INSTRUCTORS AND STAFF
The training methods at Metropolitan Ballet are based on the Vaganova Russian school and are supplemented with instruction from other styles of training such as the Bournonville, French, and Cecchetti methods. Dancers are encouraged to reach their fullest potential by developing a strong and graceful athletic physique as well as learning ballet terminology and being familiar with the music and variations from classical ballets.
ERIK J SANBORN - Artistic Director, Founder and Master Instructor
Erik Sanborn, Founder/Artistic Director of Metropolitan Ballet, has been teaching in the fine arts of music and ballet for nearly 30 years. Erik has performed several principal roles including the Basilio in Don Quixote, Albrecht in Giselle, Prince Charming in Cinderella, Nutcracker Prince, Sugar Plum Cavalier, Arabian Prince, Snow Cavalier, Blue Bird Pas de Deux, Head Rancher in Rodeo, Prince Florimund in Sleeping Beauty, Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, Fall Pas de Deux in Cinderella and the male lead in CAAM’s Butterfly Lovers by world renown Chinese Choreographer, Shen Pei. He trained in ballet with Nancy Bielsky, David Howard, Wihelm Burmann, Farbrice Hauralt, Bonnie Mathis, Lirena Branitsky and Tatiana Berenova among many others both nationally and internationally. His careers have taken him to 26 countries and his directorship has included choreographing and staging several works including Giselle, Don Quixote, Nutcracker, Cinderella, Romeo & Juliet, Paloma, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Amadeus the Ballet, Dracula and Sleeping Beauty. Erik brings his enthusiasm and gift for teaching, choreography and artistic direction to the academy. He dedicates his career and life to the fine arts in honor of his late daughter Anna.
KARENA CASEY - Executive Director and Instructor for Beginning Youth Ballet
Karena brings her passion for classical ballet and years of business experience to Metropolitan Ballet. She has been teaching and performing with Metropolitan Ballet since 2015. As the Executive Director, Karena works with dancers and their families on enrollment, advancement and opportunities to perform with the Company.
