters and Sciences on a Dental Hygiene track

Danced with BTM Conservatory until 2025
Started dancing at age 2
Was a student at BTM for 12 years

Testimonial:

I was accepted to Towson University, Loyola of Maryland University, Temple University, Wilkes University, University of Delaware, University of Pittsburgh, Notre Dame of Maryland, Penn State College of Technology, James Madison University, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and West Virginia University

Being a dancer with the BTM conservatory has helped me immensely as a dancer and a person. I took up dance again to cross-train for figure skating, which greatly improved my performance, but I eventually took dance more seriously. I love the healthy environment BTM has and the way the teachers are passionate about educating their students towards better technique and fulfilling their goals. The opportunities students get to perform with the professional company has been my favorite part of being a dancer with BTM.

BTM has prepared me for my post-high school graduation life by instilling discipline and respect at a young age. Dance as an art form requires a lot of appreciation, discipline, and dedication. The conservatory has taught that to me as a dancer through ballet classes, jazz classes, and summer intensives, which has carried on into all aspects of my life.

Krystina Lilly - American University, Majoring in International Relations and Gender Studies

Danced with BTM Conservatory until 2025
Started dancing at age 3
Was a student at BTM for 13 years
Accepted to: Hobart and William Smith College, Washington College, Allegheny College, Muhlenberg Honors College, and Connecticut College

Testimonial:

BTM has felt like a second home to me for as long as I can remember. It’s where I’ve grown not only as a dancer, but also as a person. The classes and performance opportunities were both incredibly fun and deeply valuable, helping me build both skill and confidence. My teachers have been truly amazing, supporting me through challenges and celebrating my successes, always encouraging me to push myself and grow. Their guidance has made a lasting impact on me. I will always look back on my time at BTM with gratitude and affection, cherishing the many wonderful memories I’ve made and the incredible people I’ve met along the way, some of the most important people to me

Anna Mildenberger - Anne Arundel Community College, studying Sports Nutrition and Wellness Coaching

Danced with BTM Conservatory until 2025
Started dancing at age 3
Was a student at BTM for 5 years

Chloë Myers - Smith College, Majoring in Linguistics

Danced with BTM Conservatory until 2025
Started dancing at age 2
Was a student at BTM for 7 years

Benta Owino - Elon University, Majoring in Dance

Danced with BTM Conservatory until 2025
Started dancing at age 3
Was a student at BTM for 5 years

Misha Jones - University of Maryland, College Park, Majoring in Engineering:

Danced with BTM Conservatory until 2024.
Started dancing at age 11
Danced at the Conservatory "full-time" for 3 years.

Clara Atsinger - Orlando Ballet School - Academy 3:

Danced with BTM Conservatory until 2022.
Accepted into summer intensives with Boston Ballet School, Orlando Ballet School, Next Generation Ballet, and Ballet Austin. Accepted into Orlando Ballet School's year-round program.
Currently a student at Orlando Ballet School, Academy 3. This year will be auditioning for several trainee programs and companies, while also finishing her senior year of high school.

Testimonial:

"I would not be anywhere close to the dancer that I am today without the years of incredible training I had at BTM. The teachers were always supportive, pushing me to grow in my technique and in my confidence. I am so grateful for the amount of personal attention the teachers were able to give to me, both in my dancing and in helping me pursue my goals for the future. I also really appreciate how much performing experience I was given. Getting to perform in professional productions with the company was an amazing opportunity, and I loved it so much. I will always look back on my many years at BTM Taking ballet and jazz classes at BTM since I could walk has definitely shaped me into the person I am today. The teachers always made me feel welcome and knew how to point out my strengths and weaknesses. I loved dancing at BTM as it allowed me to explore the more creative and artistic side of myself.”

Alexa McFall - Incoming University of Florida Student:

Graduated from BTM Conservatory: 2022
Academic Achievements: Accepted into the University of Maryland, University of Georgia, University of Florida, and Clemson University
- Will be attending the University of Florida in the fall of 2022 with plans of majoring in Engineering.

Testimonial:
“Taking ballet and jazz classes at BTM since I could walk has definitely shaped me into the person I am today. The teachers always made me feel welcomed and knew how to point out my strengths and weaknesses. I loved dancing at BTM as it allowed me to explore the more creative and artistic side of myself.”

Lauren Anderson - Point Park University, Majoring in Ballet - Class of 2024

Years danced at BTM: 2013 - 2020
Graduated from BTM Conservatory: 2020
Academic Achievements: Accepted into Point Park University, Radford University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Ohio University, Dean College, and University of Oklahoma
- Currently attending Pointe Park University majoring in dance with a concentration in ballet.

Testimonial:
“After graduating in 2024, my goals are to join and perform with a professional ballet company. BTM has tremendously progressed my dancing, especially throughout the trainee program. Also, BTM has furthered my love for dancing and performing through the class and rehearsal process.

