Our Team

Ballet Continental is powered by a team of talented and dedicated people with a passion for dance and love of performing.

Teaching Staff

Photo of Darby Downs
Photo of Darby Downs
Photo of Jillian Almaráz
Photo of Sophia Boerner
Photo of Kayla Brown
Photo of Grayson Downs
Photo of Machala Gilliland
Photo of Grace Matthews
Photo of Reneé Miranda
Photo of Liana Moreno
Photo of Marcela Salcedo
Photo of Vilma Valera
Photo of Sophie van Hoorebeke

Guest Artists

Since its inception, Ballet Continental has sponsored the participation of guest choreographers, instructors, dancers, actors, and musicians from across the state of Arizona. These guest artists enrich the training and performance experience for our dancers, broadening their artistic knowledge and exposure, particularly for those who may not have access to additional training opportunities beyond their local communities.

We are grateful to the following guest artists, who have contributed their time and talents towards enriching our programs in recent years:

Lindsey Hamberg, Danielle Perkins, Julia Eischeid, Teisha Handy, Alexis Dolce, Marquez Johnson

Committees

Fundraising Committee

The fundraising committee coordinates monthly fundraising activities, organizes special events for families and community members, and manages the relationships with our generous donors.

Committee Members: Scott Downs, Vilma Valera
fundraising@balletcontinentaldance.org

Marketing Committee

The marketing committee maintains our website and social media accounts, creates printed ads and announcements, and coordinates with regional media outlets to promote our performances.

Committee members: Ariana van Hoorebeke, Willie Alberty
marketing@balletcontinentaldance.org

Volunteer Committee

The volunteer committee recruits and manages our parent and community volunteers, staffing special events and performances, and identifies new volunteer opportunities throughout the organization.

Committee members: Olivia Coppus, Machala Gilliland
volunteer@balletcontinentaldance.org

Board of Directors

Our organization is led by an all-volunteer Board of Directors who meet monthly to discuss vision, set policy, and provide support to our teaching staff so they can dedicate their full time and energy to our dancers.

Tonja Matthews, President
tonja.matthews@balletcontinentaldance.org

Scott Downs, Vice President
scott.downs@balletcontinentaldance.org

Teresa Brady, Treasurer
teresa.brady@balletcontinentaldance.org

Vilma Valera, Secretary
vilma.valera@balletcontinentaldance.org

Ariana van Hoorebeke, Member
ariana.vanhoorebeke@balletcontinentaldance.org

Olivia Coppus, Member
olivia.coppus@balletcontinentaldance.org

Willie Alberty, Member
willie.alberty@balletcontinentaldance.org

Join Our Team!

If you would like to help us further our mission by volunteering your time or expertise, please reach out to our volunteer committee at: volunteer@balletcontinentaldance.org