Peoria Ballet is excited to announce the hiring of Artistic Director, Ian Poulis. A retired professional ballet dancer, Poulis has spent a lifetime learning dance. During his professional career, Poulis danced with companies that include Ballet Internationale in Indianapolis, Ballet Met in Columbus, Ballet Arizona in Phoenix, Louisville Ballet, and most-recently, Kansas City Ballet in Kansas City, Missouri.
Peoria Ballet also welcomes Poulis’s wife, Fabiana who had an international dance career in her home country of Paraguay as well as Argentina and the United States. She trained in Paraguay and Argentina and received her pedagogy degree in Paraguay under the mentorship of Miguel Bonnin and at the National Ballet of Cuba. They also bring Sebastian, their young son with them to make Peoria their new home.
Poulis says becoming Artistic Director for Peoria Ballet is realizing a dream: “I have spent a lifetime learning and performing dance. I know first-hand what helps students learn, and what can lead to failure. Having this tremendous opportunity to work with the Peoria Ballet is like finally coming home to where I was meant to be,” said Poulis.
Poulis adds, “Peoria Ballet’s new approach to teaching will be one that is organic and individualized to each student’s need. The cookie cutter approach does not work for everyone and under my leadership and vision, everyone will be able to dance. The inspiring challenge is to find which approach will work for your child. We will continue to provide a wide array of classes from classical ballet to modern to tap and jazz for all ages.”
Peoria Ballet invites you to help welcome Poulis by attending the Peoria Ballet Academy Open House, on Saturday, August 16th from 10:00 A.M. until noon. Poulis will greet returning students and talk with those considering taking classes for the first time. Free sample classes and refreshments will be provided.
Registration is now open for Peoria Ballet Academy’s fall classes, which begin August 20th. Please visit peoriaballet.com or call (309) 690-7990 for further information.