Tessa Castellano
Pawleys Island ,,SC
Summary
Self-motivated and detailed professional with a drive for contributing to an organization's mission. Growth-minded and goal-oriented individual recognized for collaboration, proactive initiatives, and adaptability to succeed and excel operating in high-pressure environments. Combines passion for service, the arts, leadership development, and building team culture.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Ballet
Gracefully Fierce Dance Co
Pawleys Island , SC
06.2022 - Current
- Prepare and execute lesson plans for 60 students age 6-17, providing corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Possess and demonstrate thorough knowledge of ballet vocabulary, anatomy, and history of dance through multiple mediums to promote engagement.
- Remain composed and highly professional in a fast-paced and changing environment, effectively handling challenging situations and individuals of varying capabilities to reach objectives.
- Choreograph routines for showcases and competitions while implementing exercise regimens to improve strength and technique, raising scores by 15%.
Company Artist
Eugene Ballet
Eugene , OR
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Performed over 50 shows and toured the Pacific Northwest, readily adapting to last minute casting and choreography changes.
- Performed demi soloist roles of Marzipan and Fritz in The Nutcracker and Corps de Ballet in Swan Lake as a first year company member.
- Hand-picked for 2 World Premiers: Artistic Director Toni Pimble's Variations on the Goldberg Variations, and Resident Choreographer Suzanne Haag's The Large Rock and The Little Yew.
- Connected with guests while running the boutique before, during, and after performances.
Principal Dancer
The Georgia Ballet
Marietta , GA
08.2015 - 05.2019
- Performed multiple Principal roles including Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen in The Nutcracker and Katrina Van Tassel in Sleepy Hollow.
- Specialized in partnering work featured in Les Sylphides and Flames of Paris pas de deux.
- Balanced operating as production coordinator for end of year showcases while simultaneously choreographing and dancing.
- Exposed to and performed diverse repertoire under Artistic Director Daet Rodriguez and Ballet Mistress Margit Peguero.
Education
Completion of Pre-Professional Division -
The School of The Georgia Ballet
Marietta, GA.05.2016
Completion of Vocational Exams With Distinction - RAD Technique.
The Royal Dance Academy
Cumming, GA. 03.2014
Skills
- Oklahoma City Ballet
- Boca Ballet
- Milwaukee Ballet
- Ballet Austin
- English National Ballet School
- The Kirov Academy of Washington, DC
Awards
09/14 Adeline Genée International Ballet Competition - Antwerp, Belgium.
- Semi Finalist, worked with international choreographer Ricardo Amarante and Petal Miller Ashmole.
01/16 Youth American Grand Prix - Atlanta, GA.
- Top 12 senior classical category.
Timeline
Director of Ballet
Gracefully Fierce Dance Co
06.2022 - Current
Company Artist
Eugene Ballet
09.2019 - 05.2020
Principal Dancer
The Georgia Ballet
08.2015 - 05.2019
Completion of Pre-Professional Division -
The School of The Georgia Ballet
Completion of Vocational Exams With Distinction - RAD Technique.
The Royal Dance Academy
Similar Profiles
Harmon "Ellie" DawsonHarmon "Ellie" Dawson
Front Desk Receptionist at Gracefully Fierce Dance CompanyFront Desk Receptionist at Gracefully Fierce Dance Company
Virginia StoutVirginia Stout
Dance Instructor at Fierce Dance StudioDance Instructor at Fierce Dance Studio
Jessica SedgwickJessica Sedgwick
Disability Support Worker at Independant - Adapting GracefullyDisability Support Worker at Independant - Adapting Gracefully