Samantha Boteler: Milwaukee Ballet Pre-Professional Trainee

Graduated BTM Conservatory: 2020. Then participated in BTM’s Trainee Program for the 2020-2021 season.
Accepted into Texas Ballet Theater’s Professional Training Division and Milwaukee Ballet’s Pre-Professional Program
Currently a student in Milwaukee Ballet’s Pre-Professional Program, and returning for the 2022-2023 season. Also pursuing a degree in Information Technology through Prince George’s Community College and plans to continue training and auditioning for companies, in addition to completing a degree

Testimonial:
“Ballet Theatre of Maryland provided me with such a supportive environment to grow as a dancer and a person! Having the opportunity to train and rehearse with the company as a Trainee and student were by far one of the most valuable experiences. It gave me a glimpse into professional life and helped me decide that was what I wanted to do in the future. I cannot be more grateful for my time at BTM and the amazing teachers and staff!”

Annabel Cooksey: A1C, United States Air Force

Years danced at BTM: 2009 - 2019
Graduated from BTM Conservatory: 2019
Danced professionally as a Trainee with US International Ballet in Wilmington, NC for the 2019-2020 Season
Academic Achievements: Acceptance into Dickinson College, Eckerd College, and Bard College.
Currently an A1C in US Air Force stationed at Hulbert Field Destin, FL with plans to transition out of Active Duty into the National Guard and attend college for a degree in Education.

Testimonial:

“Dancing with BTM prepared me very well for the physical and mental taxation of being in the military. The attention to detail and great work ethic that BTM taught me have carried me through my time in the military thus far as well. I also learned a team spirit and family approach to challenges which has been very helpful to me too. I am incredibly grateful for the amazing experiences and great life lessons that BTM gave me.”

Emily Davis: Skidmore College Student - Class of 2023

Years danced at BTM: 2002-2018
Graduated from BTM Conservatory: 2018
Academic Achievements: University of Cincinnati, Boston College, University of Indiana, Mercyhurst, Goucher, Point Park University, Skidmore College, and the University of Oklahoma.
Currently studying chemistry and environmental science at Skidmore College and planning on pursuing a Ph.D. in environmental epidemiology upon graduation.

Testimonial:
“I had dozens of teachers during my time at BTM, and each of them taught me a new lesson about strength, resilience, and dedication to the things you love. I also had the opportunity to learn from and work with the lighting designer, stage managers, and wardrobe mistresses during my high school years. I learned how to dissect every tiny detail that goes into making the final production of a ballet possible. Most importantly, I was taught to never give up. When I had an illness that took away my ability to walk, several of my teachers supported me physically and emotionally in relearning to walk, and later dance. These lessons still apply whether at the dance studio or in the chemistry lab. I wouldn’t be the scientist

Izzy Evans: Musician

Years danced at BTM: 2006 - 2018
Graduated from BTM Conservatory: 2018
Academic Achievements: Accepted into Towson University, Butler University, and Anne Arundel Community College
- Attended AACC and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Film Studies in 2021.
Currently works at Ram’s Head on Stage and has released a single as a musician. Izzy will be moving to the UK in fall 2023 to continue pursuing a career in music.

Testimonial:
“The most beneficial thing to me about BTM was becoming comfortable on stage and becoming a performer. Since I am now pursuing music, I’m glad I had so many years of stage experience and performing on different stages. BTM taught me how to be a performer and showed me my love of being on stage!”

Addison Porter: Senatorial Assistant and future Law School Student

Danced at BTM: 2011 - 2018
Graduated from BTM Conservatory: 2018
Academic Achievements: Acceptance into Auburn University, Ole Miss, Southern Methodist University, TCU, University of Miami, Louisiana State University, Tulane University
- Attended Auburn University, Class of 2022-Political Science Degree.
Currently working for a Senator on Capitol Hill and planning to study for the LSAT and attending law school

Testimonial:
I could not imagine who I would be if I did not spend the earlier part of my life dancing at BTM. Having the opportunity at just 12 years old to be in the Nutcracker and other productions alongside professional ballet dancers taught me commitment, professionalism, teamwork, personal responsibility, and so many other essential life skills. What I enjoyed the most, however, was being mentored by so many incredible women, namely Dianna Cuatto and Nicole Kelsch. The many, many hours I spent with Ms. Dianna and Nicole in rehearsals and class were formative in creating the young woman I am today. The friendships and connections I forged with my other instructors and dancers are relationships I still keep up with to this day! I will forever be grateful to BTM!!!”

Summer Programs

Our talented students of the BTM Conservatory have been accepted into and attended numerous Summer Intensive programs across the nation including these prestigious institutions:

American Ballet Theatre-New York, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet Austin, Boston Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Idyllwild Arts Academy*, Kansas City Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Next Generation Ballet*, Oklahoma City Ballet, Orlando Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Sarasota Ballet, The Rock School for Dance Education, Texas Ballet Theater, Washington Ballet

*Denotes programs that students have been awarded scholarships based on merit to attend.